Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are small bumps that appear on the skin’s surface. They are called blackheads because the clogged pores are open and exposed to air, causing them to oxidize and turn black. Blackheads are caused by a buildup of excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria in the pores.
Whiteheads, on the other hand, are closed comedones. They appear as small, flesh-colored bumps on the skin’s surface. Unlike blackheads, whiteheads have a thin layer of skin covering the clogged pore, preventing it from oxidizing and turning black. Whiteheads are also caused by a buildup of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria in the pores.
The main difference between blackheads and whiteheads lies in the state of the clogged pore. Blackheads have open pores, while whiteheads have closed pores. This difference in pore state is what gives them their distinct appearance.
