Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are small bumps that appear on the skin’s surface. They are characterized by their dark color, which is caused by the oxidation of sebum (the skin’s natural oil) and dead skin cells. On the other hand, whiteheads, or closed comedones, are small, flesh-colored bumps that are covered by a thin layer of skin. They occur when the pore is clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, but the opening of the pore remains closed.
Both blackheads and whiteheads form when excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog the hair follicles. However, the main difference lies in whether the pore is open or closed. When the pore is open, it allows air to enter and oxidize the trapped sebum, resulting in a blackhead. When the pore remains closed, it prevents air from entering and keeps the sebum trapped beneath the surface, leading to a whitehead.
