\n<div class='\"article-heading\"'>\n<div class='\"richtext' article__info-title>\n<h1>\n\n\n</h1><p>When\u00a0managing breakouts, it\u2019s key to know exactly what you\u2019re dealing with. Whiteheads and blackheads can be stubborn, but you do have options. Ahead, discover exactly what blackheads and whiteheads are, how they form, how to manage them, and how best to care for your skin to help prevent these blemishes from cropping up.\n</p><div class='\"code-block' code-block-1>\n<div data-type='\"_mgwidget\"' data-widget-id='\"1705717\"' data-uid='\"093fc\"'>\n<div id='\"mgw1705717_093fc\"'>\n<div>\n<div class='\"mgbox' card-media>\n<div class='\"mgline' teaser-21687762 type-w data-i='\"EHGK4x3HUp19javOz5KC1nT6uuZDAPVXjPMn2-hR8vMbIBYLmU5zD2qYEvofomhSrdSAF-dt9LY6isrACwk0l3TqKEK91O_rClhTnLpc52c*\"' data-observing-start='\"1733995908507\"' data-observing-time='\"1184\"' data-showed='\"1\"'>\n<div class='\"mgline-inner\"'>\n<div class='\"mgbottom_media\"'>\n<div class='\"mgmedia__metrics-value\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure id='\"attachment_2035\"' class='\"wp-caption' alignnone aria-describedby='\"caption-attachment-2035\"'><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-2035 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/usafactsnews.com%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2024%5C/12%5C/maxresdefault-2.jpg%5C%22" sizes='\"auto,' srcset='\"https:\/\/usafactsnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/maxresdefault-2.jpg' https: alt='\"Whiteheads' vs. blackheads: causes tips and more width='\"1280\"' height='\"720\"'><figcaption id='\"caption-attachment-2035\"' class='\"wp-caption-text\"'>Whiteheads vs. Blackheads: Causes, Tips, and More\n<div class='\"article-subheading\"'>\n<h2>Overview\n\n</h2><p>Odds are that you\u2019ve encountered at least one of two of the most common types of pimples: whiteheads and blackheads. These forms of congestion are very similar and are often fairly easy to identify because their names describe their appearance. However, if you\u2019re wondering how to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads, you might be feeling stumped. Many are tempted to pick at their skin in the hopes of purging their pores, but that often makes the situation worse. Picking can cause blemishes to be more painful and more noticeable. In this guide, we break down better options for addressing blackheads and whiteheads.\n</p><div class='\"container' common-padding>\n<div class='\"copy' container--main>\n<div class='\"copy__display\"'>\n<div class='\"richtext' copy__display-column column-right>\n<div class='\"article-subheading\"'>\n<h2>Facts About Whiteheads and Blackheads\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fact #1:\u00a0Though whiteheads and blackheads look different, they both form when a pore has been blocked.\n<li><strong>Fact #2:\u00a0Excess oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and hormones can all play a role in the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Stress, lifestyle choices, and certain beauty products may also contribute.\n<li><strong>Fact #3:\u00a0There are over-the-counter and prescription options that can help address them, including products with\u00a0salicylic acid.\n<li><strong>Fact #4:\u00a0Making a few changes to your\u00a0skincare routine\u00a0can help prevent clogged pores.\n\n<div class='\"container' common-padding>\n<div class='\"copy' container--main>\n<div class='\"copy__display\"'>\n<div class='\"richtext' copy__display-column column-left>\n<h2><strong>Understanding Whiteheads vs. Blackheads\n<p>Whiteheads and blackheads are incredibly common\u2014so much so that, according to the\u00a0Cleveland Clinic\u00a0some researchers suggest that nearly everyone is affected by these blemishes at one point or another in their lives.<sup>1,2\u00a0Interestingly enough, they\u2019re also both formed by the same thing, a pore blockage. However, their appearance, contributing factors, and treatment options can differ.\n<h3><strong>What are whiteheads?\n<p>A whitehead is a type of blemish that manifests as a bump on the skin, also known as a comedone. They form when a pore is blocked by excess oil and dead skin cell buildup. Whiteheads are closed comedones, meaning \u201cclosed pore.\u201d You can actually see the blockage within the pore underneath the skin, which looks like a white bump\u2014hence the name. While they can form anywhere on the skin, they most frequently appear on the face (especially the nose, chin, and forehead), neck, back, chest, and upper arms.\n</p><h3><strong>What are blackheads?\n<p>Like whiteheads, blackheads are comedones, and form when a pore is blocked. However, blackheads look very different\u2014almost like there is dirt stuck inside a pore. That\u2019s because blackheads are open comedones, meaning the congestion has caused the opening of the pore to dilate, exposing the pore\u2019s contents to the air. A chemical reaction between the air and the contents of the pore causes it to turn dark, which is why these blemishes are called \u201cblackheads.\u201d Blackheads can also form anywhere on the skin, but tend to pop up on the face, particularly the nose and chin, as well as the neck, back, and chest.\n</p><h2><strong>What Causes\u00a0<strong>Whiteheads and Blackheads<strong>?\n<p>All pimples, including blackheads and whiteheads, ultimately are caused by the same thing: pore congestion. There are a variety of materials that can block the pore and lead to whiteheads and blackheads, and certain factors can also exacerbate these breakouts and make them worse.\n</p><h3><strong>Common causes\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Excess oil production:\u00a0Those with whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples tend to have skin that produces too much oil, or sebum. When excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, pores can become clogged. Those clogs can turn into blemishes, including whiteheads and blackheads.\n<li><strong>Dead skin cells:\u00a0As mentioned, the combination of dead skin cells with excess sebum can congest pores. The two blend together, creating a substance that plugs up the pore.\n<li><strong>Bacteria:\u00a0In some cases, bacteria, specifically Propionibacterium acnes, can contribute to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Because whiteheads are closed comedones, it is easier for bacteria to proliferate, which can make them more susceptible to inflammation.\n<li><strong>Hormonal changes:\u00a0Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause your skin to produce excess oil, one of the primary causes of blackheads and whiteheads<strong>.\u00a0\n\n<h3><strong>Contributing factors\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Stress:\u00a0When stress levels increase, pores can become even more clogged.\n<li><strong>Lifestyle factors:\u00a0According to the\u00a0American Academy of Dermatology\u00a0(AAD), failure to get enough sleep can contribute to the formation of blemishes.<sup>3\n<li><strong>Skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products:\u00a0A variety of beauty products can lead to clogged pores. For example, haircare formulas like conditioner and styling pomades can trigger the formation of whiteheads. Ingredients in hair, makeup, and even skincare products can be comedogenic, meaning they can clog pores. This is why using formulas that are non-comedogenic is such an important aspect of promoting and maintaining clearer skin.\n\n<h2><strong>How To Manage\u00a0<strong>Whiteheads and Blackheads\n<p>There are numerous simple, over-the-counter ways to target breakouts at home, as well as prescription options.\n</p><p>Keep in mind, if you\u2019re dealing with stubborn whiteheads and blackheads, the best course of action is to see a dermatologist. They\u2019ll be able to assess your unique skin concerns and create a customized plan to address your blemishes.\n</p><p>Below, we\u2019re breaking down some of the different ways you can reduce the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. But first, one thing\u00a0<em>not\u00a0to do: Never attempt blackhead and whitehead removal at home. Picking your pimples can increase your risk of scarring.\n<h3><strong>Over-the-counter options\n<p>In many cases, you can help manage whiteheads and blackheads by using products you can buy at your local drugstore or supermarket. Certain active ingredients can be especially helpful in caring for\u00a0blemish-prone skin.\n</p><h4><strong>Cleansers and exfoliators\n<p>One of the most effective ways to address whiteheads and blackheads is by combatting the excess oil and dead skin cells that so commonly cause them to form. Of course, face washes are designed to remove excess oil from the skin, while exfoliators slough away dead skin cells. Combining both into one step can make for a powerful solution. We suggest\u00a0CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser, which contains salicylic acid, an ingredient recommended by the AAD for managing whiteheads and blackheads.<sup>4\u00a0The formula, which also contains kaolin clay,\u00a0three essential ceramides, and niacinamide, helps improve the appearance of pores. It also features salicylic acid to clear\u00a0acne\u00a0and reduce blackheads.\n<h4><strong>Topical creams and gels\n<p>If you want a more targeted option, look for a spot treatment, cream, or gel. Rather than using it on your whole face, these products are applied solely to the areas where you\u2019ve developed whiteheads and blackheads. However, be aware that some formulas in this category may leave the skin feeling stripped. We recommend\u00a0CeraVe Acne Control Gel, which helps clear acne without drying out your skin.\n</p><p><strong>CeraVe Tip:\u00a0\u00a0If your whiteheads and blackheads go away but leave dark spots in their wake, you can use a different kind of targeted formula to help reduce their appearance.\u00a0CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum\u00a0helps refine and resurface skin, reducing the appearance of post-acne marks and visible pores.\n<h3><strong>Prescription treatments\n<p>If your blackheads and whiteheads do not respond to products you\u2019ve purchased over the counter, you may want to consider seeing your dermatologist for a prescription-strength option.\n</p><h4><strong>Retinoids\u00a0\n<p>In addition to over-the-counter\u00a0retinol\u00a0products, you can get stronger versions from your doctor, like tretinoin and isotretinoin. They\u2019re all from a class of ingredients known as retinoids. While some retinoids are gentler, some are extremely powerful and are only meant to be used to address severe acne. Talk to your dermatologist to see if a prescription-strength retinoid is right for you.\n</p><h4><strong>Antibiotics\n<p>In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to address whiteheads, blackheads, and other forms of acne. Depending on the unique medication prescribed, antibiotics for whiteheads and blackheads can be applied topically or taken orally.\n</p><h4><strong>Hormonal treatments\n<p>Oral contraceptives have been shown to be effective in treating blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes. In fact, there are some oral contraceptive options that have been approved by the FDA to treat blemishes. However, not everyone should use oral contraceptives; talk to your healthcare provider to see if one of these medications is right for you.\n</p><h2><strong>Prevention Tips for\u00a0<strong>Whiteheads and Blackheads\n<p>If you\u2019re hoping to learn how to fix blackheads and whiteheads permanently, unfortunately, there\u2019s no guarantee that you can get rid of them entirely. With that said, you can take steps to help prevent them and maintain clearer-looking skin.\n</p><h3><strong>Daily skincare routine\n<p>It\u2019s time to start a consistent skincare routine and stick with it. Look for brands that are trusted by experts and offer products that feature active ingredients known to support the skin. All CeraVe products are developed with dermatologists using carefully-selected and science-backed ingredients. This includes CeraVe\u2019s signature blend of ceramides, a type of lipid that naturally occurs in the skin. Low ceramide levels have been linked to a variety of skin conditions, including blemishes and skin congestion.\n</p><p>Though social media may have you thinking otherwise, your skincare routine doesn\u2019t actually need to be complicated to work. Start by using a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, then add in any treatment products as needed. You can actually combine your moisturizing and sunscreen steps into one with a product like\u00a0CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, then use a richer moisturizer in the evening to nourish your skin while you sleep, such as\u00a0CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.\n</p><h3><strong>Proper cleansing techniques\n<p>Leaving excess oil, dead skin cells, and grime on the surface of your skin can all contribute to clogged pores. This makes cleansing essential if you want to promote visibly clearer, more even-looking skin. Try the\u00a0CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, which deeply cleanses and removes excess oil without disrupting the skin barrier.\n</p><p>Beyond simply using a cleanser, make sure you cleanse the correct way. You want to be gentle (no harsh scrubbing or rubbing) and use lukewarm water\u2014hot water can dry out your skin.\n</p><h3><strong>Effective ingredients\n<p>Using products with the right ingredients can make all the difference. One effective ingredient that you\u2019ll find in CeraVe formulas is\u00a0niacinamide, a form of vitamin B. It can help with congested pores as studies show that it can help balance excess oiliness, which is one of the causes of blackheads and whiteheads.<sup>5\u00a0Additionally, niacinamide can help calm the appearance of redness (something often associated with blemish-prone skin).\n<h3><strong>Importance of non-comedogenic products\n<p>Remember how \u201ccomedone\u201d means \u201cclogged pore?\u201d When you see the label \u201cnon-comedogenic\u201d on a skincare product, that means that particular item won\u2019t clog your pores. Looking for non-comedogenic products can be beneficial for everyone, but especially those with blemish-prone skin. If you aren\u2019t sure where to start, all CeraVe acne products are non-comedogenic.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>When\u00a0managing breakouts, it\u2019s key to know exactly what you\u2019re dealing with. Whiteheads and blackheads can be stubborn, but you do have options. Ahead, discover exactly what blackheads and whiteheads are, how they form, how to manage them, and how best to care for your skin to help prevent these blemishes from cropping up. Whiteheads vs. […]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2917,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2916"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2918,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2916\/revisions\/2918"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2917"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></strong></h3></sup></p></strong></h3></strong></h3></strong></h3></strong></strong></h2></strong></h4></strong></h4></strong></h4></strong></h3></strong></p></strong></h4></sup></p></strong></h4></strong></h3></em></p></strong></strong></h2></strong></li></sup></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></h3></strong></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></h3></strong></strong></strong></h2></strong></h3></strong></h3></sup></p></strong></h2></div></div></div></div></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></h2></div></div></div></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>