Whiteheads and Blackheads: What They Are and How to Care for Your Skin
Whiteheads and blackheads are both clogged pores. They form when oil and dead skin cells build up inside a pore.
The difference is whether the pore is closed or open at the surface: a whitehead is closed, so it looks like a small white or skin-colored bump, and a blackhead is open, so the trapped material darkens when it meets the air. Whiteheads on face skin and blackheads on the nose are both very common, especially on oily skin, and both respond well to gentle, regular care rather than squeezing. This guide explains what they are and how to care for skin that gets them.
Whiteheads vs blackheads
| Whiteheads | Blackheads | |
|---|---|---|
| What they are | Closed clogged pores | Open clogged pores |
| How they look | Small white or skin-colored bumps | Small dark dots, flat or slightly raised |
| Why the color | The pore is covered by a thin layer of skin | The material in the open pore darkens when it meets air; it is not dirt |
| Where they appear | Forehead, chin, cheeks | Nose, chin, forehead |
What are blackheads, and why do they form?
Blackheads form when oil and dead skin cells collect in a pore that stays open at the surface. Their dark color comes from the material oxidizing in the air, not from dirt, which is why scrubbing harder does not remove them. Common reasons include oily skin, dead cells that do not shed evenly, heavy or greasy products, hormones and humid weather.
What causes whiteheads on the face?
Whiteheads on the face form the same way, except the pore is closed over. They often appear on the forehead and chin, and can increase with hormonal changes, heavy creams, not removing makeup, and touching the face.
How to care for skin that gets whiteheads and blackheads
1. Cleanse twice a day with the right cleanser
For oily, breakout-prone skin, a foaming cleanser with salicylic acid helps clear oil and buildup from inside pores. The Kojic Acid Foaming Cleanser combines salicylic acid with kojic acid, niacinamide and rose water. If your skin is sensitive or dry, use a gentler cleanser such as the Niacinamide Daily Cleanser.
2. Exfoliate gently and regularly
Gentle exfoliation helps dead cells shed evenly so they do not collect in pores. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and works inside the pore. Keep it gentle and do not use several exfoliating products at once.
3. Hydrate and moisturize lightly
Skipping moisturizer can leave skin dehydrated and irritated. Use a light hydrating toner such as the Hydrating Toner Mist and a thin layer of non-greasy moisturizer.
4. Calm the skin
Breakout-prone skin is often also sensitive. A serum with soothing ingredients can help skin feel more comfortable. The CICA Niacinamide Skin Repair Combo pairs the Niacinamide Daily Cleanser with the CICA Exosomes Face Serum, made for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Our guide to CICA vs niacinamide explains how the two ingredients differ.
5. Use sunscreen every morning
Choose a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen such as the Anhydrous Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++. Sun protection also helps marks from old breakouts fade without getting darker.
6. Leave them alone
Squeezing whiteheads or blackheads can push material deeper, spread inflammation, stretch the pore and leave marks. If you want them removed, a trained professional can do it safely.
Habits that help
- Remove makeup and sunscreen every night.
- Choose non-greasy, lightweight products.
- Change pillowcases often and keep phone screens clean.
- Keep hands off your face.
- Wash after heavy sweating.
For the full routine, see our skincare routine for oily skin and the Oily and Acne-Prone Skin collection.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist if you have many whiteheads and blackheads that do not improve with good care, or if they turn into red, painful or deep spots, leave scars, or spread to the chest and back. These can need prescription treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What are blackheads?
Blackheads are open clogged pores filled with oil and dead skin cells. The dark color comes from the material meeting the air, not from dirt.
What are whiteheads?
Whiteheads are closed clogged pores, so they look like small white or skin-colored bumps.
What is the difference between whiteheads and blackheads?
Both are clogged pores. A whitehead is closed at the surface; a blackhead is open, so it looks dark.
What causes whiteheads on the face?
Oil and dead skin cells trapped in a closed pore. Oily skin, hormones, heavy products and not removing makeup can all add to them.
Is it okay to squeeze blackheads?
It is better not to. Squeezing can spread inflammation, stretch pores and leave marks. Gentle, regular care works better.
Does salicylic acid help with blackheads?
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and helps clear oil and buildup from inside pores. Use it gently and follow the product directions.
Do pore strips work?
They remove the top of a blackhead, which usually refills, and they can irritate the skin. Regular cleansing and gentle exfoliation help more.
Can dry skin get blackheads?
Yes, though they are more common on oily skin. Dead cells that do not shed evenly can clog pores on any skin type.
The short version
Whiteheads and blackheads are clogged pores, closed and open. Cleanse twice a day with a cleanser that suits your skin, exfoliate gently, keep skin hydrated, use sunscreen and leave them alone. See a dermatologist if they become painful, deep or scarring.
Sources and further reading
Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:
