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Are the tiny bumps on your T-zone bogging down your spirit? If yes, know that you aren’t alone. Excess sebum, dead cells, and debris often clog the pores on your face, further aggravating into comedones – popularly dubbed blackheads or whiteheads. Before we help you with sure shot treatments to keep these breakouts at bay, let’s understand the difference between blackheads and whiteheads.
What Are Blackheads?
At one glance, blackheads may appear as tiny dot blacks. In actuality, this non-inflammatory acne occurs when dead cells and sebum clog your pores on the face. Since blackheads have bigger openings on the skin’s surface, they allow air to enter and oxidize the melanin – for that signature black color, we know all too well.
Blackheads are mostly localized to the forehead, T-zone, and chin, areas where the skin produces copious amounts of oil.
What Are Whiteheads?
Whiteheads are the small, white, or yellowish bumps that stick out of the hair follicles. Another type of non-inflammatory acne, whiteheads too occur when buildup clogs the pores. However, contrary to blackheads, whiteheads have smaller openings on the skin’s surface and don’t allow air to enter. This is also why whiteheads are often cited as closed comedones.
Blackheads Vs Whiteheads On The Nose: Why Are They So Common?
Have you wondered why blackheads or whiteheads are more common on the nose? This is because of the high concentration of sebaceous glands in and around the area. The never-ending slick binds dead cells and other impurities, clogging the pores on the T-zone. Results? Pesky whiteheads or blackheads that make your skin look uneven.
What Other Factors Cause Whiteheads Or Blackheads?
Apart from unregulated sebum production, here are some factors that can trigger whiteheads or blackheads on the face -
1. Genetics: Yes, you read that right. Genetically, your skin can be more predisposed to excess sebum production and therefore, whiteheads or blackheads. So, if your mother struggled with non-inflammatory acne in her day, you might probably too.
2. Skincare habits: Certain skincare habits such as infrequent cleansing, over-cleansing, and the use of comedogenic products can lead to whiteheads or blackheads. So, ensure a thorough examination of the product before adding it to your cart.
3. External aggressors: Dirt, smoke, and other pollutants can lead to clogged pores on the skin and hence, blackheads or whiteheads. Furthermore, these menacing pollutants weaken the lipid barrier and increase sebum production – adding to the problem.
Best Ways To Treat Whiteheads Or Blackheads On The Nose
Here’s how you can bid farewell to the pesky whiteheads or blackheads on the nose
1. Start with cleansing: Use a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser to remove dirt, grime, and dead cells from the nose.
2. Exfoliate regularly: In case of severe blackheads or whiteheads, use a physical scrub or a chemical exfoliant to dissolve stubborn buildup from the nose.
3. Use nose strips occasionally: Use a pore strip to extract deep-seated gunk and impurities from the nose. Don’t go overboard, as it can zap moisture molecules from the skin, leading to sebum overproduction.
4. Moisturize: Ensure moisturization to keep hydration intact and prevent the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode.
Causes Of Whiteheads Or Blackheads
While blackheads and whiteheads look different, they are usually triggered by the same factors. This section delves deeper into the various causes -
1. Excess sebum production: Folks with oily or acne-prone skin are more prone to non-inflammatory acne due to sebum overproduction. Moreover, hormonal imbalances and excessive add to the problem, making these tiny bumps more conspicuous.
2. Clogged pores from dead cells and dirt: if your cleansing + exfoliating routine is insufficient, you are more likely to face whiteheads or blackheads. The never-ending buildup clogs pores often aggravating non-inflammatory acne.
3. Use of comedogenic skincare: The use of comedogenic formulations like moisturizers and sunscreen also makes non-inflammatory acne worse. So, do check the label of your newest skincare product to keep pesky whiteheads and blackheads at bay.
How To Prevent Whiteheads Or Blackheads?
Real skin is a far cry from perfect. So, don’t fret if you grapple with whiteheads or blackheads every now and then. Having said that, here are some preventative measures and treatments that will help streamline efforts for great skin -
Best Skincare Methods For Whiteheads And Blackheads
1. Cleanse: Use a gentle yet meticulous face wash to remove dirt, grime, and buildup from the pores. We recommend a pH-balancing cleanser with Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide to help curb oil production on the face. For a thorough cleanse, use a coin-sized amount of face wash and gently scrub your face for 30 seconds. Once through, use lukewarm or cold water to rinse off.
2. Exfoliate: Use a scrub or a chemical exfoliant to dissolve stubborn buildup overnight. However, don’t overcommit to the process as it can dehydrate the skin, leading to more oiliness, dryness, or inflammation. For best results, exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week.
3. Moisturize: No matter how oily your skin gets, moisturization is non-negotiable. Packed with emollients, a moisturizer seals hydration into the skin and prevents sebaceous glands from going all berserk. So, apply a generous layer of a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer to keep this problem at bay.
Treatment For Blackheads Vs Whiteheads
For folks with severe non-inflammatory acne, here are some products you should swear by -
1. Best products for blackheads
- Castaway blackheads with a Salicylic Acid serum like Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum. The gentle formula refines pores, ensures a smooth texture, and bestows an oil-free radiance on the skin. Moreover, the potent serum contains Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide for long-lasting skin hydration. Talk about a win-win!
- This modern-day ubtan mask is here for all your skin woes! Infused with Lactic Acid. Brazilian Purple Clay, and Kaolin Clay, the formula gently exfoliates the dermis to banish blackheads. Additionally, the feel-good mask restores your skin moisture levels almost in a snap.
2. Treatment for whiteheads
- Use Foxtale’s Retinol Serum to encourage healthy regeneration of skin cells overnight. The innovative formula prevents clogged pores and significantly reduces whiteheads. Our beloved Retinol Serum is also a great addition to your age-reversing routine.
Conclusion
Whiteheads and blackheads appear when excess sebum, dead cells, and impurities clog the pores on your skin. The difference – blackheads have bigger openings on the skin’s surface and allow air to oxidize melanin, which lends it the blackish-grey hue. Whiteheads are closed comedones that form beneath the surface. A range of factors can trigger these non-inflammatory acne eruptions, ranging from pollution to excess buildup, to harsh skincare products. You can use pore strips, Salicylic Acid Serums, Clay Masks or a combination of these things to keep blackheads and whiteheads at bay.
FAQs
1. How to remove whiteheads and blackheads?
Here’s how you can remove whiteheads and blackheads
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Stick to a gentle, hydrating routine
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Cleanse thoroughly
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Exfoliate using physical or chemical scrubs
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Use topical treatments like Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid or Retinol
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Turn to pore strips (only occasionally)
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Never skimp on moisturizer
2. How do you tell the difference between blackhead and whitehead?
Blackheads appear like tiny, black dots. On the other hand, whiteheads look like whitish-yellow bumps sticking out of your skin.
3. Blackheads Vs Whiteheads Vs Pimples: Are they the same?
No, blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples aren’t the same. Here’s how you can differentiate amongst the three
1. Whiteheads: Whiteheads occur when excess sebum, dead cells, and debris clog the pores. This type of non-inflammatory acne looks like tiny whitish-yellow bumps sticking out of the pores.
2. Blackheads: Blackheads may look like tiny dots on your T-zone. They too occur die to clogged pores on the skin.
3. Pimples: Pimples occur when bacteria infect your clogged pores. They are often accompanied by redness and inflammation on the skin.
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