Blackheads, Whiteheads and Comedonal Acne: A Guide for Clearer Skin
In the quest for clear, smooth skin, whiteheads and blackheads can be every bit as frustrating as breakouts. And while they might look different, they’re the result of similar issues. Luckily, this means that you can treat both at the same time with just a few good products.
What Are Open and Closed Comedones?
You might know them as blackheads and whiteheads, but both are forms of comedones and have the same root issue – in short, clogged pores.
Blackheads, or open comedones are what happens when a pore becomes clogged with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. The pore stays open, so when the gunk inside is exposed to air it oxidizes, turning dark and appearing as a black spot.
Whiteheads, or closed comedones occur when there is no opening in the pore. The debris stays close to the surface, appearing as a light or white-coloured bump.
Under the Surface of Blackheads and Whiteheads
There are many reasons (sometimes a combination) why you might experience blackheads and whiteheads, but they are all caused by clogged pores. Some of the causes include:
- Excess oil production
- Lack of exfoliation
- Bacteria
- Use of heavy, comedogenic products
- Hormones
- Poor cleansing habits
- Stress
The same things that cause acne can cause comedones, though it can be helpful to think of them as the non-inflammatory side of breakouts.
Bye-Bye Bumps: How to Treat (and Prevent) Comedones
The good news is that there are some tried-and-tested ways of treating open and closed comedones, and a wide range of products that can help.
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Double-cleanse. While your foaming cleanser may leave your skin feeling fresh and looking clean, it could be missing certain types of residue that can clog pores. Oils, makeup, and sunscreen may not come off completely when washed with a foam cleanser alone. A good oil or balm cleanser will ensure that any oily products get thoroughly cleaned off, and are great at dissolving oil deep in pores. Follow up with your regular foaming cleanser and the rest of your routine.
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Exfoliate with the right ingredients. There are a number of reliable ingredients that are excellent exfoliants.
Salicylic acid and other BHAs are great at dissolving oil and dead skin cells that build up in pores. A lot of cleansers and products for oily skin and acne-prone skin contain salicylic acid so this is an easily-accessible ingredient. AHAs remove excess skin cells from the surface of the skin, making it easier for dirt to escape. Get clear, smooth skin with our collection of skincare with acids.
Retinoids are the gold standard for exfoliation because of how effective they are at boosting skin turnover. This can prevent comedones from forming in the first place. If you’re new to using them, start with a low-concentration product and build up your tolerance. Find your best fit with our retinol skincare collection.
- Targeted treatments. A clay mask of kaolin or bentonite is naturally oil-absorbent and can be a great once-in-a-while treatment, pulling excess sebum and impurities from your skin. For single whiteheads or blackheads, a pimple patch or spot treatment can be a good way of preventing bacteria from entering the pore and provide a clean environment for it to heal. Check out our spot treatment collection to find some skincare lifesavers!
Lifestyle Tips and Tricks
We’re thankful there are so many great products out there that can help with whiteheads and blackheads, but there are some changes you can make to your everyday lifestyle that can help prevent them.
- Clean anything that touches your face regularly – including your phone and pillowcase
- Try to avoid touching your face
- Avoid stress – it can cause hormones to spike and trigger oil production
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
These tips, combined with a consistent skincare routine can help keep your skin healthy and clear!
Both open and closed comedones are simple to treat with a few small adjustments to your skincare routine. If you’re not sure where to start, we have a handy collection to help prevent blackheads where you can begin. For severe cases, it’s best to consult a skincare professional before attempting extractions that can cause scarring. But for most cases, a daily double-cleanse and acid exfoliation a few times a week is enough to make a difference!