Blackheads & Whiteheads

Blackheads & Whiteheads are also known as Non-Inflamed Acne.

Non-Inflamed Acne is the buildup of “sticky skin,” but it has not trapped any bacteria. With this type of acne, your skin looks “congested” but doesn’t look like what most of us think of as pimples. 

There are two types of Non-Inflamed Acne:

Why Do I Have Blackheads?

Blackheads are skin lesions under the skin that do not get red or inflamed. 

The root cause of blackheads is like any acne, it’s an inherited dysfunction of the hair follicle. It sheds more skin cells than it can get rid of (what we call “sticky skin” but the technical term is Retention Hyperkeratosis).

Once enough “sticky skin” builds up in the hair follicle, it forms a plug (microcomedone) then continues to build up until it begins to come out of the hair follicle where it can be seen as a blackhead  (open comedone). In the case of a blackhead, the top of the plug darkens as it is exposed to oxygen.

Why Do I Have Whiteheads?

Dead skin cells, oil and debris form a plug inside a hair follicle. If this plug does not become inflamed, it can become a whitehead or also called a “closed comedone.” The plug is contained inside the follicle and the sticky skin isn’t exposed to oxygen, so it doesn’t turn dark like a blackhead.  The buildup looks like white “pearls” under the skin. A whitehead has not yet matured into a blackhead.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads and Whiteheads

Non-inflamed acne is VERY STUBBORN and often requires a diligent, and consistent routine.

You will need properly-matched products that are safe and made for acne-prone skin.

You’ll also benefit the most from regular facials to help extract the buildup under the skin. Often, it takes 8-12 months to get skin clear. Once it is, it is worth the effort and is often fairly easy to maintain. Products must continue to be well matched and the recommended skin care routine is crucial.

Get Clear Skin

If you have blackheads or whiteheads, we recommend starting with a New Client Consultation  to get an acne strategy that is right for you.

Learn More

Visit more of our acne resources pages: 

What is Acne | Combination Acne | Acne Facials | Body Acne | Hyperpigmentation & Acne Scars | Cystic Acne