Blackheads vs Whiteheads: Understanding, treating, and preventing acne

Published: September 2025

Blackheads and whiteheads are common types of spots caused by clogged pores, but they differ in how they form and appear on the skin. Understanding these differences is key to treating and preventing them effectively.

This article explains what blackheads and whiteheads are, what causes them, and how to care for your skin with the right routine to clear and prevent breakouts.

Whiteheads and blackheads are common types of non-inflammatory acne that occur when pores become clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, or bacteria. While both are forms of comedonal acne, they differ in appearance and how they form, and may benefit from different treatment approaches: 

• Whiteheads (closed comedones): Whiteheads develop when a pore is fully blocked, trapping a build-up of oil and dead skin cells beneath the skin's surface. This results in small, raised, white or flesh-coloured bumps.
• Blackheads (open comedones): Blackheads occur when a pore is partially blocked, causing it to dilate. The trapped congestion is exposed to air, and the process of oxidation turns it dark, giving blackheads their distinctive appearance.

Both types of comedonal acne are caused by clogged pores and can often be managed with similar approaches, focusing on gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, and measures to prevent new blockages.

The key difference between whiteheads and blackheads is in their appearance and how they respond to treatment. Whiteheads remain beneath the surface of the skin, making them less noticeable but still prone to clogging. 

Blackheads, by contrast, are exposed and darker in colour, which can make them more visible on the skin’s surface and sometimes more persistent.

While both are non-inflammatory, the approach to managing them may vary. Treatments that exfoliate and clear pores are effective for both, but deeper-penetrating formulas are often particularly beneficial for blackheads, helping to reduce the buildup of excess oil and debris within the pores.

Whiteheads and blackheads may arise from several factors that influence pore health, including excess oil, dead skin cells, hormonal changes, and the use of comedogenic skincare or makeup:

• Excess Sebum Production: Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil, which can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores. This is particularly common in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).
• Dead Skin Cells: When the skin fails to shed dead cells properly, they can accumulate within pores, contributing to blockages and the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
• Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or periods of stress can increase sebum production, making the skin more prone to comedonal acne.
• Bacteria: While more commonly associated with inflammatory acne, bacteria can also exacerbate pore blockages, leading to persistent blackheads and whiteheads.
• Comedogenic Products: Skincare, makeup, or other topical products that contain pore-clogging ingredients can increase the risk of blocked pores, leading to the formation of both blackheads and whiteheads.
• Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep, stress, and other lifestyle habits can affect the skin’s oil balance and overall pore health, making it more susceptible to blockages and the development of blemishes.

For more on managing blemish-prone skin, explore Eucerin’s range of advice articles for clearer, healthier-looking skin.

An effective routine focuses on cleansing, exfoliation, targeted treatments, moisturising, and sun protection. 

Start with a gentle yet effective cleanser to remove excess oil and debris while lightly exfoliating the skin. Select the right option based on your skin’s needs:

• Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Purifying Cleanser: Gently cleanses and unclogs pores while providing mild exfoliation, ideal for sensitive, oily, or blemish-prone skin.
• Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Correcting Cleanser: Combines gentle exfoliation with deep cleansing to reduce blemishes and post-acne marks without overdrying, suitable for a more intensive approach.

Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells, preventing pore blockages and promoting cellular turnover, which helps keep pores clear and reduces blackheads and whiteheads:

• Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Peeling 10: Provides a more intensive exfoliation to help reduce stubborn blackheads and whiteheads.
• Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control Scrub: Designed for slightly more frequent use than the Peeling 10, this scrub deeply cleanses pores and removes impurities.

Tip: Use the Correcting Cleanser for daily exfoliation and the Peeling 10 or Scrub once or twice a week for deeper cleansing.

A toner balances oil production and removes leftover impurities. Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Purifying Toner, containing AHAs and PHAs, continues the gentle exfoliation process while refining skin texture and keeping pores clear.

Address persistent blemishes with products containing active ingredients. Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Triple Action includes Thiamidol, which helps reduce post-acne marks, and Salicylic Acid to prevent new blackheads and whiteheads.

Hydration is crucial, even for acne-prone skin. Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Mat Fluid is non-comedogenic, controls oil, provides lightweight hydration, and helps refine pores.

Always use sunscreen when exfoliating. Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF 50+ is suitable for acne-prone skin, providing broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores.

For more on managing blemish-prone skin, explore the Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL range.

While a consistent skincare routine can go a long way in managing blackheads and whiteheads, it’s important to remember that everyone's skin is unique. 

If your concerns persist or worsen, consider consulting with a dermatologist or skincare specialist. They can recommend personalised treatments, including over-the-counter or prescription options, to effectively address more severe cases.

While it’s not possible to completely prevent blackheads and whiteheads from returning, there are effective steps you can take to help reduce their occurrence and maintain clearer, healthier-looking skin:

• Cleanse Twice Daily: Use a gentle cleanser like Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Purifying Cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities without drying the skin.
• Exfoliate Regularly: Use Correcting Cleanser daily or exfoliate weekly with Peeling 10 or DermoPurifyer Scrub to remove dead skin cells and prevent blockages.
• Avoid Touching Your Face: Reduce the transfer of oils and bacteria from your hands, which can lead to clogged pores.
• Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Choose skincare and makeup that are non-comedogenic to avoid pore blockages.
• Manage Stress: Stress can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

For more tips, visit Eucerin’s guide to clogged pores.

When it comes to managing blackheads and whiteheads, using the right active ingredients makes all the difference. These targeted ingredients work in complementary ways to unclog pores, remove excess oil, and smooth the skin’s surface—helping to prevent future breakouts while improving overall skin clarity.

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Found in Purifying Cleanser and Correcting Cleanser, penetrates pores to dissolve oil and debris.
• Glycolic Acid (AHA): Present in Purifying Toner, helps exfoliate surface skin.
• Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs): Gentle exfoliation in Correcting Cleanser for sensitive skin.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps regulate oil production, soothe inflammation, and improve overall skin texture.
• Retinoids: Work well with Salicylic Acid treatments to boost skin cell turnover and clear pores.

Blackheads and whiteheads are treatable skin concerns caused by clogged pores. By maintaining a consistent skincare routine focused on gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, pore care, and selecting products with active ingredients, you can help clear and prevent both forms of comedonal acne, leading to smoother, healthier-looking skin.