“Clogged pores” and acne are often talked about as two separate problems, but blackheads and whiteheads are actually forms of acne called comedones. The more useful distinction is between mostly comedonal acne and more inflamed breakouts.
What Are Comedones?
A comedone forms when a follicle becomes clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. An open comedone is a blackhead. A closed comedone is a whitehead. The dark color of a blackhead is not dirt.
What About Red Pimples and Pustules?
Acne can also become inflammatory, producing red papules, pustules or deeper painful lesions. People can have comedonal and inflammatory acne at the same time.
Why the Distinction Matters
A routine for mostly blackheads and whiteheads may emphasize a comedolytic ingredient such as salicylic acid or a retinoid. More inflammatory, persistent or scarring acne may need medical treatment rather than simply adding stronger over-the-counter products.
My Rule: Do Not Attack Every Bump
Scrubs, picking and stacking several exfoliants can create irritation without solving the acne. I prefer one acne-focused treatment at a time, plus a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and daily sunscreen.
When to See a Dermatologist
Deep, painful, scarring or persistent acne deserves medical evaluation. Prescription treatments can target acne in ways cosmetic skincare cannot.
Keep Reading
Read my salicylic acid guide, or what skincare can and cannot do for hormonal acne.
Shop Acne-Prone Skin
Browse Oily & Acne-Prone Skin or see my Corthe + KRX acne routine.
