Whiteheads vs Blackheads and How to Get Rid of Them

Rise and shine, it's a brand new day! You look into the mirror and hello little unwanted visitors on your nose! Anyone else been in this situation before? Yes, we all have had those days. But hey, just because these pesky little comedones start invading your skin does not mean you cannot get your clear, smooth, flawless skin back. We are here to help you fight them off with some of our powerful blackheads and whiteheads slayers to make sure they don't want to come back ever again! If you already know what you are looking for head over to the link below to shop the best Korean beauty products for blackheads and whiteheads.

  

What are Blackheads and Whiteheads?

Blackheads appear on your skin when sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria get trapped in your hair follicles and oxidised due to exposure to air. They are called blackheads because they look like little black or brown dots on your skin, and are known as 'open comedones' because the pores are stretched open. Blackheads can usually be removed easily using products that reach the pores directly such as facial scrubs, nose strips of exfoliating masks.

Like blackheads, whiteheads are also caused when excess sebum and impurities mix and clog the pores. But the difference here is that the pores remain closed which creates a white or yellowing bump, otherwise known as 'closed comedones.' Other factors that may cause whiteheads include environmental pollution, poor diet, stress and hormonal changes. When not properly cared for, whiteheads can turn into acne or blemishes because of inflammation caused by the accumulation of bacteria trapped. The best way to treat whiteheads is through the use of topical treatments and exfoliators to slough away dead skin cells and impurities that may clog pores.

Individuals with oily skin type are generally more prone to getting blackheads and whiteheads, but in reality anyone can get them when pores get clogged with dead skin, impurities and sebum. You may notice that the skin around your nose or T-zone tend to have more comedones than the rest of your face, which is completely normal because these areas tend to be oilier. Although these annoying comedones beckon for immediate popping or squeezing (oh the satisfaction), this can actually cause painful damage or even scarring on your skin. So, protect your skin and do not pick on them!

What is the best way to remove whiteheads and blackheads?

How can I remove them quickly and safely? Well, you have come to the right place! We have rounded up some of our blackheads and whiteheads exterminators to help you achieve clean and clear skin. Here's how to get rid of acne blackheads and white heads.

Back to the Basics of Skincare - Cleansing

We know that cleansing is an essential step to any skincare routine because by removing impurities from the surface of your skin, it will be able to better absorb skincare products that you apply. Apart from that, it helps prevent buildup of bacteria and dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause blackheads and whiteheads.

Begin by removing any traces of makeup or leftover skincare products using a non-comedogenic oil cleanser like KLAIRS Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil that effectively melts away traces of impurities, excess sebum and makeup, while keeping the skin moist and soothed.

 

If you prefer a more gentle and lightweight cleanser, you can use THE FACE SHOP Dr. Belmeur Amino Clear Cleansing Water, which is a low irritant cleansing water enriched with allantoin and panthenol to gently wipe away impurities while softening and improving skin barrier to prevent excessive moisture loss.

 

Follow with a foaming cleanser to thoroughly remove any impurities because we want to ensure that the skin is well prepped and cleansed before proceeding with the rest of your routine. SOME BY MI Bye Bye Blackhead 30 Days Miracle Green Tea Tox Bubble Cleanser detoxifies your skin by instantly removing blackheads and impurities. Formulated with 16 different kinds of antioxidant-rich tea, it exfoliates, brightens the skin and gives the appearance of tighter pores. Now be prepared to see some magic! When applied, this bubble cleanser looks like a green gel. But the moment it comes in contact with sebum, it will start to bubble and turn into white foam which you can gently massage and rinse away.

 

Tone and Tighten Those Pores

You heard us, tighten those pores after cleansing to keep them clear and prevent comedones from coming! Toning also ensures that your skin is absolutely clean and clear by removing any impurities that your cleansers did not catch, replenish moisture and maintain your skin's pH balance. We recommend using cleansing toners like COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid which contains apple water and AHA to soften and clarify the skin by removing excess sebum and dead skin cells to prevent whiteheads.

 

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a potent toner containing 4% natural BHA extract derived from willow bark water to control excess sebum production and remove blackheads while maintaining oil-water balance thanks to its panthenol and niacinamide contents. For best results, apply the toner on your skin using a cotton pad, then gently swipe over your entire face.

 

If the appearance of large pores bothers you, look no further than COSRX Two In One Poreless Power Liquid! This essence-toner contains willow bark water which is a natural BHA to help with sebum control, it also contains panthenol and allantoin to cool and soothe the skin with a refreshing finish at the same time. You will see that your pores are visibly tighter with smoother skin texture.

To find out more about AHAs and BHAs, click here.

Miraculously Zap Comedones Away

How about some miracle to add to the routine? SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum is enriched with gentle exfoliators, centella asiatica extract and tea tree leaf water to control sebum production, combat acne and blemishes while calming and protecting the skin. The bi-phased serum has a formula that is gentle, yet potent enough for everyday use and does not excessively strip away moisture off the skin.

 

Not All Moisturizers Are Created Equal

Moisturizers may have a bad reputation for being too rich, overly oily or blamed as the culprit of clogged pores especially for oily, acne-prone skin. If this sounds like you, then you will love THE FACE SHOP Dr. Belmeur Balancing Water Cream! This gentle, dermatologically-tested moisturiser has a soft and lightweight texture that gently moisturises and soothes acne-prone, oily skin. It has a non-comedogenic formula which means it will not clog your pores and it is suitable even for those with sensitive skin.

 

What's Not to Love About this Skin Defender?

Your skin is probably one of the most precious assets that you have because you wear it for the rest of your life. Surely, there is something we can use to protect our skin from harmful rays of the sun without clogging our pores or causing breakouts. Oh and it would be good if it applies well underneath makeup too!

We got'cha!

 

 

Designed to prevent clogged pores so you can bid a long goodbye to blackheads and whiteheads, THE FACE SHOP Dr. Belmeur Non-Comedogenic Sun Cream has a gentle, dermatologically-tested formula that is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive, acne-prone skin. It contains calamine and Vitamin E to soothe, moisturise the skin and maintain optimal moisture balance. No more excuses not to wear sun protection now!

 

Aloe vera sun cream? Pretty please... COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is a hydrating and refreshing sun cream that is perfect for everyday use, even underneath makeup. It has an oil-free formula that does not clog pores nor leave a white cast, making it suitable for oily, acne-prone skin.

 

For Use During Times of Skin Emergency

Got a date night coming but have blackheads wildly partying on your nose? Very well comedones, the party is over and you can leave right about now! THE FACE SHOP Jeju Volcanic Lava Fresh Nose Strips has got your back. These adhesive nose strips remove blackheads in an instant, by extracting, deeply cleansing and tightening pores to prevent them from coming back. If you have sensitive or drier skin, we recommend THE FACE SHOP Jeju Volcanic Lava Calming Nose Strips, which has added aloe vera extract to keep the skin moisturised and soothed. For more stubborn blackheads, opt for HE FACE SHOP Jeju Volcanic Lava Fresh Nose Strips with higher concentrations of sebum-controlling volcanic ash and stronger adhesiveness for quick, effective blackhead extraction.

 

Exfoliate and Mask Your Way to Clearer, Smoother Skin

Who knew that providing special treatment for your skin is also beneficial in banishing blackheads and whiteheads?

Give your skin something sweet by treating it with KLAIRS Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish to get rid of dead skin cells, deeply cleanse pores and eliminate blackheads and whiteheads. The granulated texture of the exfoliator makes it effective even in removing stubborn comedones. Apply on your face and gently scrub in circular motions as you enjoy the sweet, delicious scent while your comedones pack their bags away!

 

It's always a good day to put on a mask sheet! What is the best face mask for blackheads? DR. JART+ Dermask Ultra Jet Porecting Solution is an activated charcoal mask sheet that purifies and detoxifies the skin when it bubbles and forms a layer of foam. It purifies the skin, help control excess sebum and tightens the pores to combat and prevent comedones. Let the mask do the heavy lifting while you relax...

In order to maintain comedone-free skin, consistency and patience is key. Switch to non-comedogenic skincare products that do not clog pores, remember to always remove your makeup completely before going to bed using an oil-based cleanser and a foaming cleanser. You should also exfoliate your skin every now and then to prevent dead skin cells from building up and clogging your pores. And lastly, this might be very challenging to some but no matter what, do not pinch or squeeze your blackheads and whiteheads. Instead, it is better to change your skincare routine for longer term, lasting results. For the best Korean beauty products for blackheads and whiteheads click the link below.