Botanica Day Spa logo
  • (727) 441-1711
Make an Appointment Give a Gift
  • Home
  • Our Spa
    • Spa Tour
    • Meet the Staff
    • Press Room
      • Awards
      • News & Features
    • Policies
  • Services
    • Facials
    • Massage
    • Manicures and Pedicures
    • Ultimate Body Treatments
    • Hair Removal
    • Lash Enhancements
    • Med Spa
    • Cryoskin
  • Spa Packages
  • Gift Certificates
  • Spa Membership
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Make an Appointment Give a Gift

Blackheads vs Whiteheads: What’s the Difference?

No woman ever wishes to have any sort of blemish on their face, no matter the size or kind.  The key to handling these blemishes easily and quickly is through understanding them, including how and why they form as well as what they are composed of.  The fact is that what works well for preventing or eliminating one type of blemish may not work well or at all for another.

Blackheads vs. Whiteheads

Blackheads and whiteheads have one basic thing in common: they both manifest when a pore has become blocked by dead skin cells and oils.  Healthy skin pores release sebum, which is a moisturizing substance produced by the sebaceous glands.  Sebaceous glands that are working well produce just the amount of sebum that your skin needs, and your skin is smooth and hydrated as a result.  However, when an abundance of sebum is produced the pores are not able to release it fast enough and it becomes trapped inside, along with dead skin cells.  This is the origin of all skin blemishes.

Contrary to what some women believe, a blackhead is not a pore clogged with dirt.  It is actually the result of trapped sebum and dead skin cells being exposed to the air through a large pore opening.  Air entering the open pore causes the sebum and dead skin cells to oxidize, which results in the grayish hue we all dread seeing on our face.  Whiteheads are also the result of trapped sebum and dead skin cells, but the pore is either closed to the air or the opening is so small that there is no oxidation.

If you are struggling with blackheads, try to avoid pore strips or abrasive scrubs.  These may only get rid of the surface issues (the oxidized gunk) without cleaning the pore itself, which can result in the formation of more blackheads.  The best way to handle blackheads is to use a gentle exfoliant that contains salicylic acid, which can penetrate the pores to exfoliate from within.  Skincare products that contain retinoids can also work to improve the function of cells and reduce the formation of blackheads.  Whiteheads are more difficult to treat, as they cannot be squeezed and are hard to penetrate.  A gentle exfoliant that contains salicylic acid may help, though it may take some time.  And of course, you can always visit the spa to have them professionally treated, while receiving some well-deserved pampering.

Love,

Gen

 

August 24, 2016 in Skin Care

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Get A Gift Certificate

    Get Certificate!

  • Home
  • Book An Appointment
  • Services
  • Spa Packages
  • Gift Certificates
  • Awards
  • Press
Sitemap

    Signup for our NewsletterBy signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy.

    700 Court Street
    Clearwater, Florida 33756

    © 2023 Botanica Day Spa All Rights Reserved.
    License # MM16283.

    Facebook Feed

    This message is only visible to admins.
    Problem displaying Facebook posts.
    Click to show error
    Error: Server configuration issue