AI-translated archive post

What Exactly Is a Whitehead? Is It Similar to a Blackhead? Here’s an Explanation of Whiteheads.

Forena Clinic (Hongdae Branch) · 포레나의원 · July 31, 2025

Whiteheads may be less familiar than blackheads, but once you see them, you’ll probably think, “Ah! So that’s what it is.” Today’s feature is about blackheads and whiteheads. A spe...

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This page is an English translation of a Korean Naver Blog archive entry. For exact wording and source context, verify against the Korean archive original and the original Naver post.

Clinic: Forena Clinic (Hongdae Branch)

Original post date: July 31, 2025

Translated at: April 20, 2026 at 3:11 PM

Medical note: This translation does not guarantee medical accuracy or suitability for treatment decisions.

Whiteheads may be less familiar than blackheads, but once you see them, you’ll probably think, “Ah! So that’s what it is.”

What Exactly Is a Whitehead? Is It Similar to a Blackhead? Here’s an Explanation of Whiteheads. image 1

Today’s feature is about blackheads and whiteheads.

A special look at two concerns that are similar, but different!

Then shall we take a slow look together?

What Exactly Is a Whitehead? Is It Similar to a Blackhead? Here’s an Explanation of Whiteheads. image 2

What is a whitehead?

What Exactly Is a Whitehead? Is It Similar to a Blackhead? Here’s an Explanation of Whiteheads. image 3

What is a whitehead?

A whitehead is a type of acne that appears white because sebum, dead skin cells,

and bacteria accumulate inside a pore, forming a lump that cannot

come out and remains in a closed state.

Unlike blackheads, it does not oxidize through contact with air,

so it does not turn dark and instead looks like small white or skin-colored bumps.

Whiteheads are a type of comedone, which is a form of acne,

and they fall under closed comedones, where the pore is closed. If whiteheads become severe or develop into inflammatory acne, it is advisable to consult a specialist and receive appropriate treatment

(for example, scaling, extraction, medication, etc.).

What Exactly Is a Whitehead? Is It Similar to a Blackhead? Here’s an Explanation of Whiteheads. image 4

Why whiteheads form

Like blackheads, whiteheads are also caused by sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Excess sebum production:

Excess sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands accumulates inside the pore.

Accumulation of dead skin cells:

Old dead skin cells do not shed properly and block the pore opening, preventing sebum from being released.

Bacteria inside the hair follicle:

Bacteria that normally live on the skin (P. acnes) can break down sebum and trigger an inflammatory response.

Pore blockage:

The biggest feature is that the pore opening is closed, so the accumulated sebum and dead skin cells are not exposed to air, do not oxidize, and therefore appear white.

What Exactly Is a Whitehead? Is It Similar to a Blackhead? Here’s an Explanation of Whiteheads. image 5

How to care for whiteheads

As with blackheads, consistent care is important for whiteheads as well, and it is best to manage them properly before they develop into inflammation.

Thorough cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser and wash your face twice a day to reduce the buildup of sebum and impurities.

Use non-comedogenic products: Use cosmetics labeled as not clogging pores to help prevent pore blockage.

Moisturize: If the skin becomes dry, sebum production may increase, so it is important to maintain the skin’s oil-moisture balance with sufficient hydration.

Avoid forceful extraction: Squeezing whiteheads by hand can damage the pores and surrounding skin and may cause inflammation or leave scars, so it should be avoided.

Caution: Photos of whiteheads and blackheads!

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Seeing the difference with your own eyes makes it easier to understand, right?!

This treatment content was written as basic treatment information,

and it may not be suitable depending on each person’s skin condition and situation, so please be sure to consult with a medical professional before proceeding!

Today at Forena Clinic, we looked at two skin concerns that are close, yet far apart, similar but different! You may feel like today’s post is a little short...!

That’s because we’re preparing new content~ Well then, see you next time!

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✅ This post was written directly by Forena Clinic for the purpose of providing medical information in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act.

✅ Because results vary greatly depending on the patient’s skin condition and the medical staff’s clinical experience, please make your decision after sufficient consultation with a doctor.

✅ The treatment photos in this post were taken with the patients’ consent. The before/after photos have not been altered and were taken under the same conditions.

✅ Please use this post for reference only. For detailed information, we recommend visiting the medical institution directly for examination and consultation.

✅ All procedures performed after visiting the clinic may cause minor or major side effects depending on the individual. Please consult with a medical professional and fully understand the side effects and precautions before proceeding.

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