DePiano Skin

The Face Behind The Faces

Monday, September 14, 2015

The Ugly Truth: A Blackhead vs A Whitehead vs A Pimple

Let’s FACE it, we have all been there at some point in our lives, right? That dreaded breakout right before a date, prom, a big event … it’s no fun. But do you know what that “thing” really is?

That thing is either a a blackhead, a whitehead and a pimple. Do you know the difference between them? Most people don’t really know what’s up with that “spot” on your face. I’m here to tell you the difference and how you can treat it. 


whitehead is basically a clogged pore. The pore is filled with dead skin, oil and pollution. It occurs mostly on one’s forehead, cheeks and even under the eye area. They can be hard to treat and also cause swelling or redness with the contents hard to be squeezed out. Have you ever tried and tried with all your might but nothing will POP out? If nothing will come out, it is called a closed comedon or a cholesterol deposit or milia. 

Solution: Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist or skin guru to figure out the best solution for getting rid of those stubborn whitehead that won’t cause any redness, swelling or sensitivity. Don’t pick! If you just can’t hold back, make sure your hand and nails are clean and use a q-tip or tissue. 


blackhead forms when dead skin and oil are trapped in a clogged pore. When it oxidizes (is exposed to air) it turns black, creating black dot that mostly occurs on the nose, chin or forehead but can occur anywhere on the face. They aren’t caused by bacteria, therefore using topical disinfectants will not help. It’s important to exfoliate regularly to rid of dead skin that has built up on the surface of your skin. 

Solution: Use a Clarisonic to exfoliate your skin regularly to remove the dead skin off the surface of your skin. Consider asking your dermatologist or skin guru the best way to treat your skin.


pimple is the mildest form of acne. It occurs when a the pore of the skin become clogged with oil, skin cells and bacteria and then rupture under the skin causing inflammation and irritation. They can be sore and sensitive to the touch. 

Solution: Consider asking your dermatologist or skin guru to design a skin routine that fits you and your needs. You might be using the wrong products for your skin. The products that you used in your teens and twenties are probably not the right products when you are in your thirties and forties, if you know what I mean. 

To schedule an appointment with Deborah DePiano, visit www.DePianoSkin.com or call 310.289.7992
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