Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are follicles that have a wider than normal opening. They are filled with plugs of sebum, keratin and sloughed-off cells and have undergone a chemical reaction resulting in the oxidation of melanin. This gives the material in the follicle the typical black color. Blackheads are often found on the nose, but can also be found in other areas of the face and body.

Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are follicles that are filled with the same material as blackheads, but have only a microscopic opening to the skin surface. Since the air cannot reach the follicle, the material is not oxidized, and remains white.

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