Differences between Pimples and Blackheads

Have you ever thought what grows on your face, that are irritating you, are either pimples or blackheads?

Yes? Then have look at the differences between pimples and blackheads. Although both pimples and blackheads are types of acne blemishes. But these blemishes develop differently and are treated differently too.

What are Pimples?

            A pimple is a small pustule or papule. Pimples develop when sebaceous glands, or oil glands, become clogged and infected, leading to swollen, red lesions filled with pus. Also known as spots or zits, pimples are a part of acne. They are most likely to occur around puberty, but they can happen at any age. It can be difficult to treat them, but there are ways to treat pimples too.

What Causes Pimples?

            Pimples happen when pores become clogged with sebum and dead skin. Sometimes this leads to infection and inflammation. Why they affect some people more than others is largely unknown.

Bacterial infection

Where sebum and dead skin cells accumulate and block a pore, this encourages the growth of undesirable bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a slow-growing bacterium linked to acne.

Although pimples are related to bacterial infection, they are not contagious. One person cannot catch pimples from another.

Do You Know?

Pimples are also of different types mainly whiteheads and blackheads.



What are Blackheads?

Blackhead(comedo) is a clogged hair follicle in the skin. Keratin (skin debris) combines with oil to block the follicle. A comedo can be open (blackhead) or closed by skin (whitehead) and occur with or without acne. They contain an oxidized version of melanin, the dark pigment made by cells in the skin.

What causes Blackheads?

  • Oil production in the sebaceous glands increases during puberty, causing comedones and acne to be common in adolescents. Acne is also found premenstrual and in women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome. Smoking may worsen acne.
  • The blocking or covering pores by cosmetics and clothing
  • Medications that encourage rapid skin cell turnover
  • Use of some steroid-based drugs, such as corticosteroids
  • Overproduction of skin cells by the body can also cause blackheads.
  • Heavy sweating


Though the pimples and blackheads are different types of acne blemishes, they cause in the same way as a plug of oil within the pore. There is no need to worry about Pimples or Blackheads they occur occasionally until they are severe.

When compared to blackheads Pimples cause some more pain and itching even sometimes you can’t even notice Blackheads.

Basic care for both Pimples and Blackheads

  • keep your skin moisturized and avoid materials that make the skin dry.
  • Rest and relaxation.
  • Good food with less oil and many fruits.
  • Avoid oil-based makeups and skincare products.
  • skin products with alcohol, as these can also tighten and dry out the skin
  • Avoid squeezing, even with a metal blackhead remover, as this can irritate the skin and make the problem worse.