What is another name for blackheads?

Blackheads are commonly referred to as open comedones. This term is used because they are follicular openings that remain open at the surface, allowing the trapped sebum and dead skin cells to oxidize and turn dark when exposed to air. The oxidation process is what gives blackheads their characteristic black color.

Understanding the terminology is crucial in esthetics, as it allows practitioners to accurately diagnose and treat different types of acne and skin conditions. Closed comedones refer to whiteheads, where the follicle is clogged and closed beneath the skin's surface, preventing oxidation. While pores are the openings of hair follicles and do not specify the type of comedone, they are related but not interchangeable with the term for blackheads.