When managing breakouts, it’s key to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Whiteheads and blackheads can be stubborn, but you do have options. Ahead, discover exactly what blackheads and whiteheads are, how they form, how to manage them, and how best to care for your skin to help prevent these blemishes from cropping up.

Odds are that you’ve encountered at least one of two of the most common types of pimples: whiteheads and blackheads. These forms of congestion are very similar and are often fairly easy to identify because their names describe their appearance. However, if you’re wondering how to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads, you might be feeling stumped. Many are tempted to pick at their skin in the hopes of purging their pores, but that often makes the situation worse. Picking can cause blemishes to be more painful and more noticeable. In this guide, we break down better options for addressing blackheads and whiteheads.