New Jersey State Board Esthetics Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are generally soft, lack inflammation, and are easier to extract compared to other types of blemishes. They occur when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to a small, raised bump on the skin. Since whiteheads are closed off from the air, they do not oxidize, which prevents them from turning dark as blackheads do. This characteristic makes them less likely to present complications during extraction.

In contrast, pustules contain pus and are inflamed, making extraction potentially more painful and complicated, while blackheads are open comedones that have oxidized, which can lead to more irritation during attempts to extract them. Acne scars are not blemishes that can be extracted; they are marks left on the skin after acne has healed and require different treatment approaches altogether. Thus, whiteheads are the most suitable candidates for easy extraction due to their soft texture and lack of inflammation.