New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What is a blackhead?

1. Closed comedone that has not oxidized

2. Open comedone that has oxidized

3. Pore filled with dead skin cells

4. Spot caused by hormonal changes

The correct answer is: Open comedone that has oxidized

A blackhead is defined as an open comedone that has oxidized. When sebum and dead skin cells build up in a hair follicle, the top of the follicle remains open to the air. This exposure to air causes the trapped material to oxidize, which leads to the dark appearance characteristic of blackheads. Understanding this process is crucial for estheticians, as it informs treatment options and skin care advice aimed at preventing acne and maintaining clear skin. The other options describe related but distinct entities in skincare. A closed comedone, which is not the same as a blackhead, occurs when a pore is blocked but remains covered; it does not oxidize and takes the form of a whitehead. While pores can indeed become filled with dead skin cells, this alone does not define a blackhead without the oxidation process. Additionally, spots caused by hormonal changes refer to a broader category of skin issues and do not specifically address the nature of blackheads.