Arkansas Esthetician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Esthetician Practice Questions and Study Guide

A whitehead is commonly referred to as a closed comedo. This term describes a type of acne that occurs when a hair follicle becomes clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, resulting in a small, white bump on the skin's surface. Closed comedones are characterized by their covered surface, which gives them the distinctive white appearance, unlike open comedones (blackheads) that have an open pore exposed to air, leading to oxidation of the sebum and dead skin cells, giving them a darker color. Understanding these different terms helps in recognizing the various forms of acne and their characteristics, which is essential for proper treatment and skincare.