No matter the battle — even if it’s one taking place on your face — it’s key to know thy enemy. This rings especially true if acne has taken war on your skin, and the first step is figuring what type of acne you’re dealing with. Take blackheads and whiteheads for example. The difference between these two blemishes might seem black and white, but there’s so much more to it.

That’s why we tapped two leading dermatologists to break down what makes blackheads different from whiteheads, what causes these blemishes, and of course, the best plan of attack for both.