It is different. Whiteheads (closed comedones) are non-inflammatory pimples or comedones. Whiteheads form because of the congestion of oil or sebum and dead cells inside the hair follicle. They remain beneath the skin's surface and . do not get much oxygen, which is why they remain a white or yellowish color. Blackheads (opened comedones) are non-inflammatory pimples or comedones. Blackheads occur where the pore opens to the surface. The sebum, which contains the skin pigment melanin, oxidizes and turns a brown or black color. They appear commonly on the chin, nose, back, or ears.