Skincare for closed comedones

What are closed comedones?

Closed comedones are small, uninflamed, skin coloured bumps caused by blocked hair follicles. Excess oil and dead skin cells can block these follicles, where bacteria can grow and cause inflammation. Closed comedones are also called whiteheads, a name more committed to branding than colour. Blackheads are open comedones; painful deep lumps and pus filled spots are different acne lesions. You can have several types of acne at once, which changes the treatment you need.124

What is the best skincare for closed comedones?

For mild acne, treatments applied to the skin include adapalene, tretinoin, azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide; salicylic acid washes are another option. A pharmacist can help you choose a treatment you can buy without a prescription. If you also have many inflamed spots or deeper lesions, get medical advice rather than treating every bump as a closed comedone.15

What is a good skincare routine for closed comedones?

1. 1Cleanse gently. Wash up to twice daily and after sweating, using a gentle cleanser and your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing tools.
2. 2Remove makeup at the end of the day. Choose makeup and skincare labelled non comedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.
3. 3Apply your acne treatment according to its directions. Dermatologists often recommend using topical retinoids in the evening; follow your prescribed schedule.
4. 4Include moisturizer if your retinoid plan calls for it. A dermatologist can recommend applying moisturizer before a retinoid to reduce irritation.
5. 5Protect exposed skin outdoors with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. Choose a non comedogenic sunscreen, seek shade and wear protective clothing.

The treatment's directions determine its strength, amount and frequency, not the number of bumps you can see. Prescription acne treatments come in different combinations and strengths, so follow the plan selected for you. Applying more medication than prescribed does not clear acne faster. If you already use prescribed acne medicine, ask your dermatologist before changing the amount, frequency or application order.2

What should you avoid?

Avoid astringents, irritating toners and extra exfoliants that dry your skin and make acne appear worse. Salicylic acid is an acne treatment that exfoliates; adding more exfoliating products is not the same as following that treatment's directions. Choose gentle products labelled alcohol free. Do not pick or squeeze bumps: acne can take longer to clear, and the risk of scars and dark spots increases.3

For forehead breakouts, check what reaches your skin from your hair. Hair oil can contribute to forehead acne, and greasy hair or skin products can contribute to acne too. If your hair is oily, shampoo more often and keep it away from your face. Occlusive cosmetics, which cover and block the skin, can also provoke acne flares.35

What Korean skincare helps closed comedones?

For a Korean skincare routine, apply the same general acne care principles: choose gentle, non comedogenic skincare and a suitable acne treatment. Non comedogenic labelling is a more useful shopping filter than a bottle's national flag. Judge a cleanser by whether it is gentle and non abrasive, and choose sunscreen with the protection described above. Avoid adding irritating toners or exfoliants simply to expand the routine.13

How long does treatment take?

Expect at least 6 to 8 weeks before you start seeing fewer breakouts. A noticeable difference can take several weeks to a few months. Keep following the treatment plan rather than replacing products whenever another bump appears. Frequent treatment changes can irritate skin and cause more breakouts.23

When should you get medical help?

Tell your dermatologist if a retinoid irritates your skin, including if a previous retinoid did so. Acne combination medicines can cause dryness, peeling, burning and irritated skin. Your dermatologist can adjust treatment to reduce irritation; do not increase the dose or add more treatments to compensate.2

See a doctor if:

• Self treatment is not improving the acne.
• You have many spots, deep painful lumps or scarring.
• Skin becomes hot, swollen and red, which can indicate infection. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.
• Acne is affecting your mental health.
• You are unsure the bumps are acne. Folliculitis, a skin infection, and perioral dermatitis can resemble acne but need different treatment.