This type of acne can be overcome with proper skin care.
What are closed comedones?
Closed comedones are a type of pimple or acne, also they call whiteheads. The lesions are small bumps on the skin.
They occur when excess sebum and dead skin cells they are clogging up the pores, completely blocking the follicle. This results appear small bumps on the skin. Unlike open comedones, closed comedones are not subject to to air, so their contents do not oxidize or darken.
A closed comedone can be recognized by the following symptoms :
- Dense bumps on the skin, not inflamed or red.
- Formations most often appear on the forehead, chin, cheeks, chest, neck and back – areas with increased activity of the sebaceous glands.
- Acne does not go away for a long time without causing pain or discomfort.
Why do closed comedones occur?
Closed comedones are formed due to the blockage of pores by sebum and dead skin cells. This process connected with the proliferation of cells lining the sebaceous duct and an increase in sebum production. As a result, these contaminants block the sebaceous duct and the hair follicle, creating favorable conditions for the formation of comedones.
The occurrence of acne, including comedones, connected with certain factors. Among them:
- Hormonal changes, especially increased levels of the male hormone testosterone .
- Decreased levels of linoleate, a fatty acid that helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier. When this substance is depleted, skin loses moisture, becomes drier, and is prone to clogged pores.
- Substances that cause inflammation in the skin, such as interleukin-1 and interleukin-8. These can increase the skin’s reaction and contribute to the formation of comedones.
- Excessive skin moisture, especially before menstruation or when using oily cosmetics.
- Contact with comedogenic substances such as oil-based lipsticks and creams, as well as products containing isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol and some dyes in cosmetics.
- Skin trauma – squeezing pimples, aggressive washing, chemical peels, laser treatments. All of these can cause follicle rupture and comedones to form.
- Smoking. Nicotine impairs blood circulation and reduces the protective properties of the epidermis. This leads to the skin becoming oilier and pores becoming more easily clogged, which increases the risk of comedones.
- A diet high in dairy products and foods with a high glycemic index (such as sweets and baked goods) may increase the risk of developing comedones. This is because these foods increase insulin levels, which stimulates sebum production and can contribute to clogged pores.
What can you do with closed comedones yourself?
Closed comedones are treated in the same way as other types of acne. The most important thing is regularity and a careful approach to skin care. It is important to use gentle cleansers, control the level of moisture and use proven active ingredients. At the same time, you need to understand that the result will not appear instantly – the skin needs time to recover. We tell you what you can do.
Skin cleansing
Proper cleansing is a key step in skincare. Wash your face twice a day with gentle, alcohol-free cosmetics to avoid over-drying your skin. Harsh scrubs can be damaging , so instead, use acidic exfoliants like salicylic or glycolic acid. They help dissolve sebum and remove dead skin cells.
Moisturizing and protection
After cleansing, it is important to moisturize the skin, but not to overload it. Choose light, non-comedogenic creams. If the skin is prone to oiliness, you can additionally use products that regulate sebum production. For example, products with adapalene, benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid. These components help prevent the appearance of new comedones and lighten traces of post-acne .
Sunscreen is a must. Even if your skin appears healthy, ultraviolet radiation can worsen its condition and cause inflammation. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy outside.
Additional procedures
Wet a clean cloth with hot water, then apply it to the pimple for 10 to 15 minutes, three times a day. This will help bring the comedone closer to the surface of the skin so it can heal. Don’t squeeze it or try to prick it to speed up the process.
It is also worth paying attention to hygiene: change pillowcases regularly, touch your face with your hands less often, and thoroughly remove makeup before going to bed.
Facial cleansing procedures at cosmetologists are not usually included in the classic acne treatment. These manipulations alone will not clear your face of comedones completely, but they can be useful for creating and maintaining clear skin.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, closed comedones can be treated independently with proper skin care. However, there are situations when home methods do not produce results and a specialist consultation is required. Here are the cases when you should consult a dermatologist:
- Comedones become inflamed, developing into painful nodules or pimples, accompanied by redness and swelling.
- Acne does not go away within 6-8 weeks of starting self-treatment.
- Scars or pigmentation appear that does not disappear over time.
- Acne has spread to large areas of the body, such as the chest, back, or shoulders, and does not respond to treatment.
- Acne affects self-esteem and causes anxiety or depression.
A dermatologist may prescribe topical retinoids — ointments or creams that help regulate skin cell turnover and prevent comedones from forming. The specialist may also recommend azelaic acid: it has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, which helps improve skin texture.
In some cases, antibiotics in cream or tablet form may be prescribed if the skin develops red, inflamed areas that are swollen, painful, or have pus. Inflammation occurs when a clogged pore becomes infected with bacteria, which can lead to the development of more serious forms of acne, such as papules and pustules.
In women, comedones can be caused by hormones, so your doctor may suggest combined oral contraceptives , which lower androgen levels and reduce sebum production. If a deeper treatment is needed, chemical peels or laser therapy may be recommended to clear up the skin and improve its condition.
It is important to understand that medical treatment may take several months before a lasting result appears. If you follow the recommendations and visit a specialist regularly, you can significantly improve the condition of your skin and avoid complications.
What not to do with closed comedones
There are several things that will not only not help get rid of comedones, but will also make the condition worse. Here’s what you definitely shouldn’t do:
- Squeezing comedones. One of the most common mistakes is trying to squeeze a pimple manually. This can lead to skin trauma, rupture of the follicle, and the spread of bacteria, which increases the risk of post-inflammatory spots or scars.
- Use aggressive scrubs. Friction damages the skin’s protective barrier, causes microtrauma and increases sebum production.
- Use folk remedies. Some popular “home” methods, such as applying toothpaste , alcohol or lemon juice, can cause severe irritation and dry skin. These substances are not intended to combat comedones and can disrupt the acid-base balance, which will only worsen the problem.
- Touching your face with your hands. Touching your face throughout the day transfers bacteria and dirt to your skin, which can lead to inflammation of closed comedones. It is best to avoid this and regularly clean your phone screen, glasses, and bedding that come into contact with your skin.
What to do to prevent closed comedones from returning
Preventing the appearance of closed comedones requires constant skin care and following a number of simple rules. It is important to keep your skin clean, choose non-comedogenic cosmetics correctly, and monitor your lifestyle.
A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and proteins helps maintain healthy skin. At the same time, it is recommended to limit the consumption of dairy products and foods with a high glycemic index, as they can contribute to acne.
If comedones occur on the body, it is important not to wear tight clothing, as friction and increased sweating can contribute to their appearance.
Regular physical activity is beneficial for overall skin health as it improves blood circulation and helps control stress levels, which can also trigger acne.
