How To Treat Closed Comedones | Dr Sam Bunting

Summary

Closed comedones, often visible as small bumps on the forehead, can disrupt your skin’s smooth appearance. These non-inflammatory blemishes form when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and makeup residue. Hormonal changes, skincare products, and even hair care can contribute to their development. To tackle closed comedones, avoid comedogenic ingredients, use exfoliating BHAs, and incorporate treatments like azelaic acid and retinoids. Patience is key, as results may take months. Niacinamide can help reduce irritation while maintaining your skin barrier. Consistency, a tailored routine, and thoughtful product choices are essential for clear, healthy skin.

Takeaways

• 😀 Closed comedones are small, non-inflammatory bumps caused by clogged pores, often appearing on the forehead and interrupting smooth skin aesthetics.
• 😀 These comedones form when a combination of dead skin cells, oil, and cosmetic products block the hair follicle opening.
• 😀 Closed comedones can eventually become inflamed, leading to breakouts such as papules, pustules, and cysts if left untreated.
• 😀 Hormones, particularly during the second half of the menstrual cycle, can increase oil production and contribute to the formation of closed comedones.
• 😀 Common causes include facial oils, long-wear makeup, certain hair products, and friction from items like helmet straps or hair falling onto the face.
• 😀 Avoid makeup with occlusive ingredients (e.g., long-wear formulations, setting sprays) to prevent clogging pores and forming closed comedones.
• 😀 Use beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, which are oil-soluble and penetrate deeper into the pores to break down blockages.
• 😀 Azelaic acid can help prevent closed comedones by increasing skin cell turnover, reducing inflammation, and addressing post-blemish marks.
• 😀 Retinoids are effective for treating closed comedones as they promote cell turnover, helping to clear blocked pores over time.
• 😀 The key to treating closed comedones is consistency. Skincare routines should include gentle cleansing, exfoliation with BHAs, and the use of retinoids or azelaic acid for effective long-term results.

Q & A

What are closed comedones and why are they becoming popular on TikTok?

Closed comedones are small, bump-like skin formations that appear on the forehead and other areas due to blocked pores. They have become popular on TikTok because they interfere with achieving a 'clean girl' aesthetic, as their texture can prevent smooth, glass-like skin.

What causes closed comedones to form?

Closed comedones form when sticky skin cells, oil (sebum), and ingredients from makeup, cosmetics, or hair products clog the pores. This blockage creates an obstruction in the hair follicle, leading to the formation of the comedone.

What is the difference between open and closed comedones?

Open comedones, like blackheads, are exposed to the air and get oxidized, while closed comedones remain beneath the skin’s surface, appearing as skin-colored or white bumps. Although closed comedones are non-inflammatory, they can sometimes develop into inflamed blemishes over time.

Can hormones influence the formation of closed comedones?

Yes, hormonal fluctuations, particularly in the second half of the menstrual cycle, can increase sebum production, which may make the skin more prone to forming closed comedones. Additionally, contraceptive pills can sometimes help improve this by reducing hormonal fluctuations.

What external factors can contribute to the formation of closed comedones?

External factors include using facial oils, which can clog pores, as well as makeup with long-wear formulations. Hair care products, helmets, and items that create friction on the skin, like straps, can also contribute to closed comedones.

What mistakes should people avoid when trying to treat closed comedones?

Common mistakes include using facial oils, failing to edit makeup routines (particularly long-wear formulations), and not adjusting hair care routines to avoid skin contact. People should also avoid over-cleansing or using irritating ingredients that could worsen the blockage.

What skincare ingredients are helpful for treating closed comedones?

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is ideal for treating closed comedones because it is oil-soluble and can penetrate the pores to exfoliate the clogged skin cells. Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are also beneficial for both breaking down the comedones and preventing inflammation.

Why is BHA preferred over AHA for treating closed comedones?

BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the oily pores and break down the clogged skin cells, whereas AHA (like glycolic acid) is water-soluble and less effective for oily, clogged pores.

Can retinoids help with closed comedones, and if so, how?

Yes, retinoids are highly effective for treating closed comedones because they improve cell turnover and prevent skin cells from becoming sticky, which reduces the formation of blockages. Retinoids can also aid in breaking down existing comedones, but users should be aware of potential skin purging in the early stages.

How should people manage the purging phase when using retinoids for closed comedones?

During the purging phase, it's important to have realistic expectations and understand that it might look worse before it gets better. Consistency is key, and it could take anywhere from three to six months to see significant improvement. To ease the process, using calming ingredients like niacinamide can help manage irritation.