Closed comedones, also known as whiteheads, are a type of acne that can be particularly stubborn and challenging to treat. Unlike blackheads, closed comedones are small bumps under the skin that do not have an open pore. They occur when dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and other debris become trapped within the hair follicle, leading to a clogged pore that appears as a white or flesh-colored bump on the skin. If left untreated, these comedones can develop into more severe forms of acne, like. pustules and cysts.
Let's explore what closed comedones are, their causes, effective treatments, and how to prevent them. We'll also discuss the best products and ingredients to include in your skincare routine to keep your skin clear and healthy.
What Are Closed Comedones?
Closed comedones are a type of non-inflammatory acne that appears as small, white or flesh-colored bumps on the skin. They are often mistaken for milia, but unlike milia, which are small keratin plugs, closed comedones are caused by the clogging of pores with dead skin cells, sebum, and other debris. These comedones do not have an open pore, which is why they appear as bumps under the skin rather than blackheads.
Causes of Closed Comedones
The most common causes of whiteheads include excess sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores, dead skin cells when not properly exfoliated, comedogenic products (skincare or other beauty products that contain pore-clogging ingredients), hormonal changes, environmental factors such as pollution and humidity, and the lack of properly hydrating and skin-supportive products in your routine.
How to Get Rid of Closed Comedones
1. Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a key step in treating closed comedones. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to comedones. However, it's important to use gentle exfoliants to avoid irritating the skin.
- Chemical Exfoliants: Products containing mandelic acid or retinaldehyde are effective for gently exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores. Mandelic acid helps to break down the debris that causes comedones, while retinaldehyde increases cell turnover without causing irritation.
- Enzyme Exfoliation: This uber gentle (but very effective!) exfoliation method uses enzymes to break down and slough off skin cells that are already dead and ready to fall off. Enzymes are a great way to keep on top of skin cell build up without compromising your barrier especially if you are more sensitive or are dealing with a lot of skin inflammation.
2. Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are essential for targeting closed comedones and preventing new ones from forming. Creams, serums, and lotions that contain the following active ingredients can help penetrate the skin to address underlying issues, such as clogged pores or excess oil production:
- Sulfur: Sulfur is effective in reducing bacteria and breaking down dead skin cells, helping to keep pores clear.
- Niacinamide: This multi-functional ingredient helps to regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall texture of the skin.
- Probiotics/Prebiotics: These ingredients support a healthy skin microbiome, reducing acne-causing bacteria and promoting a balanced environment on the skin.
3. Extraction via Galvanic Therapy
Professional extraction performed by a licensed esthetician or skin therapist, like myself, can be an effective way to remove closed comedones. Since closed comedones do not have an opening, it’s not advised to try to extract these with lancets or other extraction tools as you can cause scarring and worsening of the pimple. Instead, Galvanic therapy can be used to gently melt down the impacted sebum and dead skin cells in the comedone, helping it to dissolve without the trauma of manual extractions. While Galvanic therapy is amazing for closed comedones, it’s not appropriate for everyone so make sure to check with your skin therapist to see if this is right for you.
4. Skincare Routine and Products That Can Help
Maintaining a consistent skincare routine with the right products is important for treating and preventing closed comedones. Here are some products from Cocoa Esthetiques that can help:
- Bion’s 8% Mandelic Serum: This gentle exfoliant helps to brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and promote an even skin tone, making it an excellent choice for preventing and treating closed comedones.
- Empowered Collagen Revival Serum: Strengthens the skin and improves overall texture, helping to keep pores clear and reduce the appearance of closed comedones.
- AnteAge Regenzyme: This enzymatic treatment helps to exfoliate the skin gently, reducing the buildup of dead skin cells that can lead to clogged pores.
- Hale & Hush Quiet Wash: A gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser effective at removing dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin, helping to keep pores clear.
Prevention Tips for Closed Comedones
Preventing closed comedones involves maintaining a consistent skincare routine and being mindful of the products you use on your skin.
- Remember to Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Always check with your skin therapist to ensure your products (even your hair care and makeup!) are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t trigger acne production and more closed comedones.
- Keep Your Skin Clean: Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle, skin-supportive cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Avoid over-cleansing or relying on exfoliating cleansers , as this can strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to more breakouts.
- Keep Your Skin Hydrated: While it’s important to stay hydrated internally, drinking water alone will not maintain your skin’s water reserves. Ensure you’re using hydrating products in your routine and skip the overly drying products that can worsen closed comedones like Benzoyl Peroxide and Glycolic Acid.
Conclusion
Closed comedones, or whiteheads can be frustrating, but with the right approach, they can be effectively treated and prevented. By understanding the causes and following a targeted skincare routine, you can achieve clearer and healthier skin. Remember, consistency is key, and incorporating the right products and ingredients into your routine will make all the difference.
At Cocoa Esthetiques, I’m here to help you on your journey to clear skin. Book a consultation today to learn more about how I can help you treat and prevent closed comedones.