Closed Comedones: How to Address This Sneaky Acne Type

Acne breakouts can be challenging. You may have popped one or two out of frustration – even if your dermatologist (and your mom) warned you not to. Pimples are hard to resist, especially when you have closed comedones. These are the small, white bumps you didn’t know you had until you looked closely in the mirror. Read on for tips on how to address this sneaky acne type.

Before treating your breakouts, you need to identify what they are. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, closed comedones are what you may know as whiteheads, a clogged pore that remains closed, hence its name and color. On the contrary, blackheads are open comedones with oxidized melanin. While whiteheads occur on the face, they can also appear on your back and chest.

Sometimes, closed comedones are mistaken for milia, which appear as small white bumps. Milia are often found in groups along the cheek, under your eyes, and nose area. They are not clogged pores but keratin trapped under the skin. They are not itchy but can become red and irritated when scratched. They usually disappear on their own over time. Like closed comedones, milia do not have openings, so popping them would damage the skin.

Another type of blemish that resembles closed comedones is fungal acne, an infection in your hair follicle. Fungal acne looks like small pimples that are red and itchy. It occurs when your body can't balance the yeast in your skin. Excess oil and sweating also trigger it.

Getting rid of closed comedones starts with a skincare routine for acne-prone skin. Follow these tips to get started:

Find the right cleanser. Use cleansers that include ingredients that help fight acne, such as POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Acne Control Facial Foam. It contains Active Thymo-BHA Essence and vitamin B3+, which clear your skin from pimples and whiteheads. It also removes impurities and keeps the excess oil at bay. Washing away gunk can help control your breakouts.

Gentle exfoliation is key. Use an exfoliant that contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. These ingredients are gentle on the skin but control excess sebum effectively.

Check on your haircare products. Consider changing your shampoo and conditioner, which may trigger your chin acne. Keep your hair away from your face and change your pillowcase regularly to keep bacteria at bay. If your skin is prone to acne, use oil-free products and make sure to remove all traces of makeup and hair formulas before going to bed.

Treat your pimples. Use a product like Eskinol Pimple Relief Serum, which has cica and green tea extracts, both acne-fighting ingredients. Applying it all over your face will yield the best results.

Visit your dermatologist. If your acne-fighting routine doesn't reduce whiteheads, visit your dermatologist. Get guidance or prescription treatment from your doctor on what to do next. Note that skincare products usually need at least four weeks to work, so give it time.

Closed comedones are sneaky and they seem harmless, too. However, they can become full-blown inflamed zits if left untreated. Using the right products for your skin is the first step to keeping this type of acne at bay.