Comedonal Acne: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Tips

What Are Comedones On Face?

The aspiration for smooth, flawless skin is universal, but the journey to get there is often bumpy—quite literally. Acne is not limited to obvious pimples like pustules and cysts; it also includes comedonal acne [1], which is a milder yet often persistent form. Comedones are clogged hair follicles (pores) that represent the earliest stage of acne. They form when excess skin oil (sebum) and dead skin cells become trapped inside the pore, leading to blockages that may appear as small bumps on the skin. Despite being less inflamed than other types of acne, comedonal acne can still be frustrating and noticeable. That’s why correctly identifying the type of acne affecting your skin is essential for choosing the most effective treatment for comedonal acne. So, are the bumps on your forehead or chin actually comedonal acne? Let’s find out.

Types Of Comedones: Blackheads And Whiteheads

Comedones are non-inflammatory acne formed because of the clogging of pores [2] on account of excess sebum (produced by the sebaceous glands), dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. Even a partial blocking of these pores can cause comedones to appear. Comedone acne is more likely to develop on the forehead, nose, chin, and jawline areas of teenagers as well as adults with oily skin. These are mostly inflammation-free (no redness or swelling) but can lead to inflamed breakouts on some occasions.

• Blackhead (Open Comedone)

  An open comedone is the lesion formed out of clogged pores; the tops of which are open and exposed to air. This leads to their oxidation, and the top of the comedone turns dark brown/black in color thus giving it its name, blackhead.

• Whitehead (Closed Comedone)

  These, on the other hand, are formed out of fully clogged pores which are closed on the surface with no exposure to air. This gives them a skin-colored or white appearance, which looks like just bumps on the skin’s surface, referred to as a closed comedone.

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Symptoms of Comedonal Acne

Here are some signs to identify that you have comedonal acne:

• If you notice tiny bumps on your skin that make your skin feel rough with a bumpy texture.
• If you notice flesh-coloured bumps on your skin that are not inflamed.
• If you notice small dark spots on your skin that look like dirt or black-tipped spots.
• If you notice small bumps on your skin that are white or yellow in colour.

What Causes Comedonal Acne?

As stated above, comedones are a result of excess sebum production, which leads to the dead skin cells and dirt getting trapped in the pores of the skin, breeding bacteria and causing a blockage on the surface of the skin.

The above scenario can be caused by the following factors [3]:

• Hormonal imbalances, which can occur in teens as well as adulthood, can lead to excess sebum secretion. These hormonal changes can occur during puberty, pregnancy, and also as a result of medication meant to treat other disorders in adults.
• Genetics also come into play here, and if members of your family are prone to comedone acne, the chances of you developing the same condition become higher.
• In general, people with oily skin are more prone to developing comedone acne.
• Over-hydration of your skin with intense moisturisers that are not suitable for your specific skin type can also cause comedones.
• The improper shedding of dead skin cells can be a contributing factor. Sometimes, they stick together and get trapped inside, forming a plug inside the pore. This process is called follicular hyperkeratinisation.
• Smoking habits in adults can lead to acne of this kind.
• Use of certain cosmetics can clog your pores with chemicals that don’t go well with the composition of your skin. Also, using comedogenic skincare and makeup products can clog your pores, leading to acne.
• Damage/injury to the follicle caused by constant skin picking.
• Scientific evidence shows a relationship between diet and acne. Excess consumption of dairy products, high-glycemic foods, and refined carbs can exacerbate acne flare-ups.
• Lack of hygiene and an inappropriate skin care regimen.

Advanced Comedonal Acne Treatment

Maintaining a hygienic, consistent, and appropriate skin care regimen is the best gift you can give your skin. Additionally, one can opt for advanced comedonal acne treatments that help clear out trapped debris inside your pores, increase the cellular turnover, and help significantly reduce acne. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may be recommended one of the following comedonal acne treatment options as a solo or a combination, as deemed necessary by your dermatologist.

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How Long Will It Take To See The Results?

The time taken for results to show up may not be the same for everyone. It all depends on the severity of the individual’s condition and how their skin responds to the treatment. Most individuals notice an initial improvement in their skin in 4 to 8 weeks of the treatment. For complete reduction, you may need at least 3 to 6 months.

Gentle Skincare Routine

An effective skincare regimen for acne-prone skin includes a 3-step process, gentle ingredients and consistency. Here is a simple, dermatologist-recommended routine:

Cleanse: Cleanse your skin morning and night to remove oil, dirt, sweat and makeup. Use a gentle, non-foaming, non-comedogenic cleanser in the morning to wash away overnight oils. Make sure it contains ingredients like salicylic acid, ceramides or niacinamide. Avoid using a cleanser containing harsh chemicals, as they can strip moisture from your skin and trigger excess oil production.

Moisturise: Moisturise your skin twice daily using a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser. Skipping moisturiser makes your skin dehydrated, which further produces more oil, leading to breakouts.

Sun Protection: This step of your skincare routine is non-negotiable. Protect your skin in the morning by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

How Do You Get Rid Of Comedones Naturally?

Prevention of comedonal acne is always the best approach to follow. Here are some prevention tips that can help you avoid the condition altogether

• Use facial cleansers that are specially formulated for acne-prone skin. Opt for a salicylic acid [6] cleanser as it penetrates deeply into the pores, clears the excess oil inside and exfoliates the pores.
• Opt for a water-based moisturiser rather than an oil-based one if you have an oily skin type.
• If a particular medication is causing bumps on your skin, make sure you inform your doctor.
• If you are a smoker, give up the habit!
• A well-balanced diet with minimum dairy and sugar, in addition to moderate exercise, is great for not just your waistline but also your skin.
• Pamper your skin at regular intervals and make sure you keep it clean and fresh at all times.

Common Mistakes That Make Comedonal Acne Worse

Over-cleansing: Many people cleanse their face multiple times a day. Stick to cleansing twice a day using a mild, non-foaming cleanser.

Using heavy or comedogenic products: Choose skin care and cosmetics carefully, making sure they are non-comedogenic.

Popping at pimples: Avoid touching your face as much as you possibly can. Popping pimples and picking at your skin is a complete no-no!

Wrong haircare products: Your hair products can cause comedonal acne along your hairline, forehead and back of your neck. These products can contain oils, sulfates and silicones that can get transferred from hair to your skin, causing irritation and acne. Switch to non-comedogenic products instead.

Sleeping with makeup on: Make sure to completely remove your makeup before hitting the bed to avoid clogged pores and blemishes.

Harsh scrubbing: Use gentle chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, and make sure not to scrub your skin in a harsh way.

When Should You See A Dermatologist?

See a dermatologist if the prescribed topical products or over-the-counter products are not giving you the results you want, despite using them for a specified time. Talk to a professional if your acne does not seem to reduce, or become worse or develop into cysts and nodules. Sometimes, you may even notice scars along with your acne. It’s time to consult an expert dermatologist who will change the approach and recommend the right treatment and a personalised skin care routine.

Takeaway

Bumpy skin is often ignored because the situation seems mild and non-threatening. But continuous neglect of blackheads/whiteheads without remedial measures can lead to severe comedonal acne and breakouts. Treating the condition at a nascent stage is always better than letting it go out of hand where it then becomes difficult to tackle