Closed Comedones Treatment: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Are you tired of having those small bumps on your face that keep recurring? These are closed comedones that grow beneath your skin. Dealing with these can be really frustrating. The good news is they are treatable, and with the right approach, you can stop them from coming back again. To do that, we first need to understand what is causing them. Without knowing the causes, it becomes difficult to treat. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about closed comedones, their causes, treatment options and prevention methods. Keep reading till the end. Although closed comedones are considered a mild form of acne, they are often the first stage of acne development. Without proper treatment, they may become inflamed and develop into red, painful pimples over time.

What Are Closed Comedones?

Closed comedones, also known as whiteheads, are non-inflammatory acne [1] that appear beneath the skin’s surface. These develop when sebum and dead skin cells get trapped inside the clogged pores and are not exposed at the surface of the skin. These small bumps that are almost the colour of your skin do not have pus or cause pain. They mostly occur during puberty because of increased oil production, and dead skin cells build up inside.

Types Of Closed Comedones

Closed comedones are classified into different types based on their size, appearance and what causes them.

Microcomedones: As the name says, microcomedones are closed comedones that are very small and can hardly be seen with the naked eye.

Macrocomedones: These closed comedones are comparatively larger in size, about 2-3 mm. Macrocomedones appear only on the face.

Solar Comedones: As the name suggests, solar comedones are primarily caused by chronic sun exposure. They are mostly seen in older people on their cheeks and chins.

Sandpaper Comedones: Sandpaper comedones are very small, closed comedones that appear together in multiple numbers. They primarily develop on the forehead and feel gritty when touched, just like sandpaper. Hence, the name sandpaper comedones.

What Causes Closed Comedones?

Closed comedones develop when excess sebum and dead skin cells block the hair follicles in the pores and get completely trapped underneath the skin’s surface. This creates small bumps on the skin, which are flesh-coloured. Several factors trigger this process:

• Excess sebum production
• Accumulation of dead skin cells
• Genetics
• Comedogenic products that clog pores
• Hormonal imbalances
• Poor or inconsistent skincare habits
• Poor Diet (dairy products and high glycemic index foods)
• Smoking
• Dehydration
• Pollution and environmental stressors

What Are The Common Areas Where Closed Comedones Appear?

Closed comedones often appear as clusters on different areas of your face. These include:

• Forehead
• Cheeks
• Chin
• Jawline
• Nose
• Back and Chest (Occasionally)

Best Treatments for Closed Comedones at Oliva?

Depending on the severity of your condition, dermatologists at Oliva may recommend the following treatments for closed comedones, either as an independent treatment or in combination.

Topical Treatments: Dermatologists may recommend some over-the-counter topical applications2 for closed comedones. These are usually ointments, gels, creams, lotions or cleansers, which contain active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and topical retinoids.

Oral Medications: They may prescribe medications like oral antibiotics, oral retinoids and hormonal therapy3 to treat moderate to severe acne.

Comedone Extraction: This treatment is performed by an expert dermatologist in a sterile environment. It involves using specialised tools to extract4 whiteheads from the skin’s surface without causing any scarring.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are a non-invasive treatment for closed comedones. It involves the application of a specialised chemical solution that exfoliates the top layers of the skin. This process unclogs the pores and removes the dead skin cells, revealing healthier and smoother skin beneath.

Laser Skin Resurfacing: This is an effective laser treatment for closed comedones that the dermatologist might recommend. This treatment uses concentrated laser beams to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. This mechanism stimulates collagen production and promotes the growth of healthy skin cells, giving you smoother and more even-toned skin.

How Dermatologists Diagnose Closed Comedones?

At Oliva, during a one-on-one consultation with our expert dermatologists, they will thoroughly analyse your skin. They will perform a dermascan to check the condition of your skin and identify the acne type. This proper analysis allows our experts to differentiate it from regular allergic bumps, fungal acne or milia and confirm if it is closed comedones. Simultaneously, they will check your medical history and advise some blood tests to determine the underlying cause of your condition. Based on this evaluation, they will customise a treatment plan tailored to your unique skincare needs.

How Long Does Closed Comedones Treatment Take?

Closed comedones treatment procedure may take around 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the target area and the treatment modality selected.

How Long Will It Take To See Results For Closed Comedones Treatment?

The time taken for results to show up may vary among individuals, depending on the severity of their condition and how they respond to the treatment. You may notice an initial improvement in your skin in 4 to 8 weeks of the treatment. Gradually, over the 8 to 12-week period, you will notice a visible reduction in the appearance of acne. For complete results, you need at least 3 to 6 months.

Cost Of Closed Comedones Treatment?

The cost of closed comedones treatment starts at INR 1100 and may range up to INR 5000 per session. The overall cost may vary from individual to individual, depending on the severity of the condition, skin type, size of the target area, underlying cause, selected treatment and the required number of sessions.  

What Are Some Tips To Prevent Closed Comedones?

Here are some useful tips from our expert dermatologists to minimise and prevent future closed comedones:

• Avoid touching your face often.
• Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
• Avoid squeezing or picking the closed comedones.
• Gently exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells.
• Avoid using occlusive, comedogenic cosmetics and skincare products.
• Do not layer your skin with too many active ingredients.
• Moisturise your acne-prone skin using a lightweight moisturiser
• Never skip sunscreen, especially when using retinoids. Use an oil-free sunscreen.
• Do not sleep with your makeup on. Always remove it before going to bed.
• Take a shower immediately after workouts or any strenuous physical activity.

Diet And Lifestyle Tips To Prevent Closed Comedones

You should be mindful of what you eat and your lifestyle habits, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Certain foods and habits can contribute to excess oil production, which eventually leads to pore clogging. Making some changes to your lifestyle and focusing on a well-balanced diet can help you manage your closed comedones.

• Avoid eating foods with a high glycemic index, refined carbs, fried foods and sugary products.
• Limit the consumption of dairy products.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3s, probiotics, and zinc.
• Aim for 8 to 9 hours of sleep every day.
• Focus on stress management by practising yoga, meditation and participating in workouts or physical activities.
• Always keep your hair clean.
• Change your pillow covers every 2-3 days.
• Sanitise your mobile phones regularly by wiping them with anti-bacterial wipes.

Why Trust Oliva for Closed Comedones Treatment?

Here are the top reasons why Oliva is the most sought-after option for many across the nation for closed comedones treatment:

Expert Dermatologists: Oliva has experienced MD dermatologists who specialise in closed comedones treatment.

Comprehensive Analysis: Our unique 5-step consultation process, V Discover, ensures a personalised consultation to assess your skin, hair and body needs deeply.

Personalised Solutions: At Oliva, we believe every skin type is different. Our treatments are customised based on the root cause, your skin type and condition.

Science-Backed Treatments: All the treatments offered at Oliva are clinically proven to ensure safety and the best results.

Safe for Indian Skin Types: All closed comedones treatment procedures are designed specifically for Indian skin types and tones. This ensures minimised risk of irritation, scarring, or post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Safety Standards & Protocols: All the treatments at Oliva are performed by adhering to global safety standards and stringent protocols in a sterile environment.

Holistic Care: At Oliva, we don’t just focus on treating the condition but also on providing long-term skin health. We recommend treatment plans that treat visible bumps while helping you improve your overall skin texture, clarity, and control acne over time.

Trusted by Thousands Across India: With over 8,00,000 client base, and years of expertise, Oliva is one of India’s most trusted dermatology brands.

When Should You See A Dermatologist?

• You need to see a professional for your closed comedones when:
• Your over-the-counter products did not work despite trying them consistently for 12 weeks.
• Your acne is persistent, does not reduce or comes back again
• Your acne develops into inflammatory nodules or cysts over time
• You notice scars along with acne

Consult a dermatologist who will analyse your condition and recommend the right treatment plan. At Oliva, we offer personalised treatments that target the root cause. Our science-backed treatments focus on controlling excess oil, unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and preventing future breakouts. Schedule a consultation with our experts today!

Takeaway

Closed comedones are small bumps that develop beneath your skin’s surface when sebum and dead skin cells get trapped inside your clogged pores. If you want to treat mild closed comedones, there are over-the-counter products available with potent ingredients. Try including them in your daily skincare routine, which will help unclog the pores and reduce the appearance of closed comedones. For moderate to severe closed comedones, you need advanced treatments. If you are unsure about your symptoms and are looking for how to get rid of closed comedones, talk to an expert dermatologist. At Oliva, our experienced dermatologists identify the root cause of closed comedones and then customise the treatment plan accordingly.