How to Get Rid of Closed Comedones: Simple Solutions
How to Get Rid of Closed Comedones: A Simple Guide
Introduction
Small bumps can make your skin appear rough and uneven. These bumps could be closed comedones, which are more popularly called whiteheads. They are formed as a result of pore clogging by oil and dead skin cells.
To know how to get rid of closed comedones, all you need is a basic skin care regimen. With the right skin care products, these bumps will not only be removed but prevented from developing in the future.
This article provides details on the cause, closed comedones treatment, and skin care methods. Keeping your skin healthy also means protecting your damaged skin barrier and using gentle skin care products.
What Are Closed Comedones?
Closed comedones are lumps that form below the surface of the skin. They occur as lumps that are white or skin colored in color.
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Closed comedones differ from open comedones because they do not have an open pore.
- They are considered as non-inflammatory forms of acne. Typically, closed comedones do not appear as red bumps and are not painful.
- The most common places for developing closed comedones are forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. They tend to form due to overproduction of skin oil or accumulation of dead skin cells inside the pores.
What Causes Closed Comedones?
If you want to know what causes closed comedones below is a list of certain factors that may lead to the appearance of closed comedones. Understanding their cause is helpful in determining how to treat it properly.
- Sebum secretion: The excess sebum combines with the dead skin cells and forms a plug.
- Skin cells: The skin cells come together at the surface of the pores and prevent sebum from coming out.
- Hormones: Changes in hormones at times of puberty, menstruation, etc., affect sebum production.
- Cosmetics: Certain lotions, oils, and hair treatments may block the pores.
- Intensive skin care: Intensive skin care may provoke the irritation of the skin.
- Sweat and dirt accumulation: Sweat, skin oils, and remnants of products can block the pores if they are not washed out properly.
Closed comedones are not a symptom of lack of proper personal hygiene. Frequent cleansing will not help you cope with the condition but might irritate your skin.
How to Remove Closed Comedones?
The optimal solution is to use mild skin care products that would help unplug the pores. Patience is the key – you should stick to the regimen.
1. Wash Your Face Gently
Cleanse your face two times a day with a mild cleanser and warm water. Clean your hands before cleansing and refrain from applying any abrasive scrubs to your face.
Cleansing gently will help to remove excess oils, sweat, and dirt off your skin without making your skin dry. Do not use very hot water because hot water irritates your skin.
2. Apply Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is one of the key components of any anti-acne treatment.It assists with exfoliation and clearing blocked pores.
Use a low concentration of the product and follow all directions that are written on the package.
3. Think About a Retinoid
Topical retinoids aid in exfoliating and preventing pore clogging. Adapalene is an example of such medication used in treating acne.
This type of product will cause drying and irritation in the beginning. Follow the instructions provided and contact a health specialist if you need additional information. Topical retinoids should not be used during pregnancy or attempts of conceiving.
4. Choose Products That Do Not Block Pores
Search for skin care and makeup products with the non-comedogenic label. Non-comedogenic means products designed not to clog the pores.
Find a light moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. If you use hair oil and styling products, try to avoid putting them on your forehead.
5. Avoid Squeezing the Bumps
Squeezing the bumps can harm your skin. In addition, it will lead to scarring, irritation, or other adverse consequences.
Take your time for your skin to heal properly. In case you see no results, a dermatologist will help you to choose the right treatment.
Closed Comedones on Forehead
Closed comedones on forehead are typical. The closed comedones on the forehead may appear as a bunch of tiny bumps.
The reasons for the clogged pores of the forehead are hair oils, excessive conditioning products, sweating, and certain styling products.
To take care of your forehead, clean your face after sweating and rinse thoroughly after washing the hair. Also, try to avoid getting oily hair products on your forehead. Apply only non-comedogenic products and stop harsh rubbing.
If the bumps are itchy, very similar in size, or do not improve, consult a dermatologist. Other skin conditions can look like closed comedones.
Closed Comedones vs Milia
However, although the bumps appear alike, closed comedones vs milia differ in causes and nature.
Closed comedones occur when the mixture of oil and dead skin cells plugs up a follicle. They are related to acne condition and respond to the treatment for acne.
Milia are small, white or yellowish cysts containing keratin, which is a protein substance in the skin. These bumps usually develop on the eyelids and cheeks. They are not a type of acne.
Do not attempt to burst a bump by yourself. In case of uncertainty regarding its type, consult a dermatologist.
Ways to Prevent Closed Comedones
Learning how to prevent closed comedones starts with proper skin care. Although not all bumps can be prevented, taking proper care of your skin will greatly reduce the likelihood of new bumps forming.
- Cleanse your face twice a day.
- Take off the makeup in the evening before bed.
- Use the skin care and makeup products that do not cause the formation of closed comedones.
- Avoid oily products from hair touching your face.
- Do not squeeze, pick and rub your skin.
- After perspiration, wash your skin.
- Test the acne medications separately.
Stop using a product if it causes severe irritation and seek medical advice.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
You need to visit a dermatologist if the bumps continue appearing or do not show any sign of improvement even after a few weeks of proper treatment. You need to visit a doctor if there is pain, excessive redness, or swelling on the skin.
A dermatologist will be able to look at your skin and provide you with appropriate treatment. This will help you to avoid scarring and marks.
Conclusion
Learning how to get rid of closed comedones includes good skin care and the right products. It can be done through the use of mild cleansers, salicylic acid, and the right acne treatment products.
Squeezing the bumps is not advised and using abrasive scrubs is also discouraged. Choose products that won't clog the pores.