From breakouts to zits, acne is called a lot of names, but one name you rarely hear is comedones. Closed comedones may not be as popular as their other counterparts, but one certain thing is that they exist.

If you are experiencing acne that does not fit the usual descriptions you see online, chances are that you are suffering from comedonal acne. Comedonal acne comes in two forms: open and closed comedones. So, what are closed comedones and what causes closed comedones?

What are closed comedones?

Closed comedones are popularly called whiteheads and appear as normal, non-inflamed skin blemishes caused by clogged skin pores. They can form due to the overuse of beauty products with high occlusive comfort. Closed comedones treatment is accessible and ranges from over-the-counter creams to manual extraction tools.

There are two types of closed comedones: microcomedones that are not visible to the human eye and macrocomedones that are as wide as 3mm in diameter.

Fungal acne vs Closed comedones

Fungal acne and closed comedones are two different types of acne. The difference between fungal acne vs closed comedones lies primarily in their appearance. Fungal acne appears as acne lesions, while closed comedones are whiteheads found mostly in the T-zone, which is the forehead, nose, and chin.

Closed comedones vs Milia

Closed comedones also differ from milia because closed comedones are a result of excess oil buildup, dead skin, and dirt that gets entrapped in the pores and clogs the skin. Milia is a small cyst beneath the skin layers and occur due to the entrapment of keratin beneath the base of a hair follicle, which can be genetic or triggered by the excess use of heavy creams.

Another difference between closed comedones vs milia is their appearance. Closed comedones look like small whiteheads and are not painful, although they can sometimes be tender to touch. Milia looks like microscopic bumps on the face, and they feel pebble-like or grainy.

Closed comedones extraction produces lots of oil and sebum, and the surrounding skin becomes inflamed, while milia do not respond to popping or pinching.

What causes closed comedones

Closed comedones are a result of overproduction of sebum, which causes external pollutants to clog the pores. However, frequently closed comedones are caused by:

Hormone: Closed commode is prevalent in women and teenagers with frequently fluctuating hormones, which can lead to the overproduction of sebum. Hormonal imbalances contributes to the occurrence of closed comedones occur more during puberty, the postmenstrual cycle, and menstruation.

Choice of diet: Constant intake of sugary foods, processed meals, and foods with high fat content can trigger excess sebum production and cause closed comedones.

Regular use of makeup or cosmetic products: The regular use of cosmetic products can clog the skin pores, especially when you do not properly remove makeup residues. Also, many makeup products are made with occlusives like cocoa butter and oil, and this can further clog the skin pores.

Environment: People who live in dusty and humid areas are prone to closed comedones and only a change of environment or constant use of face-protecting gear would be difficult get rid of closed comedones.

Skin routine: Using skin care products that contain harsh chemicals that dry your skin can contribute to closed comedones. Usually, these products contain alcohol, forcing your skin to produce excess sebum to lubricate your face. When this occurs, the skin pores clog as a result of external pollutants, which results in closed comedones.

Does skin purging cause comedones?

Skin purging does not necessarily cause comedones. A skin purges when it reacts badly to a change in skin care products or skin routine and purging can be in the form of acne breakouts. There is no direct correlation between skin purging and the effect of comedones. However, purging closed comedones can occur, that is, closed comedones that arise during breakouts due to skin purging.

Closed comedones treatment

Closed comedones can be tricky to get rid of manually, as you have to use sterile extraction tools to pick each whitehead. This procedure can cause scarring, and you may not be able to get rid of all whiteheads. There are other ways to deal with them, and you can even treat them in the comfort of your home.

Closed comedones treatment at home

Instead of using expensive skin care products for closed comedones, many people turned to natural home remedies to remove closed comedones. There is a considerable difference between closed comedones before and after pictures by people who used home remedies.

Steaming

If you want to know how to get rid of closed comedones without spending a fortune, try facial steaming. Facial steaming is an inexpensive treatment option that can yield great results if performed correctly. All you need is to boil water in a clean bowl. Then cleanse your face with Dermaclara Claraprep Cleanser to get rid of dirt before bending your head over the steaming bowl of water.

Ensure you keep a considerable distance from the bowl to prevent burns. You can put a towel over your head to let the steam in. After steaming, you can use benzoyl peroxide for closed comedones to prevent future breakouts.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Your Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a multiple-purpose closed comedones remedy that contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It can also reduce the population of acne-causing bacteria. Simply rub ACV on your face with a cotton swab and leave it on for 5 minutes before washing it off.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an antibacterial and antiseptic product that is used in many skin toners and face washes. This product can reduce the amount of bacteria, and all you need to do is apply it all over your face using a clean cotton swab before washing it off. If you develop any adverse reactions, make sure you stop using the product immediately and rinse your skin with enough water.

Honey

Honey is one of the most effective closed comedones treatment at home that has antibacterial properties, and when used together with lemon acid, it can remove whiteheads.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel is a natural anti-inflammatory product that benefits oily skin. It can tighten skin pores and treat acne breakouts and whiteheads. Since witch hazel is an astringent that causes dryness, ensure you use Dermaclara Hyaluronic acid Moisturizer, the best moisturizer for closed comedones to retain skin moisture.