Skin problems are very common nowadays, and closed comedones are one of them, which affect almost every one of us at some point in life. If you identify and treat them in their early stages they can be eliminated easily.
But if not treated these can be slowly developed as giant comedones or cystic acne. Which are difficult to remove, and cause pain as well as permanent damage to your skin.
That’s why it is important to identify and treat them as soon as possible. Now, if you have closed comedones and want to know how to get rid of them.
We will share with you in-depth information about what are closed comedones, why they occur and how to get rid of closed comedones. So be with us in this article till the end.
What are Closed Comedones?
Comedones are a kind of acne that is typically small in size, flesh-colored, or dark in appearance. Comedonal acne has a different appearance than that of inflammatory acne.
These acnes are distinguished by the presence of blackheads and whiteheads rather than pimples. While this type of acne can develop in anybody. Generally, Comedonal acne is more prevalent in teenagers or young adolescents.
The papules, known as comedones, typically appear on the chin and forehead and can prevent the skin to appear smooth and even.
How to Identify Closed Comedones?
Comedonal acne causes the emergence of numerous small-sized bumps near the skin’s surface. A comedo, while innocuous, might be difficult to treat on your own.
These are of several types, Such as:-
- Whiteheads:- These are also termed closed comedones, and develop when a hair follicle becomes completely plugged.
- Blackheads:- also known as open comedones are caused by surface pigments accumulating in the pores and creating dark spots on the skin. Some people might think these dots are dirt.
- Giant comedones:- These are a kind of cyst. A huge comedone is like a big lesion with an opening that looks like a blackhead.
- Macrocomedones:- are closed comedones that are greater than 2-3 millimeters in size.
- Microcomedones:- These minuscule comedones are normally not noticeable.
- Solar comedones:- These are caused by sun damage and commonly appear in older individuals, particularly on the cheeks.
Comedonal acne is not inflammatory. The Lesions generally do not contain pus or bacteria that cause acne. They are also infrequently red or painful to the touch.
A person with such type of acne may have more than one form of comedone at the same time. Meanwhile, those with inflammatory acne may have comedones in addition to bigger red and painful blemishes.
Comedonal acne differs from other forms in that its lesions are often tiny. Nodulocystic or nodular forms of acne, for example, can result in bigger, painful, fluid-filled lesions.
What Causes Closed Comedones?
Although most folks get a comedone at some point in their life, there are several factors, conditions, and lifestyles that make some people more prone to them than others. You most likely have comedonal acne if you have ongoing, consistent comedone breakouts.
While both whiteheads and blackheads are produced by hair follicles blocked in the skin, excess oil is the primary cause of comedone formation.
As a result, those with abundant sebum are more prone to break out. Teens are more susceptible to having a problem with excess oil. Because there are hormonal changes that occur during puberty.
People with oily skin are also especially vulnerable. A variety of additional factors might also raise the probability of getting comedonal acne.
There are some examples:-
- Smoking:- Several studies have revealed that smokers are more prone to develop closed comedones than nonsmokers.
- Hormone:- Production of testosterone hormone in excessive amounts, which can increase the oil production in the skin.
- Environment:- Living in a humid region can aggravate acne because the extra moisture in the air can dilate pores, making them more vulnerable to trapping dirt, pollution, oil, and allergens.
- Diet:- A diet high in processed foods, also including sweets, fats, and fried items can have a negative as well as a direct impact on skin health. Dairy has also been linked to an inflammatory reaction in certain people, resulting in both painful acne and closed comedones.
- Touching:- Picking or popping comedones can aggravate them further, resulting in further more comedone breakouts.
- Makeup & Skincare Product:- Using strong moisturizers might cause an increase in oil levels in the skin. Those with oily skin may find that using the wrong moisturizer might be the difference between clean skin and comedones breakouts. These blemishes can also be caused by hair products such as pomades, especially at the hairline.
- Skin Treatment:- Some data shows that chemical peels and laser therapy may increase the chance of developing open or closed comedones.
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Myths of Having Acne or Comedones
There are various misconceptions regarding the causes of acne or comedones, many of which blame elements that scientific study has disproved.
Acne, especially cystic acne, is not caused by the following factors:
- Chocolate, nuts, and fatty meals
- Most of the other dietary options
- Poor hygiene or inadequate face washing
- Masturbation
- Sex
How to Get Rid of Closed Comedones?
Thankfully, comedones can be treated. Consider attempting natural or over-the-counter therapies at home before seeking medical help.
Make cautious not to pick at your comedones while you’re treating them. This will simply result in further discomfort and outbreaks.
Home Remedies
Practical actions to avoid aggravating acne are beneficial for everyone suffering from acne, particularly those suffering from cystic acne:
- Wash your hands just twice a day, with a light soap or cleaner and lukewarm water.
- When washing, avoid severe scrubbing: Abrasive soaps, cleaning granules, astringents, and exfoliating chemicals should be avoided.
- Pimples should be left alone: Picking and squeezing will almost certainly aggravate the acne.
- Avoid wearing a lot of makeup: Choose water-based, non-comedogenic formulations when wearing makeup, avoid oily formulations, and be sure to remove makeup before going to bed.
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Natural Remedies
Several items are considered to help reduce skin irritation and oil production. Clay and charcoal masks, for example, are known to take away excess oil and irritants.
They can also help minimize the number of trapped skin cells and debris in the pores. This, in turn, can make eradicating whiteheads simpler.
Witch hazel combined with tea tree oil may aid to relax the skin and regulate moisture levels. Tea tree oil, in particular, has a reputation for treating skin infections and reducing skin irritation.
OTC/Doctor-Prescribed Topical Treatments
Over-the-counter (OTC) therapy methods like pimple patches or salicylic or glycolic acids may assist with minor outbreaks.
These treatments can be used directly on the skin; nevertheless, you should apply sunscreen every day because it can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
Other common OTC therapy medications include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and retinoids, in addition to salicylic and glycolic acids.
These all serve to boost your skin’s natural exfoliation process, which helps to keep pore-clogging issues at bay.
If over-the-counter therapies are ineffective or you have chronic comedone outbreaks, your doctor may recommend a prescription-strength topical medication.
These are often higher in concentrations of chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids. These topical therapies are typically used before resorting to more invasive treatments such as medication or surgery.
Medications
While natural or chemical components may be effective in treating closed comedones, medication is another option.
Depending on your individual problems, your doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives, antibiotics, or medications such as isotretinoin.
But comedonal acne, unlike inflammatory acne, does not generally respond well to antibiotics, isotretinoin tablets, or hormonal acne-controlling medications such as birth control pills.
Remember to apply sunscreen when taking these medications, as they can increase your risk of sunburn. Medication and topical treatments are sometimes used to improve treatment outcomes.
Surgery
If topical treatments or medications fail to stop outbreaks of comedone acne, or if breakouts recur, surgery may be a possibility. A dermatologist will use a small blade or needle to make a small incision on the comedone and remove the plug during this operation.
Another treatment option for closed comedones is microdermabrasion. The top surface layer of skin is removed during the process utilizing crystals that are blasted or massaged onto outbreak regions.
This causes the comedones to open, making them simpler to remove. Microdermabrasion can also be used to treat existing scars and prevent new ones from developing.
Cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze comedones, is another possibility. They are easier to remove once they have been frozen.
Laser Skin Resurfacing – When there is excessive sebum production, laser skin resurfacing is recommended. Short, focused, pulsing light beams are targeted on the comedones during this process, which minimizes the quantity of sebum generated.
Chemical Peels – In certain circumstances, a mild chemical substance is used to peel off the top layer of skin, therefore treating comedones.
Prevention
If you have mild acne or comedones or wish to lessen your chances of developing them on clean skin, the following actions can help:
- Cleanse your skin gently in the morning, before going to bed, and after heavy activity.
- Wherever possible, avoid contacting the skin.
- Before grooming, shave with care and soften the beard with soapy water. Find the most comfortable shaving method for you and shave just when required.
- Avoid overexposure to the sun, since it can harm skin health and attractiveness.
- Shampoo your hair once a week. People with greasy hair may desire to do so on a daily basis.
Other variables, such as genetics, can cause and exacerbate acne or comedones, but these strategies can help prevent typical comedones from becoming cystic.
The Bottom Line
Comedones are pretty common nowadays, But it does not cause health concerns. The Aforesaid treatments and methods are used by many individuals across the globe, but still, there is a chance that they may not benefit you.
If this is the case I would advise you to consult your doctor or dermatologist to find any underlying causes. A good diet, an active lifestyle, and proper skin hygiene will save you from getting comedones.
