Closed Comedones?

[Julianalove]

Can somebody please help me figure out what these are and how to get rid of them? I have tried glycolic and lactic acids but they really don’t help. I use a lightweight moisturizer too. They always come back and I don’t know what to do. I have combination skin along with regular acne. They are really a pain to deal with and they make me very self conscious 🥺

[pocketvenus]

@Julianalove Both glycolic and lactic acids are AHAs so they only work on the surface of the skin. I would try looking for producs with BHAs that will penetrate the pores more deeply.

[anstenft]

I currently have the same exact thing going on with my skin and have no clue how to change it. I think I am going to switch to basic products from either Aveeno or CeraVe. I use non-comedogenic products that are natural vegan and oil free, but this has only made it worse. I let you know if there is any success to switching up all my products. Extremely frustrating, I really wish I knew which product was causing this!

[adurdin3]

Those are closed comedones! They are mini acne. Stay away from over hydration, oily products, and make sure you are exfoliating. Both mechanical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation will help get rid of them and keep them from coming back. Try to use a micro exfoliant that is gentle and not drying! A great one is Purity microdelivery exfoliating wash. A chemical exfoliant contains either AHAs or BHAs or both, and will help gently dissolve away dead skin cells to clear the way for sebum to not become trapped. Sometimes your moisturizer can contribute to them, when I tried Clinique their moisturizers gave me comedones like crazy. Try to use a thinner jelly-like moisturizer and see if that helps 🙂 I love glow recipe watermelon mask or drunk elephants b-hydra serum!

[Anonymous]

Hi! Do you have any recommended exfoliators for closed condones?

[kennybaylis]

I used to have the same thing. Try using a CeraVe SA cleanser. This cleanser exfoliates the face gently. It takes a few months however, consistency is key. It brings everything under the skin to the surface. It really gets rid of texture and brightens up the face. A good moisturizer will also help. I found for me that light-weight or oil-free moisturizers were not doing enough. Which resulted in an over-production of oil on my skin within a few hours, and ultimately the same little bumps you have.

Now I keep my skincare super simple. I use a gentle cleanser in the morning (Cetaphil Gentle Cleaner), and Lubriderm Fragrance-Free Lotion. Then at night, I use my CeraVe SA cleanser to deep clean and exfoliate, and the same lotion. 

From my experience, "natural" and "clean" products do not work better for closed comedones.

Also hair products are a huge culprit in causing closed comedones. Trying have super clean hair and your hair off your face for a few weeks. 

[joie07]

I would add a chemical exfoliator.  Something with AHA especially, although BHA wouldn't hurt as well.  Start with twice per week and see how your skin handles it.  

[ather]

@Julianalove  I’ve used THE ORDINARY - Alpha Lipoic Acid 5% and it’s helped with mine. I mix it in The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil 1 oz/ 30 mL