Causes and Care for Closed Comedones: Can Treatments Get Rid of Them?
Closed comedones are mostly described as non-inflammatory early acne lesions in which the pore becomes blocked and covered by skin, so the contents are not exposed on the surface. Excess sebum, follicular hyperkeratinization, and colonization by acne-related bacteria are known to be involved together, and since care methods and treatment options can vary depending on the lesion's condition and individual skin characteristics, consultation with a dermatologist is recommended.
Those bumpy little spots you can feel when touching your forehead or chin—ones that don't come out easily even when squeezed—are commonly called 'closed comedones' (also referred to in Korean as jopssal-yeodreum, or 'millet-seed acne'). Dermatologically, these often correspond to closed comedones, described as non-inflammatory early acne lesions in which the pore becomes blocked and covered by skin, so the contents inside are not exposed on the surface.
Why Do Closed Comedones Form? — The Mechanism Behind Them
Comedone formation is known to involve roughly four mechanisms working together. The first is increased sebum production, which may be related to hormonal changes. The second is follicular hyperkeratinization, in which keratinocytes within the follicle shed excessively fast and clump together. Added to this is the process by which Cutibacterium acnes, a bacterium associated with acne, colonizes the follicle—together, these are reported to lead to the formation of closed comedones.
This process doesn't start out visible from the beginning. It's known to progress in stages—from a 'microcomedone' stage, where a fine keratin plug builds up inside the follicle, to a closed comedone or open comedone (blackhead), and if further irritated, potentially to an inflammatory lesion. For reference, open comedones appear dark because the follicle opening widens and the tip of the contents is exposed to air and oxidizes, which differs visually from closed comedones.
Closed comedones commonly appear on the forehead and chin but are also mentioned as occurring on the nose, cheeks, and back. They're reported to be especially common around puberty and adolescence (with prevalence rates varying across the literature), but they can also appear in adulthood, making this a concern that requires care regardless of age.
Care and Treatment Options — What to Consider
For closed comedones, topical retinoids (such as adapalene) are often mentioned as one of the first-line treatments. They are said to help by regulating how keratinocytes shed within the follicle, which may ease existing blockages and reduce the formation of new comedones. In some cases, combination use with benzoyl peroxide is also mentioned, though the approach may vary depending on the number and extent of lesions and overall skin condition.
Procedural approaches such as comedone extraction, peels, or laser treatments are sometimes considered, but determining which method is appropriate requires a dermatologist to comprehensively evaluate the distribution of the closed comedones, skin condition, and individual medical history. The need for treatment, the method used, and the expected course and downtime can vary from person to person, so rather than repeating self-extraction or self-treatment, consulting a medical professional is recommended.
Recovery After a Procedure — Why Skin Barrier Care Matters
After comedone treatment or related procedures, the skin may temporarily become sensitive or feel dry. During this period, minimizing irritation and incorporating hydrating, moisturizing home care alongside treatment may help the skin settle and stabilize. That said, recovery speed and experience vary significantly between individuals, so following your dermatologist's guidance on post-procedure care should take priority.
Post-Procedure Recovery Is Shaped by Home Care
Right after a procedure, it can help to first soothe the skin barrier with low-irritation, calming-focused products. AbiB Cream's STEP1 Ultra Cera-Rich is formulated to target soothing and barrier care for skin that has become sensitive right after a procedure, and during the subsequent recovery period, a two-step routine that follows up with STEP2 Hydro Re-Boosting for deep hydration can be considered. That said, this is only a supplementary home care measure, and decisions about whether to undergo treatment and how to care for skin afterward should be made in consultation with a dermatologist.
FAQ
- Will closed comedones go away if I squeeze them?
- Because closed comedones have a pore that is blocked and covered by skin, trying to forcibly extract them can lead to irritation or inflammation. Rather than aggressive self-extraction, it's recommended to take an appropriate care approach or consult a dermatologist.
- Can adults get closed comedones too?
- Yes. While they are known to be common around puberty and adolescence, they can also appear in adults. The underlying causes can vary depending on an individual's skin condition and lifestyle habits.
- Will applying retinoids improve things right away?
- Topical retinoids are said to help by regulating how keratinocytes shed within the follicle, which may ease existing blockages and reduce the formation of new comedones. However, the speed and degree of improvement vary by individual, and irritation may occur, so it's best to use them after consulting a dermatologist.
- When can I start using cosmetics after a procedure?
- This depends on the type of procedure and skin condition, so following your provider's guidance should come first. In general, it's common to start gradually with low-irritation soothing and moisturizing products.
- Are closed comedones and blackheads the same thing?
- Both are types of comedones, but they differ. In closed comedones, the pore is blocked and the contents are not exposed on the surface, whereas in open comedones (blackheads), the follicle opening is wider and the contents oxidize and appear dark.
Medically reviewed by 아비쥬의원 의료진. (September 10, 2026)