How To Extract & Treat Closed Comedones

Monderma

Oliver Belcher

28 Apr 2025

Closed comedones are pore blockages
Oil and cells can build up
Gentle methods support clearer skin
Topicals maintain smoother looking pores
Targeted acne actives with Monderma

Closed comedones can make skin look bumpy and uneven, especially on the face where changes feel most visible. This can affect confidence, even when breakouts seem mild or controlled.

In this article, we explore what closed comedones are, why they form, and how careful extraction and skincare can support clearer looking pores over time for different skin types [1].

Understanding Closed Comedones

Closed comedones are small, skin coloured bumps that form when oil and dead cells become trapped in pores. The surface remains closed, so the material stays just beneath the skin.

They often appear on the forehead, cheeks, chin, chest, or back. These bumps are a form of non inflammatory acne and are very common, especially in younger people [1].

Causes & Contributing Factors

Several influences can make closed comedones more likely, including natural oil levels, hormone shifts, and everyday skincare habits. Diet may also play a role for some people [2,4,5].

Cause	Description
Excess oil	Higher oil levels can collect in pores, especially in naturally oily skin [2]
Hormones	Puberty and cycle changes can increase oil production and congestion [5]
Cleansing habits	Infrequent cleansing allows oil, makeup, and debris to remain [3]
Product choice	Rich or comedogenic textures may sit heavily on the skin [2]
Diet patterns	High glycaemic foods may influence acne in some people [4]

Table 1: Common factors linked with closed comedones

Why Extraction May Help

Extraction focuses on easing out trapped material so the pore can feel clearer again. Done carefully, this can improve texture and help other products sit more evenly on the skin [2].

Working with a professional can reduce the risk of marks or irritation. They can also advise when extraction is not suitable and when other options may be better [3,8].

Safe Extraction Approaches

Professional extraction uses sterile tools and controlled pressure after cleansing and softening the skin. This approach helps lift material from the pore while limiting trauma [2].

At home, gentle methods are important. Cleanse, use warm water or a warm cloth, and only use clean tools. If a bump does not ease, it is safer to stop than to force it [3].

Chemical Exfoliants & Pores

Chemical exfoliants help loosen build up inside pores and on the surface. Used regularly, they can support smoother looking skin and reduce the need for frequent manual extraction [2,6].

Exfoliant	Description
Salicylic acid	Oil soluble exfoliant that supports clearer looking pores with steady use [6]
Glycolic acid	Surface exfoliant that encourages renewal and smoother texture [2]
Retinoids	Help normalise cell turnover and reduce microcomedone build up [7]
Benzoyl peroxide	Supports clearer feeling skin when used in acne routines [6]

Table 2: Chemical exfoliants often used for comedones

Purging & Gradual Change

When active products first loosen debris, some people notice a phase called purging. Existing microcomedones may surface more quickly before the skin starts to look clearer [6,7].

Introducing new products slowly and following professional advice can help this stage feel more manageable, while supporting long term clarity and comfort.

Preventing Future Comedones

Daily habits play a key role in keeping pores feeling clearer. Gentle twice daily cleansing and regular but not excessive exfoliation help limit build up over time [2,3,6].

Approach	Description
Daily cleansing	Gentle, non comedogenic cleansers help remove oil, makeup, and debris [3]
Regular exfoliation	Chemical exfoliants two or three times a week support renewal [2,6]
Non comedogenic care	Lighter textures are less likely to weigh on pores [2,3]
Hydration	Balanced moisture supports the skin barrier and comfort [3]

Table 3: Everyday habits that support fewer closed comedones

Monderma’s Acne Care

Monderma provides prescription strength skincare for acne, closed comedones, ageing concerns, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea. Formulas are created by GPhC registered prescribers after an online review [3,6].

Treatments may include retinoids such as adapalene or tretinoin, alongside ingredients like azelaic acid or niacinamide, in a gentle vegan base that supports barrier comfort and clarity [6,7].

When To Seek Extra Support

If closed comedones persist despite steady skincare, or if texture changes start to scar, it is sensible to seek further advice. A dermatologist can explore prescription options or in clinic treatments [6,8].

Professional review is especially important when breakouts are painful, widespread, or linked with possible hormonal drivers such as cycle changes or suspected polycystic ovary syndrome [5,8].

Conclusion

Closed comedones, also known as white heads, can be managed with steady cleansing, targeted treatments, and approaches that help prevent future blockage. Understanding how excess oil and clogged pores contribute to their formation supports clearer, more predictable skin outcomes.

If you would like personalised skincare that reflects your own needs, you can explore an acne formula through Monderma.

Content is for informational purposes only. Monderma treatments are prescribed following consultation. Results and timeframes can vary. Use as directed by your prescriber.

References

Bhate K, Williams HC. Br J Dermatol. Epidemiology of acne vulgaris.
Sutaria AH, Schlesinger TE. StatPearls. Acne vulgaris.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Acne Vulgaris: Management. NG198.
Baldwin H, Tan J. Am J Clin Dermatol. Effects of diet on acne and its response to treatment.
Collier CN, Harper JC, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. The prevalence of acne in adults.
Reynolds RV, Yeung H, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. Guidelines of care for acne management.
Thielitz A, Gollnick H. Am J Clin Dermatol. Topical retinoids in acne vulgaris.
DermNet. Acne Scarring.