Small White Bumps on Your Face? A Guide to Closed Comedones

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If you have small white bumps on your face that aren’t red and inflamed, but are still creating texture on your skin, you are probably dealing with closed comedones—also known as whiteheads.

Closed comedones are the lowest grade of pimple, small skin-colored or white bumps on the skin’s surface that are fully sealed without an open head. They have a way of getting under your skin literally and metaphorically. Keep reading to learn more about these small bumps and how to treat them. 

What Are Closed Comedones?

Your skin’s pores house hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, a natural oil to keep our skin moisturized.

Sometimes our pores can become clogged when a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells creates a blockage that becomes a closed comedones when it gets trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Closed comedones are not red and inflamed or pus-filled like typical pimples or cysts, but they can be the precursor to more inflammatory acne. 

@drsimi_a

Whiteheads explained 👩🏾‍⚕️ Closed comedones (whiteheads) are non-inflamed lesions. They form when the pore becomes blocked and dilated by skin cells beneath the surface of the skin, which then gives a visible bump. #disclaimer not medical advice for educational purposes only. Youtube.com/DrSimiAdedeji #acne#whiteheads#whitehead#acnespot#acnespots#pimples#whiteheadsunderskin#whiteheads#pustule#pustules#pustuleacne#closedcomodomes

♬ original sound – Dr Simi Adedeji

While their counterparts, open comedones (or blackheads), are open and oxidized, closed comedones like to remain enclosed within the skin, creating what often look like small clear skin bumps. The thin layer of skin stretches over the bump of the blocked pore which can give them their light or white appearance, hence the nickname “whiteheads.” While open comedones might have a slightly whitish top, they don’t come to a pus-filled head like inflamed pustules. 

What Causes Closed Comedones?

So why do these tiny white bumps pop up on your face? Knowing what causes closed comedones is the first step towards treating them. Several factors can contribute to the formation of closed comedones, including:

Overactive Sebaceous Glands

Sometimes, these glands that produce sebum can get overenthusiastic, producing more oil than necessary. When there’s too much oil, there’s a higher chance of clogs.

Dead Skin Cells

Our skin is continuously renewing itself, shedding old cells and making way for the new. But sometimes, these dead skin cells end up hanging around, contributing to potential blockages.

Cosmetic and Skincare Products

Certain products, particularly those that are heavy or oil-based, can contribute to pore blockage. Some skincare products and makeup might not suit your skin type, leading to congestion if you’re prone to whiteheads.

Closed Comedones Treatment

These sneaky bumps are a common experience for many of us. But, just like any type of acne, there are effective ways to manage closed comedones.

While you probabaly want to know how to get rid of these tiny bumps on your face quickly, know that patience will be required to successfully treat closed comedones. So, learn more about the following solutions to come up with a long term plan that will work for your skin.

Salicylic Acid

This common ingredient for acne treatment is part of the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) family. Its unique talent is diving deep into oily pores. Salicylic acid can penetrate pores and help exfoliate them from the inside out. Regular use can help dissolve the debris causing closed comedones, making it a top pick.

@dr.farzan

Salicylic Acid acts by dissolving the dead skin cells that clog the pores and removing the affected skin layer. It may take 3 months to see results. #closedcomedone #blackheads #bumpyskin #texturedskin

♬ Area Codes – Kaliii

Look for over-the-counter cleansers and leave-on treatments with salicylic acid.

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) 

This group of naturally occurring acids is often derived from plant sources; some common members of the AHA family include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. The magic of AHAs lies in their ability to exfoliate by gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface. This promotes the shedding of dead skin layers, keeping them from trapping sebum and clogging pores, and helping to prevent closed comedones.

Products such as serums, gels, and toners that contain AHAs are widely available over the counter. Start slow and choose a product with a lower strength of AHA to start.

Topical Retinoids

Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, speed up cell turnover, helping to address existing closed comedones and prevent new ones from forming. However, be prepared for purging as the increased cell turnover brings the blockages to the surface.

Whether it’s over-the-counter adapalene or prescription-strength tretinoin, always introduce slowly and wear sunscreen, as retinoids can make the skin more sun-sensitive.

Non-Comedogenic Products

Check to make sure your products don’t contain pore-clogging ingredients. Switch to non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products if needed, as these are designed to not clog pores in order to prevent closed comedones and make sure you are thoroughly cleansing your face to remove makeup, sunscreen, and oils at the end of the day.

Benzoyl Peroxide

While it’s more commonly associated with treating inflammatory acne, benzoyl peroxide can also be helpful for closed comedones, preventing them from escalating into red, inflamed acne by reducing acne-causing bacteria.

Benzoyl peroxide is available in many over-the-counter acne treatments. You can find benzoyl peroxide in varying strengths as an active ingredient in face washes, leave-on products, and spot treatments.

Professional Treatment and Extraction

Sometimes, a little professional help is needed to clear stubborn comedones, especially if you are under time constraints. Dermatologists or trained estheticians can sometimes perform extractions using sterile instruments to remove closed comedones. It’s essential to leave this to the experts to avoid potential scarring or infections.

Dermatologists or skilled estheticians can also offer treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion, which can both treat and prevent future closed comedones.

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Closed comedones might be tiny, but the texture they create can be annoying and persistent. Fortunately we have many effective options to tackle these bumps. With patience and the right treatment for your skin, smoother days lie ahead.