Closed Comedones: What They Are and How to Clear Them

Closed comedones are the small, flesh-coloured bumps that give skin a rough, uneven, slightly congested look — often across the forehead, chin and cheeks. They're not quite spots and not quite blackheads, which is why they can be so frustrating to shift. Here's what they are and the routine that genuinely clears them.

What are closed comedones?

A closed comedone is a pore clogged with oil and dead skin cells, but with the surface closed over the top. Because it isn't open to the air, the contents don't oxidise, so it stays skin-coloured or white rather than turning dark like a blackhead. They tend to cluster, giving skin a bumpy, textured feel rather than one obvious spot.

They sit between congestion and acne. If you're unsure what you're dealing with, see congested skin vs acne and pores vs blackheads vs congestion.

What causes them?

• Excess oil and a build-up of dead skin cells clogging the pore.
• Heavy or pore-clogging products — choosing non-comedogenic formulas helps.
• Not cleansing thoroughly enough (or over-cleansing, which prompts more oil).
• A natural slow-down in cell turnover, so pores clog more easily.

The ingredients that clear closed comedones

• Salicylic acid (BHA) — oil-soluble, so it gets inside the pore to clear the trapped oil and dead cells. A leave-on serum a few times a week is ideal.
• Retinoids — the most effective long-term option, supporting turnover so pores clog less. Introduce slowly, a couple of nights a week.
• Niacinamide — helps regulate the look of oil and calms the surface.
• A gentle cleanser — clears surface oil without stripping.

Browse suitable options in our blemish-prone skin collection, and see the best ingredients for congested skin.

A simple routine

• Morning: gentle cleanse, a light non-comedogenic moisturiser, then SPF.
• Evening: gentle cleanse, then salicylic acid or a retinoid (alternate nights), followed by moisturiser.

Don't be tempted to scrub or squeeze — closed comedones have no opening, so squeezing damages skin and can leave marks. Consistency clears them; force doesn't.

When to see a professional

If closed comedones are widespread, persistent, or turning into inflamed spots, a pharmacist or GP can advise, and stronger prescription retinoids are available. A trained facialist can also perform safe extractions — far better than picking at home.

Closed Comedones FAQs

How do you get rid of closed comedones?

Consistent salicylic acid and, ideally, a retinoid a few nights a week clear them from the inside by unclogging pores and supporting turnover. Add gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products and daily SPF, and give it six to eight weeks.

What's the difference between closed comedones and blackheads?

Both are clogged pores. A blackhead is open at the surface so its contents oxidise and darken; a closed comedone is sealed over, so it stays skin-coloured or white and feels like a small bump.

Should I squeeze closed comedones?

No. They have no surface opening, so squeezing won't release them and can damage skin and leave marks. Use salicylic acid and retinoids instead, or see a facialist for safe extraction.

Can moisturiser cause closed comedones?

Heavy or pore-clogging products can contribute. Choosing lighter, non-comedogenic formulas reduces the risk while still keeping skin moisturised — which you shouldn't skip.

How long do closed comedones take to clear?

Give a consistent routine six to eight weeks, and longer for retinoid benefits. They clear gradually as pores unclog and turnover improves, so patience beats aggressive scrubbing.