Comedonal acne is a type of hide-and-seek acne which means they might appear as lightly visible bumps on the skin. Although they are not as glaring as pustules or cysts, they can affect skin texture. This can show up in your pictures as amplified by the ultrascopic lens of a camera. Comedonal acne can stand in the way of achieving smooth and clear skin i.e that post worthy selfie. Don’t let it!
Comedones are “non-inflammatory acne lesions and may be open or closed” (American Skin Association). Open comedones aka whiteheads have no visible opening while closed comedones aka black heads have a dilated opening with a black dot. The key to surviving comedonal acne is to seek and find the right skincare routine to treat current comedonal acne and prevent future ones from reappearing.
Understanding Comedonal Acne
Before we dive into survival tips, let's understand what comedonal acne is. It's primarily a type of non-inflammatory acne caused by clogged hair follicles. Blackheads get their dark color from the oxidation of sebum and dead skin cells, while whiteheads remain closed, containing a mixture of oil and skin cells. Both types of acne can be stubborn and hard to get rid off.
Your Survival Guide
Gentle Cleansing: Start with a gentle cleansing routine and use clean beauty cleansers devoid of sulfates and parabens. Avoid harsh scrubs which can further irritate skin. Cleanse your face twice a day to remove dirt and excess oil; however, watch out for over-cleansing which can worsen the condition.
Exfoliate: Regular exfoliation can help to treat comedonal acne. Use a gentle chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. Exfoliation promotes skin turnover revealing new and healed skin. Proceed to apply products to start the rejuvenation process by using the right products adapted to your skin type.
Avoid Over-Moisturizing: Moisturizing is important but like anything over the top things can go downhill…real fast. For oily skin, over moisturizing can block your pores leading to more comedonal acne. The key is to choose a lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores. Search for "oil-free" or "non-acnegenic" labels when browsing for moisturizers. Also, pro-tip learners learn the difference between moisturizers and creams.
Skin purging and patience: Your skincare products need time to work. While it is tempting to switch products frequently this can cause adverse effects that exacerbate your skin condition. Stick with your chosen regimen for at least 6-8 weeks to see results. Furthermore, be patient and resist the urge to pick, squeeze, or pop comedones. Doing so can lead to infection and scarring. Let your skincare routine do the work.
Facial treatment: Facials can be a vital component for treating regiment for comedonal acne. During a facial, an esthetician can expertly target the pores, extract these comedones and prevent further breakouts. Facials often include steam exfoliation, and laser cleansing, pore extraction and personalized skin care products application. Consult with a licensed skin care professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your comedonal acne.
Seeking Professional Help:
If your comedonal acne persists or worsens, it is time to seek out professional help. Consult a dermatologist so they can recommend medical grade treatments. Treatments such as topical or oral medications, chemical peels, or extraction techniques to help you clear your skin.
Surviving comedonal acne is like a game of hide-and seek. Be patient, alert and find the proper treatment on time. Eventually you will find the right treatment and the regimen to help prevent further comedonal acne breakouts. . Stay positive and accept all skin has texture.
To boost your confidence, don't be ashamed to use photo filters on your pictures to blur out little imperfections. Comedonal acne can not stop you from capturing your most photo-worthy moments. Remember, to stay informed and eek out relevant tips to help you get ahead of your comedonal acne. Most importantly, embrace your skin's journey to clearer, healthier days. You've got this!