What is Comedonal Acne?
Comedones are small flesh-colored acne pimples and usually develop on the forehead and chin.
Blackheads and whiteheads are common forms of comedonal acne. In comparison, blackheads have “open” comedones, while whiteheads have “closed” ones. On the flip side, it’s also possible to have larger-than-normal blackheads and whiteheads.
Comedonal Acne Symptoms
Comedonal acne doesn’t look like typical acne. Many people with comedonal acne don’t believe they have acne as comedones are not red or inflamed like a typical pimple. They develop as more minor, non-inflamed bumps that can either be closed or open.
Comedones are common on the chin and forehead but can develop elsewhere on the shoulders, back, or chest too. Comedones can develop alongside acne vulgaris or on their own.
Comedonal Acne Causes
Comedonal acne occurs as skin pores become clogged with dead skin, oil, and bacteria. Several factors such as hormonal changes, genetics, and immune health are responsible for comedonal acne. During the teenage years, elevated androgens levels stimulate increased oil production and skin cell turnover. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause and menstruation can also stimulate acne breakouts in women. Other factors may include sensitivity to normal skin bacteria.
Comedonal Acne Detection
Comedonal acne causes small bumps to form near the surface of the skin and include:
Whiteheads: These form because a hair follicle is completely blocked.
Blackheads: These result from surface pigments blocking the pores, forming dark dots on the skin.
Comedonal acne does not usually contain pus or bacteria that can cause acne and is noninflammatory. They are also typically neither sensitive to the touch nor red. People with inflammatory acne can have comedones and larger red blemishes. Comedonal acne differs from other types as its lesions are small. Other forms of acne, such as nodular and nodulocystic forms, can cause larger, tender, fluid-filled lesions to form. Comedonal acne is considered to be a mild-to-moderate form of the condition.
Can acne be prevented?
It is very difficult to prevent acne during regular hormonal changes. But some things can help:
Routinely use moisturizer.
Wash your face daily with warm water.
Use “non-comedogenic” products.
Keep your hands away from your face.
Treatment choices: The trick to fixing comedonal acne is to reach the source– excessive sebum manufacturing from the sweat glands. For this reason, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines might not be solid enough to clean up comedonal acne completely.
Speak with your doctor about adhering to options, and avoid picking at the acne. This will certainly make it even worse as well as cause scarring.
Topicals
Topical therapies are used directly onto the face to manage excess sebum and also unclog existing comedones.
Common alternatives include:
salicylic acid
retinoids
azelaic acid
benzoyl-peroxide
glycolic acid
sulfur
You should use sunscreen every day when utilizing topicals, especially acids and retinoids. These are effective therapies that also get rid of the outer layer of skin, making you more at risk of sunburn. See to it you select an item with an SPF of 30 or higher.
See: Homeopathy For Acne & Pimples Treatment
Natural treatments for Comedonal Acne
All-natural treatments are increasingly being investigated for all types of acne, consisting of comedones. Nevertheless, these aren’t a replacement for your medical care provider-approved treatment strategy. Talk with your doctor or skin specialist regarding the best options for you.
- Tea tree oil.
In natural medicine, tea tree oil is utilized for a range of skin disorders. Tea tree oil helps comedonal acne by reducing sebum and relaxing the skin. Tea tree oil reduces swelling and controls the sebum production in your skin. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your cream and use it daily. Get moisturizers that have tea tree oil.
- Witch hazel.
Witch hazel functions as an all-natural astringent to help balance your skin’s wetness. It has the added advantage of opening closed comedones. This can aid in eliminating trapped dirt as well as various other particles. Apply witch hazel at the very least twice a day after cleaning or steaming. This helps to open the closed comedones and removes the caught skin particles and oils. Witch hazel stabilizes the moisture levels in your skin. You can use witch hazel instead of your normal astringent as much as twice a day.
- Charcoal or clay masks.
With comedonal acne, charcoal and clay masks function much better than other formulas because they help dry trapped sebum in your pores. They can also help get rid of caught dust and skin cells, making blackhead elimination easier.
- Lifestyle modifications.
The most effective method for comedonal acne is to try to prevent it completely. Way of living routines can assist enhance any therapies your doctor recommends.
- General skincare suggestions.
Excellent skin care practices begin with cleansing and moisturizing every morning as well as evening. Right here are some other tips you ought to take on in your day-to-day regimen:
– Wash your face for at least 30 secs at a time.
– Follow up with witch hazel or an OTC toner.
– Never sleep with makeup on, as this can catch extra oil in your pores.
– Try a pre-cleanser to remove sunblock, makeup, as well as oil.
– Allow your cream to completely dry before using sunscreen and also makeup.
– Wash your face after exercising in the middle of the day.
- Diet and exercise.
It’s also useful to think about exactly how you can regulate comedonal acne from the inside out. In this instance, diet regimen and also exercise may supply some advantages. Stay clear of refined foods and also desserts, and include plant-based foods. These are abundant in antioxidants, which can regulate free radicals and also swelling. Normal workouts can also offer these impacts.
Skincare items.
For acne-prone skin, velvety or gel cleansers work best at removing oil as well as dirt. An excellent moisturizer is water-based. If you have comedones, try to find lotions created combination-to-oily skin.
If you use makeup, see to it it’s non-comedogenic; this ensures that the items will not clog your pores. As an incentive, use a foundation containing sunscreen, especially if you’re using retinoids or acid-based peels.
Comedonal acne might be hard to deal with on your own, so it is necessary to see a healthcare provider for advice. Patience is additionally essential when dealing with any kind of type of inflammatory acne. It might take several months for a new therapy to have a noticeable result on your skin.
See: Natural Home Remedies For Acne Scars
Ayurvedic remedies for Comedonal acne
Ayurveda views the balance of your doshas to reflect in your health. Any type of doshas imbalance can show up in the form of skin-related problems. Comedones are Kapha-Vata dushti, caused by Pitta dosha. Aggravated Pitta dosha creates a rise in the degrees of warmth in your body, which in turn causes Kapha secretion in the form of sebum. The boost in Vata dosha runs out the secreted sebum with dead skin cells entrapped in, leading to comedonal plugs in your skin pores.
See: Ayurveda Treatment For Acne & Pimples
Other factors which boost the danger of closed comedonal acne by enhancing dosha discrepancy consist of:
Hormone modifications throughout pregnancy, menopause, and menstrual cycle in females
High trans fats & sugar
High moisture
Smoking cigarettes
The age of puberty
Genetics
Making use of improper skincare products
See: Home remedies for dry itchy skin
Ayurvedic herbs for comedonal acne:
Determine your elevated doshas by answering a basic survey and go with dosha-specific Ayurvedic treatments to deal with comedonal acne efficiently:
- Jatiphala (Myristica Fragrans).
It stabilizes raised Kapha as well as Vata doshas. Applying jatiphala paste can assist you in lightening the dark areas brought on by comedones on your skin.
- Chandan (Santalum Album).
It pacifies elevated Pitta and Kapha doshas. Applying sandalwood face packs on alternative days manages the reoccurrence of comedonal acne. It cools down your skin and maintains the sebum levels in control.
- Ushir (Vetiveria zizanioides).
It calms raised Pitta as well as Vata doshas. Use a face pack made from usheera powder a minimum of when a week. This assists in clearing the gathered skin debris in pores and controls inflammation in your skin.
See: Foods for clear healthy skin
- Lodhra (Symlocos Racemosus).
It balances the high Pitta and Kapha levels. Use a face pack made of lodhra powder two times a week. This aids in controlling the sebum secretion and swelling in your skin.
- Vacha (Acorus Calamus).
It balances the high Kapha and Vata doshas. Applying Vacha paste on your comedonal acne once a week assists in recovering the imperfections and also hydrates your skin significantly.
- Dhanyak (Coriandrum Sativum).
It stabilizes all three doshas in elevated states. Include a pinch of turmeric extract to a small mug of coriander juice and use it on your comedonal acne. Leave it for 15 minutes before cleaning it off. Coriander not just protects against acne on your skin however additionally boosts your skin appearance and also produces an all-natural radiance.
Natural herbs such as Manjistha, Guduchi, and Anantmool can be prescribed by an ayurvedic doctor for comedonal acne, based on your Prakriti and the extent of the problem.
See: Natural Home Remedies For Eczema
Home Remedies for comedonal acne
Apple cider vinegar scrubs your skin and absorbs excess oils. Mix apple cider vinegar and also cozy water in equivalent quantities and use everything over your face. Wash it off with water.
- Lemon.
Apply lemon juice to the comedones using a cotton sphere. Leave it for 10 mins and afterward, wash it off with water. It minimizes the unchecked sebum production in your skin and also assists in removing your skin pores. Avoid heading out in the sun after applying lemon to your skin to prevent sun damage.
- Honey.
Honey helps in opening up and unclogging closed comedones. Use a thin coat of honey across your face. Leave it up until it dries up, and also peel it off carefully. Wash with warm water.
Facial Steam.
Applying steam on your face aids in opening the snugly closed comedones on your skin. The warm steam opens out the difficult plugs created by sebum, dust, and dead skin cells, making it easier for you to eliminate them by delicately rubbing and cleaning.
See: Facial Acupuncture For Skin Rejuvenation
Other treatments
There are OTC and prescription treatments to treat comedonal acne. Below are some of the topical drugs that help you deal with comedonal acne.
Salicylic acid.
Differin (adapalene)
Benzoyl peroxide.
Azelaic acid.
Topical retinoids.
You can opt for OTC medicines when you have moderate comedones. Nonetheless, consult your skin doctor to look for treatment for severe or consistent comedonal acne.
See: DIY Peel-Off Face Masks For Glowing Skin
Consult a doctor
An excellent basic skincare regimen is vital, but other cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, can help. In addition to all the above treatments, manual extraction by an experienced provider also can help speed things along. Delaying proper medical treatment may have lasting effects.
See: Natural Remedies For Psoriasis Symptoms
Summary
Comedonal acne is another term for blackheads and whiteheads forms of acne. Risk factors include an increased level of DHT, overhydrated skin, smoking, and specific dietary factors. There are many over-the-counter treatments available for comedonal acne. However, if your skin isn’t responding to these treatments, talk with your healthcare provider or skin specialist to discuss prescription or surgical treatment options that may be right for you.
