Conditions
Table Of Content
Comedonal Acne
What is Comedonal Acne?
Comedonal acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum (natural oils). This blockage causes the formation of a skin-coloured comedo (plural: comedones). Comedonal acne appears as small bumps on the skin, which may include blackheads or whiteheads, as well as non-inflamed blemishes. It commonly affects the forehead, chin, and jawline, but may also appear on your neck, back, chest, and shoulders.
While it does not usually cause inflammation, comedonal acne can still be challenging to treat, and symptoms may vary from mild to severe, especially if hair follicles are clogged with bacteria. Comedonal acne may also form together with acne vulgaris, which is the most common form of acne.
Types of Comedonal Acne
Open Comedones (Blackheads)
Blackheads appear as small, dark spots on your skin. Its black colour stems from a chemical reaction when the pigment melanin, which produces our skin’s pigmentation, reacts to oxygen and oxidises. This happens as the hair follicle is partly open when the blockage is close to the pore’s opening.
Blackheads commonly form around the nose, chin, shoulders, and back, and may cause damage or infection to your skin if it is squeezed or picked at.
Closed Comedones (Whiteheads)
Whiteheads are small, white (or skin tone) bumps that form beneath the skin’s surface. Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are entirely closed off, as the blockage is located just below the hair follicle’s opening. When touched, whiteheads may feel like a small, hard lump under the skin. Whiteheads cannot be popped, but attempting to squeeze or irritate them may increase your risk of inflammation or acne scarring.
Microcomedones & Macrocomedomes
Microcomedomes are considered the smallest type of comedones and are commonly an early warning sign of comedonal acne. Meanwhile, macrocomedomes are abnormally large comedones with a diameter typically ranging from 1 mm (0.04 inches) to 3 mm (0.12 inches). Macrocomedomes are considered open comedones, as they may be sufficiently large for the blockage to push towards the pore’s opening.
What Causes Comedonal Acne?
Our skin cells gradually renew themselves as dead skin cells are shed and replaced by new ones. Dead skin cells will shed at the skin’s surface, but may occasionally become trapped in the hair follicles, leading to acne. There may also be other factors that contribute to comedonal acne, as illustrated below.
Excess Sebum Production
Overactive sebaceous glands may overproduce sebum, which can then clog pores along with dead skin cells and bacteria.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can happen during specific phases, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, or as a result of stress and anxiety. Hormones such as androgens and cortisol could also affect sebum production, potentially increasing your risk of comedonal acne.
Genetics
If you have a family history of comedonal acne, you may be more likely to inherit it from your parents.
Allergic Reactions
Using the wrong skincare products for a particular skin type could cause an allergic reaction, which may increase the risk of comedonal acne.
Diet
Frequently consuming dairy products and foods with a high glycaemic index may cause a spike in blood sugar, which can trigger inflammation in your body. As a result, the body responds by producing more sebum that further contributes to comedonal acne.
Smoking
Smoking may increase the risk of comedonal acne, as it may increase oxidative stress on the skin.
Comedonal Acne Treatment
At Curamed Aesthetics, we offer a range of treatments to help you manage comedonal acne.
Chemical Peel
This treatment applies a chemical peel solution to your skin to exfoliate it and unclog blocked pores. After the treatment, you may need to minimise sun exposure to prevent side effects.
Topical Medications
Topical creams or medications may also help treat your comedonal acne. However, they should only be prescribed by a professional to prevent unpleasant side effects. Please consult a doctor or healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment options for you.
Photopneumatic Therapy
This acne treatment uses a combination of pulsed light and vacuum technology to clear clogged pores. The pulsed light targets bacterial growth in the pores, while the vacuum removes dead skin cells and excess oil.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) / Blue Light Therapy
PDT targets specific areas with photosensitisers, a compound that becomes active under light, to treat comedonal acne. The therapy aims to reduce bacteria in clogged pores, reducing the risk of acne breakouts. However, you may temporarily experience an increased sensitivity to sunlight after treatment.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of light in multiple wavelengths to target your skin and treat comedonal acne. IPL therapy is typically more suitable for people with lighter skin tones to minimise the risk of hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone.
How to Prevent Comedonal Acne
Preventive skincare habits can help reduce the risk of future comedonal acne breakouts.
- Identify potential acne breakout triggers and consult a professional on how to manage and minimise the risk of breakouts.
- Use gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers to remove excess oil and dirt while maintaining your skin’s moisture.
- Moisturise your skin regularly, but ensure you do not over-hydrate yourself. Use oil-free cleansers to reduce the risk of breakouts.
- Change into clean clothes after sweating, especially after a long, hot day or strenuous physical activities.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face.
- Clean your makeup brushes and applicators regularly to remove the buildup of dead skin cells on the bristles or pads.
- Use fragrance-free, non-alcohol makeup remover to remove your makeup once you return home. Avoid sleeping with your makeup on, as it may increase the risk of clogged pores.
- Ensure you have at least six to eight hours of sleep daily to regulate your hormone levels and manage sebum production.
- Reduce your consumption of dairy and high-glycaemic index foods. Opt for a well-balanced meal that provides sufficient nutrition for your body while reducing your intake of sugar, salt, and processed foods.
- Quit smoking to reduce the risk of breakouts, as chemicals present in tobacco smoke can irritate and damage the skin.
- Include exercise, meditation, or mindfulness techniques in your schedule to mitigate stress and anxiety.
At Curamed Aesthetics, we want to help you feel confident in your own skin. Visit our acne clinic in Singapore today and have a detailed consultation with our team to start your skincare journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can comedonal acne cause scarring?
There may be a risk of acne scarring if you attempt to scratch or pop comedonal acne. Consult a qualified professional to discuss and understand suitable approaches for treating comedonal acne and minimising the risks of side effects.
Could comedonal acne return after treatment?
Yes, there may be factors that could lead to another breakout, including smoking and allergic reactions. If symptoms return, consult a qualified professional for advice on their treatment.
Do specific foods worsen comedonal acne?
While studies have found that certain dairy products and high-glycemic index foods may increase the risk of comedonal acne, further research is needed to determine if other foods may exacerbate comedonal acne. It may help to identify the triggers of comedonal acne and undergo suitable treatments to address the root cause to prevent future breakouts.
Does preventive care ensure comedonal acne does not recur?
Managing comedonal acne triggers may help with your long-term comfort, but there are no guaranteed ways to prevent it permanently. Additional factors, such as genetics and hormone levels, may influence the likelihood of a recurrence. If you are unsure, consult a professional for further advice to prevent future breakouts.
How many sessions do I need to treat comedonal acne?
The number of treatment sessions required varies from person to person, depending on their skin type and the specific skincare issues that need to be addressed. Before starting any treatment, a professional will first conduct a detailed consultation session to understand your skincare needs and plan a suitable treatment schedule.
Need help with Acne and Pimple?
Contact us right now to book an appointment.
Featured Articles
- Curamed Aesthetics
- Curamed Aesthetics
- Curamed Aesthetics
- Curamed Aesthetics
- Curamed Aesthetics
- Curamed Aesthetics
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Kan Hun Yee
Headed by our director and sole founder, Dr Kan, who is not just a certified family physician by the College of Family Physician, as she is also a certified Aesthetic Physician with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.
She possess a number of qualifications which speaks to her knowledge:
- Medical Degree (University of Southampton, UK)
- Diploma in Family Medicine (National University of Singapore)
- Diploma in Dermatology (Cardiff, UK)
- Diploma in aesthetic medicine (American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine)
Contact Information
Send Us Your Enquiry
Enter your information, and we will get in touch with you soon! Alternatively, you can either drop by, or call us for an immediate response. We are excited you have chosen to trust us with your journey to rediscovery beauty, and can’t wait to meet you. With us, we hope you can be aesthetic, be restored.