Skincare — Concerns
Closed comedones: what they are and how to get rid of them.
Closed comedones are small, skin-coloured bumps under the skin — clogged pores with a closed top. A steady routine with salicylic acid or a retinoid clears most of them in 8–12 weeks.
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Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
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Why aren't your bumps going away?
Closed comedones are tiny skin-coloured bumps, not red spots. Salicylic acid, a retinoid and azelaic acid are the three actives that clear them.
Find more cheat sheets on our PinterestBasics
What are closed comedones?
Closed comedones (whiteheads) are pores blocked with oil and dead skin, sealed under a thin layer of skin. They often appear on the forehead, chin and cheeks as rough, bumpy texture rather than red spots.
Causes
What causes closed comedones
Excess oil
Common with oily skin, hormones and PCOS.
Slow skin shedding
Dead cells stick together and plug the pore.
Heavy products
Rich creams, oils and some makeup can clog pores.
Picking
Squeezing pushes the plug deeper and causes scarring.
Routine
How to get rid of closed comedones
1. Gentle cleanser
Twice a day; avoid harsh scrubs.
2. Salicylic acid (BHA)
A 2% leave-on exfoliant 3–5 times a week dissolves oil inside the pore.
3. Retinoid at night
Retinol or adapalene (available at UK pharmacies) speeds up cell turnover. Start two nights a week.
4. Light moisturiser + SPF
Non-comedogenic gel cream and daily SPF 30+.
Help
When to see a GP
See a GP or pharmacist if bumps become red and painful, spread quickly, or don't improve after three months of a consistent routine. Prescription retinoids or other treatments may help.
