Comedone
Also called: Comedones, Clogged pore
A comedone is a clogged hair follicle in acne-prone skin. Open comedones are blackheads, while closed comedones are often called whiteheads or closed bumps.
At a glance
- Comedones are acne lesions, not dirt sitting on top of the skin.
- Open comedones are blackheads; closed comedones sit under a thin skin surface.
- Gentle pore-clearing actives usually work better than squeezing or scrubbing.
On this page
The short answer
A comedone is a clogged hair follicle.
In acne language, open comedones are blackheads and closed comedones are whiteheads or small closed bumps. Acne is a disorder of the hair follicle and oil gland involving oil, sticky shedding cells, bacteria, and inflammation[1].
So a comedone is not dirt. It is a pore traffic jam.
Why the word matters
When a product says it helps comedones, it usually means clogged pores, blackheads, or closed bumps.
Comedones respond best to boring consistency:
- gentle cleansing
- salicylic acid if tolerated
- moisturiser so the barrier stays calm
- SPF
- no picking
Acne guidelines[2] include several topical options for acne, including retinoids and other treatments. The practical choice depends on tolerance, severity, and whether bumps are inflamed.
Mads's practical read
If you see "comedone" on a skincare page, translate it to "clogged pore" and stay calm.
Do not scrub harder. Do not squeeze every bump. Treat the follicle process gently and give it enough weeks to change.
Keep reading
Dictionary
Comedogenic
Dictionary
Non-comedogenic
Dictionary
Comedolytic
Dictionary
Sebaceous filaments
Ingredient
Salicylic acid
Ingredient
Retinol
Ingredient
Benzoyl peroxide
Ingredient
Niacinamide
Condition
Acne and blemishes
Condition
Blackheads
Condition
Oily skin
Guide
How to get rid of closed comedones
Guide
Best skincare routine for clogged pores
Guide
What are blackheads? The dark dots are not dirt
Common questions
What is a comedone in skincare?
A comedone is a clogged follicle involved in acne. It can be open, like a blackhead, or closed, like a small white or flesh-coloured bump.
Should I squeeze comedones?
It is better not to. Squeezing can irritate the follicle and leave marks. Use a consistent pore-clearing routine or professional extraction when needed.