From the Research
Treatment Options for Closed Comedones (Whiteheads)
- Topical retinoids are effective in treating noninflammatory lesions, including closed comedones, by preventing comedones, reducing existing comedones, and targeting inflammation 1, 2, 3
- Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter bactericidal agent that can be used in combination with topical retinoids to reduce the risk of bacterial resistance 1, 2
- Salicylic acid peels followed by mechanical comedo extraction can be an effective treatment for closed comedones, especially in cases of Favre-Racouchot syndrome 4
- Fixed-combination topical therapies, such as adapalene 0.1%-benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel, have been shown to be effective in treating comedonal acne 2
- Retinaldehyde-loaded niosomes have been found to be effective and safe in reducing closed and open comedones, as well as sebum secretion and keratinization, in mild-to-moderate acne 5
Mechanisms of Action
- Topical retinoids work by preventing comedones, reducing existing comedones, and targeting inflammation 1
- Salicylic acid has keratolytic, comedolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties, and can facilitate comedo extraction 4
- Benzoyl peroxide has bactericidal properties and can reduce the risk of bacterial resistance when used in combination with topical retinoids 1
Efficacy and Safety
- Topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide have been found to be effective and safe in treating closed comedones 1, 2, 3
- Salicylic acid peels followed by mechanical comedo extraction have been found to be well-tolerated and effective in treating closed comedones 4
- Retinaldehyde-loaded niosomes have been found to be effective and safe in reducing closed and open comedones, as well as sebum secretion and keratinization, in mild-to-moderate acne 5