How to Treat Closed Comedones on Forehead and Cheeks Without Harsh Exfoliation

You’ve definitely felt it before: your forehead or cheeks feel rough like sandpaper when touched, but there are no red, inflamed pimples. That’s what’s called closed comedones (or “bruntusan” in Indonesian). The difference from acne: closed comedones aren’t painful, have no pus, and are the same color as your skin. The main causes are a buildup of dead skin cells clogging pores, combined with using products that are too heavy or rarely exfoliating.

Unfortunately, many people treat closed comedones the wrong way — using harsh scrubs or squeezing them. In reality, both of those actions will actually trigger inflammation and turn closed comedones into painful cystic acne.

4 Gentle Steps Proven to Clear Closed Comedones

Step 1 – Switch your cleanser

Stop using face washes with high SLS content. Use a facial wash that contains salicylic acid 0.5%–1% or PHA (gluconolactone). Both of these ingredients are oil-soluble, so they can clear clogs inside pores without eroding the skin’s surface layer.

Step 2 – Use a chemical exfoliating toner

Choose a toner with AHA (lactic acid or mandelic acid), which is gentler than glycolic acid. Apply only to areas with closed comedones using a cotton pad, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Do this 2–3 times a week at night.

Step 3 – Regularly use a niacinamide serum

5% niacinamide helps regulate sebum production so pores don’t get clogged again easily. Apply every morning and night after toner.

Step 4 – Don’t skip a lightweight moisturizer

Dehydrated skin will produce more oil. Choose a gel-based or water cream moisturizer that is non-comedogenic (look for that label).

Lifestyle Changes That Help

In addition to skincare, pay attention to your daily habits. Change your pillowcase every 3 days because oil and dead skin cells accumulate on the fabric. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Reduce consumption of cow’s milk and dairy products — some studies show a link between dairy intake and increased closed comedones. Finally, don’t wear heavy makeup, and always double cleanse at night.

Closed comedones typically start improving within 2–3 weeks if you’re consistent. Most importantly: be patient and don’t squeeze!