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Skincare for Closed Comedones

Closed comedones are small, skin-coloured bumps that sit beneath the surface of the skin, giving an uneven texture. They are a form of comedonal acne, and commonly appear on the forehead, chin, cheeks and jawline, especially in areas where oil glands are more active.

They develop when pores become clogged with a combination of excess oil and dead skin cells, trapping congestion beneath the skin. Unlike inflamed spots, closed comedones aren’t usually red or painful - but they can be persistent and frustrating if not treated correctly.

The key to tackling closed comedones is targeted, consistent skincare that helps normalise skin cell turnover, unclog pores and prevent new blockages from forming. Ingredients such as salicylic acid (BHA), azelaic acid, retinol and niacinamide are proven to help clear existing congestion while supporting healthier-looking skin over time.

This collection brings together targeted treatment formulas designed to address clogged pores, congestion and uneven texture. As part of Dr Sam’s system, these products are used as step two of your routine, applied after cleansing and before moisturising and SPF, allowing active ingredients to work effectively.

Azelaic acid is a type of dicarboxylic acid. It’s a naturally occurring acid that can be found in wheat, rye, barley, and within the microbiome of our skin.
It’s an ideal ingredient for almost every skincare routine and is often used as a first port-of-call for treating skin concerns like redness as it is safe for use on inflamed, sensitive skin.

Our azelaic acid products are available in various percentages, so you can find the one that works best on your skin. If you’re unsure which products will be best for you, ourroutine finderwill recommend products based on your personal skin concerns.

Much like retinoids, there are several things that azelaic acid can do for your skin. From reducing redness and inflammation to minimising blemishes, unclogging pores, and evening out your skin, it’s a real catch-all ingredient.

Azelaic acid also improves the overall tolerance of your skin. So, if you’ve previously had issues with using retinoids, you may even be able to use them after using azelaic acid for a few months.
You can find out more about what azelaic acid can and can’t do in our blog post, 'Azelaic Acid 101: How To Use It & What Are The Benefits?'.

More product does not equal a better result when it comes to active ingredients like azelaic acid, so start with a small amount!

We recommend applying an azelaic acid serum the same way we would recommend any other serum. Start with a small amount (just half a pump!), applied evenly over the face using the #13dottechnique.

When you first start using your azelaic acid serum, apply it every other day, and gradually build up to a full pump of product, daily.

Yes! Azelaic acid is perfectly safe to use while pregnant.

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Skincare for Closed Comedones

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