K-Beauty Glossary
What is Comedone?
Clogged pore (blackhead or whitehead)
Comedones are clogged pores — the earliest stage of acne. Open comedones (blackheads) have oxidized sebum at the surface; closed comedones (whiteheads) have a thin skin layer over the clog. Treatment: salicylic acid (BHA, oil-soluble, penetrates follicles), retinoids (normalize skin cell turnover), regular gentle exfoliation. DON'T squeeze — leads to scarring and spreading bacteria.