At a glance
- Term
- Comedone
- Area
- Skin
- Measurable from a selfie
- Yes: small dark or skin-coloured bumps, mostly on the nose, chin and forehead
- Evidence
- Established
- Related
- Sebaceous filaments, Acne, Salicylic acid, Retinoid
Blackheads and whiteheads are both comedones
The distinction is whether the blocked pore is open or closed. An open comedone has a dark plug. A closed comedone appears as a small white or skin-coloured bump.
Both belong to acne, even without an inflamed spot. If you describe them as clogged pores, you're describing the same basic blockage. The term names the type of spot rather than rating your whole face.
What a selfie can measure
Yes, a selfie can measure visible bumps on the nose, chin and forehead. The limit is what appears in that image. A count doesn't establish the identity of every small dot or bump.
The free acne scan counts and maps visible spots from one photo. Treat that result as a record of visible spots, rather than a confirmed comedone count. Sebaceous filaments are a related term to check before labelling every visible pore a blackhead.
Which treatments address blocked pores
Retinoids and salicylic acid can treat comedones. In Acne: Diagnosis and treatment, the American Academy of Dermatology describes topical retinoids as treatments that clear pores and treat blackheads and whiteheads. It also describes salicylic acid as a treatment that opens clogged pores.
Those are treatment options, rather than a reason to choose a routine from a photo score alone. The retinoid and salicylic acid entries explain the terms. A pharmacist can help you choose an acne treatment.
Use the count without overreading it
Don't read one number from one photo as a fixed fact about your face. Compare photos taken with similar lighting and framing, and check which visible spots the count includes.
In Acne, the NHS advises against picking or squeezing spots because this can cause scars. See a GP if treatment isn't helping, spots are deep or painful, or acne causes scars or affects your mental health. Find other skin definitions in the glossary.
Questions people ask
- What is the difference between a comedone and a blackhead?
- A blackhead is an open comedone. Comedone is the broader term and also includes closed comedones, called whiteheads.
- Are comedones acne if they aren't inflamed?
- Yes. Comedones are the non-inflamed start of acne. You don't need an inflamed spot for a blocked pore to count as acne.
- Does a selfie count confirm how many comedones I have?
- No. It records visible spots in that photo. It doesn't confirm that each counted spot is a comedone.
Written from the measurements and ingredient facts on this site, then checked for the usual mistakes. Not medical advice.
Related pages
The closest pages in this section, picked by topic rather than by date.
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