DM Acne & Pores

A blackhead is a plug blocking the pore opening, so its tip is dark and may look slightly raised. A sebaceous filament is a normal structure that sebum flows through, so it shows as gray or light yellow dots spread evenly over the nose and forehead. When pressed, a blackhead releases a dark plug, and a sebaceous filament releases a thin, thread-like bit of oil. Do not squeeze them to check for yourself; have them checked during an examination.

The American Academy of Dermatology describes extraction by a dermatologist with sterile instruments when blackheads and whiteheads do not clear well with other care. Squeezing at home with your nails or tools can cause bacterial infection, inflammation, and scars. Extracted pores can also refill over time, so home care continues alongside. We will tell you after seeing your skin whether this care includes extracting comedones directly.

When a lot of sebum comes out, it pushes pore openings apart so they look wider. Pores clogged with dead skin cells and sebum also stretch at the opening and stand out. When elasticity decreases with age or sun damage, pores can look saggy, and sex and inherited traits also play a part. A study of Korean adults also found larger or more numerous pores with more sebum and in men.

Pores are the channels sebum leaves the skin through, and they do not disappear with care. When the plugs at the openings come out and less sebum is trapped, the same pores may look less noticeable. For pores that sag from lost elasticity, or for depressed areas such as scars, we also discuss other methods. How much difference shows varies from person to person.

Tiny bumps are closed comedones (whiteheads). Because the opening is covered, they don't come out easily when pressed, and squeezing them by force easily causes inflammation. First, switch to products that don't clog pores. Whether to use a topical medication that loosens dead skin cells at the opening is decided together during the examination. Topical medications usually take more than 1–2 months before changes show.

Usually, you first have 4–6 sessions, one every 2–4 weeks. After that, once your skin settles, you continue every 4–6 weeks. Making the interval too short can tire the skin and make it sensitive. Because comedones come back, care continues together with home care, and the number of sessions and the interval are decided together during the examination.

Nose strips use adhesive to pull out what is inside pores, so the skin looks clean for a short time. But the cause of clogged pores stays the same, so the effect does not last. They can also pull out sebaceous filaments, which can dry or irritate the skin. If you use them, use them only now and then, and avoid areas with wounds or red pimples.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing no more than twice a day, morning and evening, and once more after sweating. Washing too often or using a harsh cleanser can irritate the skin and make shine worse. Use a gentle foaming cleanser, and apply an oil-free moisturizer after washing.

DM Dermatology is a medical institution. A doctor examines your comedones and acne and can decide whether medical treatment, such as prescription medication, is also needed. If tiny bumps have lasted for months or are mixed with red pimples, get an examination first.

DM Dermatology is on the 4th floor of the building at 158 Apgujeong-ro (Sinsa-dong). It is a 2-minute walk from Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5. When you book, we first check your comedones and sebum and the cosmetics and medications you use. Based on that, we tell you whether to start with this care or with medical treatment first.