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2. Follicle plugging
Follicle plugging micro-comedones can be treated with regular exfoliation of the skin. With acne, it's worth avoiding mechanical exfoliators that rub and abrade the skin and instead favour chemical ones like glycolic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid and mandelic acid.
Glycolic acid is a water-soluble Alpha Hydroxy-acid (AHA) that is fantastic for removing superficial cellular debris.
It doesn’t penetrate very deep into the skin because it's water-soluble (lipid-soluble ones like salicylic acid penetrate deeper) but it is the most trusted and researched AHA on the market. Strengths varying anywhere from 5-10% are effective for acne without being unduly irritating.
Other good options are fruit acids, lactic acid and mandelic acid. Many chemical exfoliators combine a few of these different chemicals to improve the synergy or overall effect.