My Daughter the Nurse Showed Me Her Skincare Routine. Here's My Verdict

ClearSkin Daily

Today I have a special guest — my daughter. She's 25, works as a nurse at Stanford Hospital, and has been dealing with closed comedones (those tiny bumps under the skin) for a while. She sent me a list of Olive Young products she'd been trying, and asked me to check the ingredients. So that's exactly what we're doing today. 😊

First — What Are Closed Comedones?

Before we get into the products, let's make sure we're talking about the same thing. Closed comedones are also called whiteheads — they form when a pore gets blocked and sebum gets trapped beneath the skin. There's no inflammation, but the skin texture becomes uneven, and if you pick at them, they can turn into full inflammatory acne.

The key to treating closed comedones

It's all about exfoliation — specifically, dissolving the dead skin cells that are blocking the pore so sebum can flow freely. This is why the approach is slightly different from treating regular inflammatory acne.

My Daughter's Picks — Ingredient Verified

💬 My daughter said: "Mom, I tried an AHA BHA toner from Olive Young and I think my closed comedones are actually getting better. My nurse colleague recommended it too!"

🧴 AHA + BHA Exfoliating Toner

✓ Mom Approved

She's right. AHA (glycolic acid) gently dissolves dead skin cells on the surface, while BHA (salicylic acid) goes deeper into the pore to dissolve trapped sebum. For closed comedones, this combination is the most effective approach available over the counter.

Important: If you're new to AHA/BHA, start 2–3 times a week — not daily. These ingredients increase sun sensitivity, so SPF is non-negotiable on days you use them. Salicylic acid penetrates directly into the pore — dissolving the sebum and dead skin cell buildup that forms closed comedones. Always follow with SPF the next morning.

💬 My daughter said: "I've also been using a niacinamide serum. My skin tone looks brighter and my pores feel smaller?"

✨ Niacinamide Serum

✓ Mom Approved

What she's noticing is real. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production and tightens the appearance of pores — both of which directly address the root cause of closed comedones in many people.

Look for products at 10% concentration or lower. Higher concentrations can cause irritation, especially when you're already using AHA/BHA. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the most accessible option — it regulates sebum, minimizes pore appearance, and calms inflammation. Gentle enough to combine with BHA on the same routine.

💬 My daughter asked: "Mom, can I also use a physical scrub? I saw one at Olive Young..."

⚠️ Physical Scrubs

⚠️ Mom Says No

I told her to skip it — and I'll tell you the same. Physical scrubs can irritate skin and actually push closed comedones deeper into the pore rather than clearing them.

For closed comedones, chemical exfoliation (AHA/BHA) is always safer and more effective than physical scrubbing. It dissolves the blockage without any physical force or friction.

The Routine My Daughter Uses

🌙 Evening Routine (2–3x per week)

Step 1 — Gentle, low-irritation cleanser
Step 2 — BHA exfoliating toner
Step 3 — Niacinamide serum
Step 4 — Non-comedogenic moisturizer (lightweight water-based formula)

☀️ Morning Routine (Daily)

Step 1 — Niacinamide serum
Step 2 — Non-comedogenic moisturizer
Step 3 — SPF 50+ (essential — especially on BHA days) — ROUND LAB Birch Juice Sun Stick is lightweight, no white cast, easy to reapply at the hospital

Since starting this routine, my daughter says her closed comedones have noticeably reduced. Being a healthcare professional, she already had a good eye for ingredients — and I'm happy to say she passed the mom test. 😊

The Bottom Line

For closed comedones, the winning combination is BHA toner + niacinamide serum + non-comedogenic moisturizer + SPF 50+. Skip the physical scrub. Start slow — 2–3 times a week — and build up gradually.

Dealing with a different type of acne? Leave a comment below — my daughter and I might cover it in our next post together. 🔬

🌿

Jiwon — Licensed Esthetician 19 years in skincare · Owner of K Swan Skincare, Silicon Valley CA
Writing about real skincare solutions for real people.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a persistent skin condition, please consult a licensed dermatologist.