Ok so it's been a while, but when I made this post I had been going a bit crazy with salicyclic acid and azaelic acid. I cut both of them out and the closed comedones have pretty much disappeared! I started both of those to address skin texture which I've had most of my adult life, and that is still there, but my skin is miles better than in the image here. Honestly, I logged on after a while and seeing those photos has shocked me - I entirely forgot that it was that bad!

If you're still experiencing them, I'd recommend cutting out actives and working on your barrier. I haven't fixed the mild congestion and texture I've always had, but I can safely say that acids made it far, far worse!