Firstly we need to establish that closed comedones is that correct diagnosis as they are some other conditions that may look similar to the layman such as milia and syringomas.
Topical comedolytic treatments such as acid peels and retinoids are generally effective in treatment of comedonal acne. I would suggest switching the retinol to tretinoin. This is a prescription medicine so you will need to see a doctor for this, who will also advise you which concentration to use. Persistent comedonal acne may require physical extraction in addition to the above mentioned treatments.
