• by Admin

Understanding Different Types of Acne (And How to Treat Each One)

Acne. The word alone is enough to stir frustration for many of us. Whether you're dealing with the occasional breakout or a more persistent skin issue, acne can affect your confidence and quality of life. But here's the thing, not all acne is the same, and that means your approach to treating it shouldn't be either.

Here, we’ll break down the different types of acne, what causes them, and most importantly how to treat them effectively.

1. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

What they look like: Small, white bumps just beneath the surface of your skin.

What causes them: Clogged pores that stay closed at the surface.

How to treat whiteheads:

• Use salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores.
• Apply benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria.
• Incorporate retinoids (like adapalene) to regulate skin cell turnover.

Pro tip: Look for non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) products to avoid making things worse.

2. Blackheads (Open Comedones)

What they look like: Tiny dark spots on your face, especially around the nose.

What causes them: Pores clogged with oil and dead skin that are exposed to air, which causes oxidation (not dirt!).

How to treat blackheads:

• Gentle chemical exfoliation (salicylic acid or glycolic acid).
• Retinoids to keep pores clear.
• Clay masks to absorb excess oil.

Avoid pore strips, while satisfying, they can irritate the skin and don’t prevent future blackheads.

3. Papules

What they look like: Small, red, inflamed bumps with no visible pus.

What causes them: Inflammation within the pore.

How to treat papules:

• Use benzoyl peroxide to fight bacteria.
• Try topical antibiotics if OTC products aren't working.
• Avoid picking to prevent scarring or worsening inflammation.

4. Pustules

What they look like: Red bumps with a white or yellow center (aka, classic pimples).

What causes them: Infected clogged pores filled with pus.

How to treat pustules:

• Spot-treat with benzoyl peroxide or sulfur
• Use gentle cleansers to avoid irritation.
• Don’t pop them, this can lead to scars and spread bacteria.

5. Nodules

What they look like: Large, painful lumps deep under the skin.

What causes them: Inflammation that goes deep into the layers of skin.

How to treat whiteheads:

• See a dermatologist for oral antibiotics or retinoids.
• Avoid all squeezing or picking.
• Hormonal treatments like birth control or spironolactone may help in women.

These typically don’t respond well to OTC products, professional care is recommended.

6. Cysts (Cystic Acne)

What they look like: Big, soft, pus-filled bumps that are painful and often linger for weeks.

What causes them: Severe inflammation deep within the skin layers.

How to treat whiteheads:

• Prescription-strength oral isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane).
• Cortisone injections for long-term balance.
• DO NOT try to pop or drain these at home—it can cause scarring.

Special Case: Hormonal Acne

Common signs:

• Breakouts along the jawline, chin, or cheeks.
• Flare-ups around your menstrual cycle or during times of stress.

How to treat hormonal acne:

• Oral contraceptives to regulate hormones.
• Spironolactone to reduce androgen effects.
• Retinoids + salicylic acid as part of your regular skincare routine.
• A healthy lifestyle (including diet and stress management) can also help regulate hormonal fluctuations.

Fungal Acne (Not Actually Acne!)

What it looks like:Tiny, uniform red bumps, often on the forehead, chest, or back

What causes it: An overgrowth of yeast, not bacteria.

How to treat fungal acne:

• Use antifungal products (like ketoconazole cream)
• Try anti-dandruff shampoo (like Nizoral) as a body wash.

Quick Tips for Clearer Skin

• Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
• Avoid harsh scrubs, they can irritate and inflame your skin.
• Use moisturizer, even oily skin needs hydration.
• Always wear non-comedogenic sunscreen
• Don’t pick or pop pimples, no matter how tempting.

When to See a Dermatologist

While mild to moderate acne can often be treated at home, it’s time to see a dermatologist if:

• OTC products haven’t helped after 2–3 months.
• You're dealing with painful nodules or cysts.
• Acne is causing scars or affecting your mental health

A dermatologist can tailor a treatment plan to your skin’s specific needs, including prescriptions and advanced treatments.

Final Thoughts

Acne is frustrating, but you’re not alone, and it is treatable. The key is to identify what type of acne you're dealing with and match it with the right treatment approach. Be patient, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help when you need it.

Looking to build a skincare routine tailored to your acne type? Please book a skin consultation, we’d love to help!