6 Different Types of Face Acne, Explained

With more than 50 million Americans affected every year, acne is among the most common skin conditions.

Although it’s common, acne can affect your self-confidence and have a significant impact on your self-esteem, and can lead to feelings of embarrassment, frustration, and even depression. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to help reduce the appearance of acne. Choosing the right treatment for your specific case of acne can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and promote clearer skin. If you are facing an acne problem you can use natural skin care oil for acne-prone skin, or textured skin with little bumps. Your skin will feel healthier, smoother, clearer, and fresher with this natural product. By knowing the different types of acne, you can start treating your skin correctly.

While you might think that pimples are pimples, there are actually 6 different types of acne. Each of them is caused by specific conditions and requires their own treatment.

Keep reading to learn more about the 6 types of acne and how they’re treated.

1. Whiteheads

These are small, white bumps but they may also be flesh-colored. This type of acne is the result of built-up dead skin cells, dirt, and oil in your pore. Trapped beneath the surface, this gives them a whitish appearance.

The good news is, this is a form of non-inflammatory acne that’s easy to treat with over-the-counter skincare products and a regular routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.

2. Blackheads

Blackheads are dark-colored spots that can be flat or slightly raised bumps. These also form when your pores become clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. The main difference between a blackhead and a whitehead is that a blackhead has been exposed to air, which causes what’s inside to appear black.

Blackheads are non-inflammatory and are treated with a skincare regimen that includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing with great products.

3. Papules

Papules form when the contents of non-inflammatory forms of acne spill out from your pores. That content mixes with acne-causing bacteria on your skin.

Although they don’t contain pus, the bacteria cause damage to the skin surrounding the area. This leads to lesions that are more difficult to treat. You’ll require specifically formulated skincare products to treat these and perhaps a trip to the dermatologist if they become a problem.

4. Pustules

A pustule is what a papule turns into when your immune system has a go at fighting it off. The papule then fills with pus and creates large red bumps with white or yellow tops. They typically have a red base and a circular center and they’re quite tender to the touch.

These might look like whiteheads, but they’re more inflamed and painful. Though it may be tempting, don’t try to pop these because they can cause scarring and infection. Instead, see your dermatologist for skincare recommendations.

5. Nodules

This is one of the two most severe forms of acne. Nodular acne forms deep under the skin tissue. It’s typically caused by a combination of irritation and infection in clogged pores.

You’ll know you have a nodule if you have hard, large, red, or flesh-colored bumps under your skin. They can cause inflamed and painful breakouts and they’re challenging to treat. Nodules definitely require a trip to a dermatologist who can prescribe medications.

6. Cystic Acne

This is the most severe type of acne you can have. Cystic acne is typically very inflamed and painful. It causes large, red, pus-filled bumps all over the face and body.

Cystic acne signifies an infection and inflammation deep within the skin and is the most difficult to treat. However, that doesn’t make it impossible. You can find more information here on how to start treating cystic acne.

More Solutions for Different Types of Face Acne

You may not have realized that there are different types of facial acne, each with its own cause and solution. Now that you can identify what you have, you can start caring for your skin. Be sure to check out our Beauty, Skincare & Hairstyles section for all the skincare help you could ever need.