
The 6 Types of Acne and How to Treat Them
- Whiteheads. In almost all cases, acne happens because the pores in your skin are clogged. Clogged pores can happen...
- Blackheads. Unlike whiteheads, blackheads look black on the skin’s surface. They are known as open comedones because...
- Papules. Papules are small red bumps that form when oil or excess skin cells block a...
Full Answer
What are the different types of acne treatment?
How to treat different types of acne. A procedure like comedo (medical term for blackheads and whiteheads) extraction may help. Prescription-strength acne treatment is another option. Early pimples When excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells push deeper into the skin and cause inflammation (redness and swelling), you’ll see small, red bumps.
How many Americans have acne?
About 17 million Americans have acne, making it one of the most common skin conditions among both children and adults. Identifying which type of acne you’re experiencing is key to successful treatment.
What are the best acne treatments for men?
They treat acne by helping to remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. Alpha hydroxy acids also stimulate the growth of new, smoother skin. This helps improve the appearance of acne scars and gives the impression of smaller pores. Sulfur. Sulfur removes dead skin cells that clog pores and helps remove excess oil.
Is there an over-the-counter acne treatment?
This type of acne is usually easier to treat than inflammatory acne, so over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may work. The last 4 types—papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts—are types of inflammatory acne that can be harder to treat.

What are the different types of acne treatments?
The most common topical prescription medications for acne are:Retinoids and retinoid-like drugs. Drugs that contain retinoic acids or tretinoin are often useful for moderate acne. ... Antibiotics. These work by killing excess skin bacteria and reducing redness and inflammation. ... Azelaic acid and salicylic acid. ... Dapsone.
What is the best treatment for face acne?
Salicylic acid is a go-to OTC ingredient for acne since it dissolves the dead skin cells in clogged pores, helping treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts. Some customers note that this cleanser results in dry skin after use, so following up with a moisturizer suitable for acne-prone skin is recommended.
What are the 6 types of acne?
The 6 Types of Acne and How to Treat Them1) Whiteheads. In almost all cases, acne happens because the pores in your skin are clogged. ... 2) Blackheads. Unlike whiteheads, blackheads look black on the skin's surface. ... 3) Papules. ... 4) Pustules. ... 5) Nodules. ... 6) Cysts.
How many acne types are there?
Broadly speaking, there are two main types: non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.
What are the 4 types of acne?
What are the different types of acne?Blackheads: Open bumps on the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. ... Whiteheads: Bumps that remain closed by oil and dead skin.Papules: Small red or pink bumps that become inflamed.Pustules: Pimples containing pus.More items...•
Which cream is good for acne?
Best Creams That Can Help You Shoo Off Your Pimple And AcneBella Vita Anti Acne Cream. ... Biotique Spot Correcting Anti Acne Cream. ... Bare Body Essentials Anti Acne Cream. ... Re'equil Anti Acne Cream. ... Plum Green Tea Anti Acne Cream. ... Phy Green Tea Anti-Acne Cream.Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Anti-Acne Cream.More items...•
How do you get clear skin?
This article will help answer those questions by providing 11 evidence-based tips on what you can do to get the glowing complexion you want.Wash your face twice a day. ... Use a mild cleanser. ... Apply an acne-fighting agent. ... Apply a moisturizer. ... Exfoliate. ... Get plenty of sleep. ... Choose makeup that won't clog your pores.More items...•
How can I get pimple free face?
Read on for 14 strategies to prevent pimples and be on your way to clearer skin.Properly wash your face. ... Know your skin type. ... Use a moisturizer. ... Use over-the-counter acne treatments. ... Stay hydrated. ... Limit makeup. ... Try not to touch your face. ... Limit sun exposure.More items...
How can I remove acne scars?
What's the best treatment for acne scars?Home skin care. Using sunscreen can help limit the contrast between unscarred skin and a scar. ... Soft tissue fillers. ... Steroid injection. ... Laser resurfacing. ... Other energy-based procedures. ... Dermabrasion. ... Chemical peel. ... Skin needling.More items...
What food causes acne?
Foods That Cause AcneSugar. Sugars, which we consume as refined white sugar in our homes and in other forms like sodas, tetra pack juices, honey, etc. ... Dairy Products. ... Fast Food. ... Chocolate. ... Greasy Food. ... Whey Protein Powder. ... Refined Grains. ... Foods Rich In Omega-6 Fats.More items...•
Is toothpaste good for acne?
Does putting toothpaste on a pimple make it go away? You may have heard this suggestion, but experts on acne say don't try it. Toothpaste could make that spot on your skin even more red, irritated, and noticeable.
Does drinking water help acne?
Water has many ways in which it can improve your skin, which helps to improve your acne over time. Drinking water has both direct and indirect benefits for treating acne. Firstly, with bacterial acne, water helps to remove toxins and bacteria on the skin, reducing the potential for pore-clogging in the process.
How many people have acne?
Acne is usually associated with hormonal fluctuations experienced during your teenage years, but adults can experience acne, too. About 17 million Americans have acne, making it one of the most common skin conditions among both children and adults.
What are the different types of acne?
Identifying which type of acne you’re experiencing is key to successful treatment. Acne may be noninflammatory or inflammatory. Subtypes of acne within these two categories include: 1 blackheads 2 whiteheads 3 papules 4 pustules 5 nodules 6 cysts
What is the best treatment for whiteheads?
Whiteheads are more difficult to treat because the pores are already closed. Products containing salicylic acid can be helpful. Topical retinoids give the best results for comedonal acne. Currently, adapalene ( Differin) is available over the counter as a retinoid. If it does not work for you, stronger topical retinoids are available by prescription from your dermatologist.
What is the blackhead on the face?
Blackheads (open comedones) Blackheads occur when a pore is clogged by a combination of sebum and dead skin cells. The top of the pore stays open, despite the rest of it being clogged. This results in the characteristic black color seen on the surface.
What is the name of the pimple that is red and swollen?
Inflammatory acne. Pimples that are red and swollen are referred to as inflammatory acne. Although sebum and dead skin cells contribute to inflammatory acne , bacteria can also play a role in clogging up pores. Bacteria can cause an infection deep beneath the skin’s surface.
What is the most painful form of acne?
The clogs occur deep within the skin and are further below the surface than nodules. These large red or white bumps are often painful to the touch. Cysts are the largest form of acne, and their formation usually results from a severe infection. This type of acne is also the most likely to scar.
What is the most severe form of acne?
Nodules and cysts are the most severe form of acne. You have to see a dermatologist to clear up severe acne. Picking or popping nodules and cysts can lead to scars.
How do dermatologists treat acne?
The acne treatment plan that’s right for you depends on many considerations, including:
What is the best way to clear acne?
To help you get the best possible results from treatment, your dermatologist may also recommend adding one of the following to your treatment plan. Laser or light therapy: Studies show that laser and light devices can help to clear acne. This type of treatment works best when combined with other acne treatment.
What is the best treatment for pimples?
A retinoid. A retinoid + benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide + an antibiotic you apply to your skin. Pimples: Mild or moderate pimples can be treated with medication you apply to your skin. Treatment will often consist of applying one of the following: Benzoyl peroxide.
How to get rid of acne nodules?
Treatment may consist of: Prescription medication that you apply to your skin + taking an antibiotic.
Why is it important to take care of acne?
Acne friendly skin care helps you get the best results. Skin care is so important that without it you may not get the results you want. Even if you follow apply your acne treatment perfectly, new breakouts can appear if you’re too rough on your skin. You need gentle skin care to clear acne.
Do dermatologists follow up on breakouts?
You want to keep those appointments. Without treatment, many people see breakouts for years. To prevent this, your dermatologist will give you a different treatment plan.
Does eating healthy help with acne?
This can rapidly relieve the pain and the size of the breakout. While effective, this treatment is reserved for treating a few severe acne breakouts. Using it more than a few times can cause side effects. A healthy diet: Some studies suggest that what you eat can also help to give you clearer skin.
What to do if you feel discouraged with acne treatment?
If you feel discouraged with your acne treatment and believe that nothing will work, you’re not alone. Don’t give up. Effective treatment is available. Sometimes, it requires a dermatologist’s help.
How to treat pustules on face?
Treating pustules. To treat, wash your face with an acne product that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Resist the temptation to pop these. It can worsen acne. If you don’t see results from treatment in six to eight weeks, see a dermatologist.
How to clear a papule?
Treating papules. To clear this type of acne blemish, try washing your face twice daily with an acne face wash that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If you have a lot of papules, it can be helpful to see a dermatologist.
How to get rid of whiteheads and blackheads?
Treating whiteheads and blackheads. To unclog pores, dermatologists recommend using a retinoid. You can buy one retinoid, adapalene, without a prescription. You’ll also want to use a benzoyl peroxide wash. It can help get rid of the excess P. acnes bacteria on your skin.
Can acne cause scars?
Acne nodules and cysts. These acne blemishes penetrate deep into the skin, and often cause permanent acne scars when they heal. If you have acne that looks like this, you’ll need a dermatologist’s help to treat it. The sooner you start treatment, the fewer permanent scars you’ll have.
How to treat acne with different ingredients?
Acne ingredients work in different ways, so you may find it helpful to use varying products and ingredients to treat stubborn acne. Apply one product in the morning and a different one at night to prevent skin irritation . Be patient.
How to get rid of acne on face?
Start with lower strength acne products. This can help minimize redness, dry skin and other skin problems. If needed, slowly — over several weeks — increase the strength of the product you use and how often you use it. This helps your skin adjust to the treatment gradually.
How does OTC acne work?
Acne products work in different ways, depending on their active ingredients. Some OTC acne products work by killing the bacteria that cause acne inflammation. Others remove excess oil from the skin or speed up the growth of new skin cells and the removal of dead skin cells. Some acne products do a combination of these things.
How to get rid of acne naturally?
Begin with benzoyl peroxide. If you're not sure which acne product to buy, start with one that contains benzoyl peroxide. It's effective and well-tolerated by most people. Give it a few days before expecting to see results. Check product labels for the type and amount of its active ingredient. Stronger isn't always better with benzoyl peroxide. In some cases, a 2.5 percent product works as well as those with stronger concentrations — and with fewer side effects.
What is the best way to remove acne?
Benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient kills the bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. OTC benzoyl peroxide products are available in strengths from 2.5 to 10 percent. Possible side effects include dry skin, scaling, redness, burning and stinging, ...
What is OTC acne?
Many over-the-counter (OTC) acne products are available to treat mild to moderate acne or periodic breakouts. They include cleansing lotions, gels, foams and towelettes, leave-on products, and treatments or kits. How do you know which one is best for you?
How long does it take for acne to get better?
Treating acne with acne products takes time and patience. It may take two or three months of daily use of an acne product to see results. And acne may look worse before it gets better. Experiment with what works. You may need to try different products with varying active ingredients before you find what works for you.
