Different Types of Acne and How to Treat Them

Knowing the different types of acne and how to treat them can make your acne-fighting journey a lot less frustrating.

This article will take a closer look at acne, sharing with you the different types that exist and effective acne treatment options.

What Are the Different Types of Acne?

There are different forms of acne, with varying causes and treatment options. These various forms of acne are split into two broad categories, non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne.

Non-Inflammatory Acne

This type of acne doesn’t cause any swelling. It occurs when excess dead skin cells and oil get trapped, clogging your skin pores. The following are the two types of non-inflammatory acne.

Blackheads

This type of acne occurs when your skin’s pores remain open, allowing them to get clogged with excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. Blackheads appear as dark spots on your skin.

Whiteheads

The difference between whiteheads and blackheads is that whiteheads occur when your entire pore is clogged, unlike blackheads. The result is the formation of white bumps on your skin. Whiteheads often appear on your face, chest, back, and sometimes on your shoulders and neck.

Inflammatory Acne

This type of acne causes swelling and, besides dead skin cells and oils, it is also the result of bacteria-clogged pores. They include:

• Pustular Acne: Red bumps full of white puss, typically found in small clusters on your face, chest, shoulders, or back.
• Acne Papules: Red bumps free of pus that appear anywhere on your body.
• Acne Nodules: While papules and pustules form on the skin’s surface, nodules are painful, inflamed lesions buried in your skin and hair follicles.
• Acne Cysts: Large, fluid-filled bumps beneath the surface of your skin–one of the most painful and severe forms of acne.

How to Treat Different Types of Acne

Though some might rush to pop an inflamed pimple, it is never ideal to do so. You might end up pushing the irritants deeper into the pore, worsening the inflamed blemishes. Popping your acne can also lead to scarring.

That said, the treatment will depend on the type of acne you have.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Different over-the-counter medications can be effective at treating acne. For instance, salicylic acid, sulfur, or benzoyl peroxide could work as an acne medication. Other prescription medications like isotretinoin can help treat acne pustules.

Oral Contraceptives

You could resolve hormonal-related acne with oral contraceptives. They contain progesterone and estrogen that decrease your skin’s sebum levels and treat acne.

Topical Treatments

Bacteria-fighting topical treatments can help you eliminate moderate acne.

In-Office Treatments

You could also opt for alternative treatment options, such as chemical peels, laser treatments, specialty facials, and mesotherapy to heal and treat acne scarring.

Treating Severe Acne

Treatments for the severe form of acne should be consulted by a dermatologist and can range from prescription medication and steroid injections to photodynamic therapy and drainage and extraction, which remove severe nodulocystic acne.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of acne and how to treat them is essential for your skincare regimen and for maintaining healthy skin.

Laserlicious is dedicated to helping you treat and improve various skin concerns, including acne and breakouts. Call us today at 647-409-0089 to book your consultation and learn how we can help resolve your acne problem.