6 Types of Acne

When we talk about acne, we tend to use various terms for it. These may be blemishes, bumps, pimples, or breakouts. There are plenty of words used to describe acne. This is because there are several different types of acne. Knowing the type of acne will help us get the perfect solution for it. The solution for acne can be difficult at times. However, awareness of causative factors for each type of acne can help you recover from it by addressing the root cause of the problem. 

Let us know about different types of acne. We will give some insights into the formation of different types of acne to address it the right way. Before we get started with it, let us provide you with some information on acne.

What Is Acne?  

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. This leads to the formation of bacteria in the clogged follicles causing acne. 

Depending on the severity of the problem, acne can be persistent or recurring. 

Incidence Of Acne  

Acne can occur at all ages. However, it is seen more commonly in teenagers and adults. It is commonly seen in women as they are more prone to hormonal imbalances than men. 

Acne typically appears on the following parts of the body which are as follows- 

• Face
• Forehead
• Chest
• Upper back
• Shoulders 

These parts of the body have higher sebaceous (oil) or sweat glands which makes them more prone to acne.

Causes Of Acne 

The main causes of acne are as follows- 

• Excessive oil or sebum production
• Hair follicles clogged by oil, dirt, grime, and dead skin cells
• Formation and multiplication of bacteria in clogged follicles
• Inflammation of the skin

Triggering Factors For Acne

 Certain triggering factors for acne are as follows- 

• Stress
• Aging
• Hormonal factors
• Dandruff
• Certain medications
• Family history of acne
• An unhealthy diet like oily, fast, and junk food
• Taking too much caffeine
• Alcohol and smoking
• Consumption of sweets
• Not removing makeup completely
• Using comedogenic makeup and skincare products 

All these factors will trigger the problem of acne. If these factors are not addressed at the right time, they may cause a sudden flare-up of acne which may be difficult to deal with in the long run. It is important to eliminate the causative factors of acne for beautiful healthy glowing skin.

6 Different Types Of Acne

The different types of acne are as follows- 

1. Whiteheads 

Whiteheads are types of acne that develop beneath the skin’s surface. Whiteheads are generally round and small in size. They may be covered by a thin layer of skin resulting in a whitish or yellowish appearance. This is a milder form of acne and is usually considered the first stage of acne. 

2. Blackheads 

Blackheads are similar to whiteheads in appearance. But, they may show up with a blackish pinpoint appearance on the skin. This may occur due to oxidation of the dirt and oil trapped in the skin pores which may give darkish-black discoloration. They are not covered by the skin. This is the 2nd stage of acne formation and is considered a mild form of acne as long as it is not affected by bacteria. 

3. Inflammatory papules 

Inflammatory papule formation occurs when the skin pores or hair follicles become clogged with bacteria. This mainly occurs when there is the release of WBC (White Blood Cells) by the immune system causing an inflammatory response. This results in the formation of red inflamed pimples. Oil and dead skin cells are triggering factors for this type of acne. This may be a moderate or severe form of acne. 

4. Inflammatory pustules 

Pustular acne is also caused by an inflammatory response of the skin. This causes the formation of pimples with pus composed of oil, dead skin cells, and the multiplication of bacteria. They are slightly larger than papules and may be painful to touch. Popping off this pus-filled acne may cause deeper skin infection which is difficult to deal with in future. 

5. Nodular acne 

Nodular acne is considered a severe form of acne. This is characterized by large, hard bumps which may develop underneath the skin surface. Nodular acne may be painful or painless with a bumpy appearance on skin. They may extend deeper into the skin layer affecting other healthy skin pores. These types of acne can cause permanent scarring. 

6. Cystic acne 

These are the worst form of acne and develop deep underneath the skin. This may occur due to severe inflammatory reactions in the skin pores causing boil-like pus-filled with nodules and bump formation which is hard to touch. This is commonly seen in women with hormonal changes during menstruation. 

These are the 6 forms of acne that are most commonly seen. Addressing the root cause of the problem is essential to eliminate the problem of acne. Remember, “Prevention is better than cure.” Maintaining healthy skin can help keep all types of acne infections at bay. This will help prevent acne flare ups in the future.