Acne is a condition of the skin that arises when the hair follicles clog with dead skin cells and oil. It leads to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, acne causes blemishes and marks on the skin as well. This skin condition is prevalent among teenagers. But you can also see it in adults and older adults. Generally, acne tends to be persistent.
There can be various reasons behind it, like stress, hormonal change, and environmental elements like pollution. It’s essential to invest in a highly researched pimple treatment that targets acne caused by being sulfate and alcohol-free.
Such products minimize the chances of skin irritation and accumulation of dirt on the skin. Given below are the different types of acne and how they feel to a person.
Comedones
It is a basic type of acne lesion, a hair follicle that is blocked with oil. It also has a lot of dead skin cells. Comedones turn into bumps. They are also known as whiteheads and blackheads.
Various products may lead to the formation of comedones on your skin. These products are generally ‘comedogenic.’ That’s why you should only apply those cosmetics whose label has the word non-comedogenic in it.
Papules
These are comedones that swell up or inflame and form tiny red or pink bumps on a person’s skin. Papules may feel very sensitive when you touch them.
Also, never pick or squeeze them as it results in more inflammation. Excessive inflammation can cause scarring. If you have multiple papules, it may be a case of moderate to severe acne.
Pustules
They have inflamed or swollen pimples. Pustules look like a whitehead but with a red ring surrounding the bump. The bump contains yellow or white pus. Remember never to squeeze or pick pustules. It can result in dark spots or scars appearing on your skin.
Nodules
These are large, swollen bumps. When you touch them, they’ll feel quite firm. Nodules develop deep inside a person’s skin. They are very painful. It’s essential to treat this acne by consulting a professional dermatologist since they can also scar over time.
This type of acne occurs in the back, chest, and face. They can last for months or weeks. Nodules do not form a whitehead and stay as hard and firm knots inside the skin. Drugstore treatment products do not usually yield any results on them. So, you should take prescription drugs from your dermatologist to clear them.
Cysts
They are prominent lesions that are filled with pus and resemble boils. Similar to nodules, cysts are pretty painful. They should also be treated by a professional dermatologist as they can scar.
Cysts, along with nodules, come in the category of severe forms of acne. Cystic acne usually improves as you age. But the painful and stubborn bumps of this acne do not disappear on their own. So, prescription medication is necessary for their treatment.
Mild Acne
You have mild acne if you have less than 20 blackheads or whiteheads, 15 swelled bumps and less than 30 lesions. This acne is treatable with drugstore medications. It can take you up to two months to see visible improvement in your skin with these medications.
Everyone having acne-prone skin and active acne on their skin needs to be very cautious about using different skincare products. You should invest in a treatment that directly addresses the acne causes, like overproduction of sebum and retaining moisture in your skin. Don’t forget to follow a proper skincare regime to keep your skin healthy.