How to Identify the Different Types of Acne and Treat It
If you are facing recurring acne in your life, it is time to learn about the different types of acne to treat it effectively from the roots and attain clearer skin. Identifying the type of acne you are suffering from is key to successful acne treatment regime as each type is distinct.
Acne falls into two subtypes, noninflammatory or inflammatory. Read on below as we take a look at the different types of acne.
Noninflammatory Acne
• Whiteheads (closed comedones)
Whiteheads are white spots in the skins that form when a pore gets closed by sebum and dead skin cells. Excessive oil production can also cause the oil glands to become clogged. As such, the oil cannot reach the surface and is trapped between the skin layers as the pores are already closed. Whiteheads commonly appear on the chin and nose, that look like small blemishes with white “heads”.
Use products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide which can be helpful in decreasing the oil production, getting rid of dead skin cells and ultimately, prevent whiteheads.
• Blackheads (open comedones)
Blackheads are extremely common and can be identified by its tiny black dot-like appearance on the skin. Unlike whiteheads, they occur when an open pore is closed by sebum and dead skin cells. The black appearance happens when the dead skin, bacteria and other impurities inside the follicle react with air on the surface and become oxidized.
Use chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid, salicylic acid and glycolic acid that help to dissolve dead skin cells and unblock the pores. Supplement your skincare routine with weekly clay masks that can effectively draw out impurities from the skin and reduce the oil production.
Inflammatory Acne
Inflammatory acne refers to pimples that are red and swollen. Sebum and dead skin cells are not only the contributing factors, as bacteria can also clog up the pores and cause an infection beneath the surface of the skin. This can result in painful acne spots with scars that are hard to get rid of.
• Papules
Consider papules as the phase after whiteheads – where the presence of sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria have caused inflammation. Papules can be identified by their redness, swelling and feel tender to the touch without any pus.
• Pustules
Similar to papules, pustules are red bumps filled with whitish or yellowish pus. They may feel painful to the touch since they are inflammed. Highly refrain from picking or bursting these pimples as you will have to deal with a post-breakout scar that leaves a dark spot on your skin.
Severe Acne (Nodules, Cysts and Acne Conglobata)
If you experience large, red and inflamed bumps and blemishes on your face that last for months, it might be indicative of a more serious condition than your average acne problem.
Nodules are painful, hard lumps that are larger than pustules or papules. They are present deeper underneath the skin and occur when clogged and swollen pores face further irritation and inflammation.
Cysts vary in size and develop when clogs occur deep within the skin, further below the surface as compared to nodules. They are painful, large white or red bumps that are filled with pus and has a sac-like structure. The formation of a cyst usually results from a severe infection.
Acne Conglobata is a very severe yet rare form of inflammatory acne that appear with comedones, pustules, nodules, papules, and abscesses. It can persist for a very long time and leaves stubborn scarring.
Acne Treatment in Singapore
Noninflammatory acne can typically be resolved with topical products and over-the-counter medications that contain active ingredients known to be effective against acne. More aggressive acne treatment options available in Singapore may be needed for acne that do not respond to conventional methods, such as laser treatments.
If you are looking for one of the top aesthetic clinics in Singapore, our aesthetic doctors at The Clifford Clinic offer individualised acne treatment programme to help you achieve an effective solution and lasting cute for your acne problems, no matter the type of acne you have. The aesthetic procedures available include facial treatments, topical and oral therapy as well as laser treatments for acne scar removal. Book an appointment with us and start your journey to clearer skin today.