Have you been dealing with acne for the majority of your life? If so, then it is high time you get to know various types of acne to get a better understanding of what kind of acne you have. Whilst acne is often associated as merely a teenage problem, it can strike at any age. In your teenage years, acne usually tends to appear on your T-zone, however adult acne generally manifests more across your cheeks and jawline. Whichever type of acne you may suffer from, it surely can have a debilitating effect on your self-esteem. In fact, a recent study by Oman Medical Journal found that it can have a negative impact on your self-confidence and quality of life by making you feel anxious, depressed, angry or overwhelmed. But worry not, we understand your concern which is why we are here to give you an in-depth knowledge that will help you in your journey to cure acne.
What is acne?
Acne is a chronic skin problem which affects every 4 out of 5 people during the age of 11 to 30 years. Your skin pores open to follicles that are made of hair and sebaceous (oil) gland. These follicles secrete sebum which travels through your hair strand onto your skin. However, when your skin begins producing more sebum (oil) than required, it results in acne. Apart from that, bacteria and dead skin cells tend to clog the pores of your skin, thereby leading to recurring acne, irregular sebum production and skin inflammation.
There are various types of acne, which can be classified majorly into 2 types, namely, non- inflammatory and inflammatory. Here’s an insight into the various types of acne.
What are the types of acne?
Non-inflammatory acne- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Sebaceous Filaments
- Papules
- Pustules
- Nodules
- Cysts
ACNE TYPE I: Non-inflammatory acne
Non-inflammatory acne generally does not cause redness or swelling. However, many pieces of research state that non-inflamed comedones may turn into a pimple if the bacteria invade. These are characterized by congestion of the skin. Let us have a look at various types of non-inflammatory acne to get a better understanding.
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Blackheads
Blackhead is one of the most common kinds of mild and non- inflammatory acne. Also known as open-comedones, you are likely to notice these around your nasal area. Leading dermatologist reveals that blackheads are the pesky hair follicles or pores that get clogged with sebum and dead skin cells present on your skin.
One such culprit behind the cause of blackheads can be lack of skin hygiene. If you tend to keep your makeup for longer hours or not cleanse your face thoroughly, it can clog skin pores, which leads to blackheads. Besides this, the other factors that lead to blackheads are hormones, diet, puberty, menstruation, smoking etc.
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Whiteheads
Whiteheads are also known as closed-comedones. When excessive sebum is produced by your body, your skin pores get clogged with dead cells and bacteria along with sebum. This tends to close and fill up your pores with white pus while forming a small bump on your skin.
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Sebaceous Filaments
The sebaceous filaments are tiny collections of sebum (oil) and dead skin cells around your hair follicles. Over time, several pieces of research that these are naturally occurring and mostly on your nasal area. The dots may even resemble the head of a pin and appear yellow, grey or clear etc. However, they are less visible and have a smooth texture. It is best to avoid them during the early stages to avoid an increase in their number.
ACNE TYPE II: Inflammatory acne
Inflammatory acne is when your pimples appear red and swollen. When a bacterium gets caught deep inside your skin, along with sebum and dead cells, it causes inflammation and infection which further leads to painful acne. Various kinds of inflammatory acne are:
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Papules
Papules are the small red bumps on the skin which tends to be painful and sensitive. A study conducted reveals that papules occur when the inflammation breaks the wall around the pores making your skin appear pink. It is best advised to avoid touching them as the inflammation may increase.
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Pustules
Pustules are small bumps on your skin caused by the hormonal changes taking place in your body. They tend to appear as white bumps containing fluid or pus and surrounded by red skin. These white bumps may appear similar to pimples, however, can grow quite big. Pustules can develop on any part of your body, although they usually develop on your back, chest and face.
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Nodules
Nodules are determined by the growth of abnormal tissues. Unlike other inflammatory acne, nodules develop just below your skin. They can also appear in deeper tissues of your skin or internal organs. These are generally described as a lump that’s at least 1 centimetre in size and normally develop around your armpits, head and neck region, groin etc.
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Cysts
Cysts appear rather small and soft on the outside but are penetrated deep inside your skin. They are filled with white gooey pus on the top. Various studies state that when unwanted bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells combine, it makes your pores clog and form a cyst These are known to be quite common and can occur everywhere on your body.
Undoubtedly, feeling self-conscious about acne is not a matter of vanity – it's about feeling comfortable in your own skin. However, now that you are armed with this valuable insight into the different types of acne and their causes, it would be a cakewalk to travel smoothly on the journey towards a clear complexion! Upgrading your skincare routine according to your skin type and concerns, while religiously following it is highly essential to curb your acne. Aside from that, spend some time recognizing your thoughts related to acne. It is essential to understand how acne impacts you and examine the thoughts that are overly critical and harsh. Neglecting acne only leads to an increase in acne scarring on your skin, PIH (Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) etc, which is why treating them at the earliest is necessary. Keep in mind that clear skin doesn’t happen overnight, rather requires time equipped with consistency and correct knowledge. Getting an insight will help you surely treat your acne effectively. Not just that, it will also help you achieve clear and glowing skin you’ve always desired!
P.S.
Since you are ready to win the fight against acne, it is essential to know the importance of topical treatment and how they help you cure acne effectively. Top dermatologists claim that topical treatments not only treat your active acne without causing dryness but also helps to destroy any acne-causing bacteria, which prevents any future breakouts. Certain key ingredients like Rice Bran Extract and Boswellia Serrata Extract contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that treat your acne while soothing any irritation caused by acne.
