Acne 101

Types of acne

Your unique skin dictates the type of acne you may experience. While some may only develop blackheads and/or whiteheads, others may struggle with red, raised and potentially painful lesions. Acne falls into two distinct categories: Non-inflammatory and inflammatory.5

Non-inflammatory acne

This type of acne includes clogged pores (comedones) that lead to blackheads and/or whiteheads. Blackheads are open comedones, and their dark appearance is the result of oxidation that occurs when sebum and dead skin cells within the pore are exposed to the air and other environmental factors. Whiteheads are closed comedones that lead to a white or yellow bumps that are trapped beneath the uppermost layers of skin. Non-inflammatory acne generally does not cause redness or tenderness around the lesions. However, if you have a hard time getting these blemishes under control with an over-the-counter skincare regimen, a dermatologist can recommend products and ingredients that help improve non-inflammatory acne.

Inflammatory acne

When a blemish becomes red or tender, it’s considered inflammatory acne. These lesions may have a white center, or reside deeper in the skin. The specific types of inflammatory acne include: 5

• Papules: Red or pink bumps under the skin’s surface
• Pustules: Large, tender bumps with a defined pus-filled center
• Nodules: Large, inflamed bumps beneath the skin that are tender to the touch
• Cysts: Large, pus-filled lesions that resemble boils

Nodules and cysts are considered to be the most severe type of acne, and are more likely to lead to long-term scarring.5 If you experience these types of blemishes, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist who can recommend the ideal treatment approach—which often includes prescription-based antibiotics and other topical treatments.6