Introduction

Acne is a very common skin illness that can occur in anyone of any age, not only teenagers. While it may appear as simple pimples on the surface, acne is a complex illness that is influenced by so many factors such as hormones, heredity, way of life, and skincare. In order to be able to treat and control acne more effectively, it is best to know about the various types of acne and the causes of each.

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when hair follicles beneath the skin are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. It causes inflammation, which results in pimples, blackheads, or cysts. 

Some of the main reasons for acne are:

Overproduction of Sebum: Hyperactive sebaceous glands release enormous quantities of sebum, clogging pores.

Hormonal fluctuations: During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress, the hormone levels increase, leading to more acne.

Bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes, which is one of the bacteria, can worsen inflammation of clogged pores.

Inadequate skincare routine: Using strong products or failing to clean your skin well can dry it out and clog pores.

Diet and Lifestyle: Consuming high sugar, oily foods, stress, and lack of sleep can lead to acne breakouts.

Genetics: If acne is prevalent among your relatives, you may be prone to it as well.

Types of Acne

1. Blackheads (Open Comedones)

Blackheads occur when pores are half-clogged with dead skin and excess oil. The pore is still open, and the oxidation is what darkens it. They are usually not painful but can cause dull, rough skin.

2. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

Whiteheads are tiny, raised pimples caused by blocked pores that are closed at the top. They differ from blackheads, which are white or flesh-colored, and are usually harder to treat.

3. Papules

Papules are small, inflamed, red bumps that are not pus-filled. Papules are tender to the touch or painful and become more severe if picked or squeezed.

4. Pustules

Pustules are pimples filled with pus. They are red at the base and all have a yellow or white head. If not treated properly, they tend to leave marks or scars.

5. Nodules

Nodules are hard, sensitive lumps below the skin due to severe infection and inflammation. They take a long time to heal and are often treated by a physician.

6. Cystic Acne

The most severe form is cystic acne. It appears as large, tender pimples that are filled with pus beneath the skin. This forms scars and creates emotional issues, so you usually must consult a professional.

How to Cure Acne

Though there is no one cure, the right combination of treatment and good skincare routines can effectively treat acne.

Gentle Cleansing: Gently wash your face twice daily to remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities without drying your skin.

Exfoliation: A weekly or bi-weekly natural face scrub can get rid of dead skin cells, unclog pores, and soften skin texture. Steer clear of abrasive scrubs that burn acne skin.

Hydration: Even greasy or acne-prone skin requires moisture. Apply a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Balanced Diet: Consume less sugary, fried, and processed foods. Consume more vegetables, fruits, and water for glowing skin.

Don't Touch Your Face: Squeezing or touching pimples makes acne worse and spreads germs.

Stress Management: Practice yoga, meditation, or exercise on a daily basis to regulate hormones and avoid stress-related acne.

Professional Treatments: For severe cases, dermatologists may prescribe topical retinoids, antibiotics, or procedures like chemical peels and laser treatment.

How to Treat Acne?

• Wash your face once you sweat.

• Use facial moisturizers that are "non-comedogenic."

• Remove makeup before sleeping.

• Have consistent sleep routines.

• Apply sunscreen to shield your skin from darkening and coloration.

FAQs

1. Do adults develop acne:
Acne is actually not limited to teenagers. Acne can also be suffered by adults due to hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle.

2. Is eating greasy or chocolate food the reason for acne:
Diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats may lead to hormonal problems and inflammation, making acne worse.

3. Will acne heal on its own:
Mild acne will resolve with proper treatment, but regular or persistent acne usually needs to be treated.

4. Is exfoliating beneficial to acne:
Yes, mild exfoliating with a face polisher removes dead skin cells and clogs pores, but over-exfoliating irritates the skin.

5. Can acne scars be removed:
Acne scars can become less noticeable over time. Healing can be accelerated with chemical peels, micro needling, or laser therapy.

Conclusion

Acne is a prevalent but frustrating skin ailment that occurs in various forms — from simple blackheads to red, painful cysts. By understanding the forms of acne and how it develops, you are able to make informed decisions for your skin and take actions to stop it. Washing your face daily, carefully exfoliating dead skin cells, maintaining your skin's moisture, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent breakouts. For severe cases, consulting a skin physician is the best option.

Disclaimer

This article is for information only and is not intended to replace medical advice. If you have poor or chronic acne, consult a dermatologist for treatment.