Acne, which is a complicated skin disorder, can manifest itself in a variety of ways. In spite of the fact that every single pimple is theoretically generated in the same manner—dead skin, oil, and debris cling together and block the pores—it is possible for it to develop into a variety of different sorts of blemishes and imperfections. Some of them are huge, red, and tender to the touch (like cysts), while others are scattered across your skin and cause textural difficulties (like blackheads and whiteheads).
In this article, we will discuss the seven different varieties of acne, the factors that create them, and the most effective treatments for each type of acne. When it comes to treatments, the advice that we offer here is only scratching the surface. Acne treatment takes a holistic approach, as factors such as nutrition, stress, and sleep can all have an impact on the problem. However, the focus of this article will be on particular ingredients that specifically target each blemish.
Differences Between Non-Inflammatory and Inflammatory Acne
Each type of acne can be classified into one of two categories: non-inflammatory or inflammatory. However, it is important to note that an inflammatory response is the root cause of all acne, regardless of the type. On the other hand, there are some types that are more painful, swollen, and angry than others; these types are referred to be “inflammatory.” It is possible to classify pustules, pustules, nodules, and cysts as belonging to this category because they are all typically painful and red.
On the other hand, acne that is considered to be “non-inflammatory” causes mounds that are less noticeable; these are the whiteheads, blackheads, and subclinical breakouts that you have. The bumps, which are also known as comedonal acne, are normally flesh-toned, with the exception of blackheads, which are darker in color. This type of acne is typically caused by clogged hair follicles and can be found in areas of the face that have heavier oil production, such as the chest, the back, and the T-zone area of the face.
Acne that does not produce inflammation can develop into inflammatory acne in the future if there is an excess of bacteria, notably Cutibacterium acnes1. This can result in the release of inflammatory cytokines and messengers, which can lead to clinical inflammation. Once more, inflammation is the root cause of all acne on some level.
There are whiteheads.
When closed comedones are present, they take the form of whiteheads, which are little bumps on the surface of the skin that are either white or flesh-colored. However, whiteheads are not the same as pustules, which are huge, sensitive pimples that have a large pus-filled center. We will discuss pustules in a later section. As a result of the fact that whiteheads do not produce inflammation, they are significantly less noticeable. Consider the manifestation of fleshy bumps on the skin, which are brought on by dead skin, excess oil, and debris in general that obstruct the pores.
Treatment options include: • Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs): removing dead skin might assist you prevent clogging your pores in the first place. The use of salicylic acid is recommended for individuals with oily skin because it is oil-soluble, which enables it to infiltrate the pores. On the other hand, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid are typically more moisturizing and are more suited for individuals with dry or sensitive skin types.
- Retinol: Retinoids and retinol work together to improve the normal turnover process of the skin, which helps to prevent dead skin cells from building up in the pores during treatment. A variety of outstanding Retinal Serums are available from Osmosis Skincare. These serums are formulated with pharmaceutical-grade liposomal retinaldehyde and proprietary nutrients that go beyond the surface of the skin to nourish and rebuild the skin.
- Get peels on a regular basis: Although there is a possibility that nodular acne is caused by a genetic factor, regular chemical peels performed in the office can help remove extra dead skin and stimulate cell turnover. This, in turn, can help prevent pores and nodules from becoming clogged over time.
- Pore-clearing masks: Ingredients such as activated charcoal and clay are commonly used in pore-clearing masks because they remove excess oil and muck from the pores, so preventing blemishes from appearing on the skin.
Skin blemishes
The only difference between blackheads and whiteheads is that blackheads are what are known as open comedones. Whiteheads are formed when the pore becomes plugged with muck and oil, just like blackheads. An open comedone, also known as a blackhead, is formed when the debris is exposed to the air. On the other hand, a closed comedone, also known as a whitehead, is formed when the debris is located just below the surface of the skin and is not permitted to be exposed to the air. Their darkening of hue is due to the fact that they were exposed to air.
How to deal with it.
Due to the fact that blackheads and whiteheads are both cut from the same fabric (with the exception of the oxidation of the plug), you can treat both in a manner that is quite comparable:
- AHAs, BHAs, and clays: Cleansers that contain salicylic acid, clay masks, and chemical exfoliants that contain alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids are all effective ways to exfoliate the skin and reduce the likelihood of your skin forming blackheads. Osmosis Skincare’s Deep is a detoxifying cleanser that works to eliminate deep pollutants and produces an exhilarating clean. It is an ideal choice in this situation when it comes to cleansing.
- Items that eliminate blackheads: There is a plethora of treatments on the market that are specifically designed to address this issue. These products range from daily toners to blackhead masks to treatment gels. However, you won’t find any pore strips because they do not actually remove the plug at its source.
- Homemade masks: There is a wide variety of natural compounds that have the ability to gently dissolve dead skin cells and remove debris from pores. One of these natural components is Cranberry Enzyme, which is an essential component of the Cranberry Enzyme Mask.
Acne that is not yet clinical
Although the phrase “subclinical acne” is not used in the field of dermatology, it is frequently discussed in the context of skin care, which is why it has earned a place on our list. Whiteheads are synonymous with the term “congested skin,” which is essentially just a fancy way of expressing “congested skin.”
Despite the fact that these flesh-colored lumps never appear to “come to a head,” they have the potential to develop into pustules or pimples if they end up becoming irritated, which is something that can occur if they are not treated. They do not cause any discomfort and, in most cases, do not result in scarring or discolouration of the skin.
- Salicylic acid: BHAs are excellent for comedonal acne because the component may go deep into the pores and help break up the debris that is clogging the pores. This particular treatment is effective for comedonal acne.
In addition, retinol is an excellent choice for preventing comedones, as stated previously. Comedolytic is a term that describes the action that topical retinoids have, which means that they help to prevent and treat clogged pores. They are able to enhance the turnover of skin cells and minimize the likelihood of cells and keratin debris to clump together, which is the reason why this is the consequence. - Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide has the ability to eliminate bacteria that are responsible for acne and to assist in the disintegration of pore-clogging factors such as dead skin cells, which can result in subclinical acne. If you do use retinols, you should use a face wash that contains benzoyl peroxide in the morning. This will allow you to utilize retinol at night, as the interaction that occurs between benzoyl peroxide and retinoids (or retinols) causes both of them to be less effective.
- Get peels on a regular basis: Although there is a possibility that nodular acne is caused by a genetic factor, regular chemical peels performed in the office can help remove extra dead skin and stimulate cell turnover. This, in turn, can help prevent pores and nodules from becoming clogged over time.
Papules (plural)
Papules are a type of inflammatory acne because they have the appearance of solid red lumps, whereas pustules have pus at the top of the infection. A papule is the red bump that is commonly associated with acne. It is considered to be the most characteristic of acne. They begin as a comedone, which can be either closed or open, and they become inflammatory when bacteria that dwells on the skin overgrows inside of a pore that is plugged.
The following are some of the ways that you can treat it: • Aloe vera: Aloe vera is loaded with anti-inflammatory vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and amino acids that can help relieve papules. Additionally, it contains natural salicylic acids that can help unplug the acne at its beginning. Additionally, aloe has some antibacterial properties: it was discovered that applying aloe topically in conjunction with tretinoin cream, which is a retinoid that requires a prescription, was useful in treating both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne3.
- Benzoyl peroxide: This product eliminates the bacterium that causes acne, known as P. acnes, which is found in our hair follicles. Additionally, it assists in the formation and removal of dead skin cells that are responsible for clogging our pores. Because of this, benzoyl peroxide is exceptional for the treatment of furious papules. Although it can be effective for comedonal acne, it is primarily praised for its ability to reduce the size of inflammatory pimples.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil possesses antimicrobial characteristics and has the ability to reduce the amount of bacteria that cause acne on the skin when it is applied to acne lesions. In point of fact, a trial that was controlled by a placebo and double-blind indicated that a tea tree oil gel blend containing 5% was an effective treatment for acne that ranged from mild to moderate. An additional benefit of tea tree oil is that it is anti-inflammatory, which means that it has the capacity to calm and alleviate skin that is irritated, itchy, red, and swollen. Instead of applying tea tree oil directly to the skin, you should always dilute the powerful essential oil with a carrier. You should never use tea tree oil directly to the skin.
Blue light therapy, which employs light in the 415 nm range, is absorbed by porphyrin. This type of therapy is classified as blue light therapy. Porphyrin is found in high concentrations in the bacteria that cause acne, P. acnes. When blue light is absorbed, an oxygen free-radical is produced, which is then released into the bacteria, resulting in the bacteria’s death.
Pustules (plural)
It is important to note that papules frequently develop into pustules. A painful pustule is formed when a red papule develops into a white head that is filled with pus. It is common for people to confuse these white heads with nothing more than a “whitehead,” yet in clinical derm terminology, these two terms refer to two entirely different phenomena. As soon as you notice the head of the pimple forming, you could feel tempted to squeeze it, but you should make an effort to stay away from this urge. When it comes to extractions, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional rather than doing the procedure on oneself. Not only can this result in scarring (which in certain instances can be permanent, including pitting), permanent dark spots, and infections, but it can also lead to scarring.
The following are some methods for treating pustules: • Ice: Pustules are inflamed and swollen mounds. And how can we find a way to reduce the swelling? The ice! Not only does the cool temperature offer a calming sensation, but it also confines circulation, which reduces the amount of blood that flows to the area and reduces the amount of inflammation that is there. A cold treatment skin stimulation is utilized during our professional acne facials that are performed in the salon.
If you have a spot treatment, serum, or mask that contains acne-fighting chemicals (retinol, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, benzoyl peroxide, witch hazel, etc.), such as Osmosis Clarify Retinal Serum, you may always apply it to the blemish before going to bed. This is an effective method for treating acne. Due to the fact that the additional dose can help clear pores and treat the breakout, it is an excellent tip to reduce the size of pimples overnight.
Porphyrin is able to absorb blue light in the 415 nm range, which is the part of blue light that is used in blue light therapy treatments. Porphyrin is found in high concentrations in the bacteria that cause acne, P. acnes. When blue light is absorbed, an oxygen free-radical is produced, which is then released into the bacteria, resulting in the bacteria’s death.
Nodules (plural)
Nodular acne and cystic acne are two of the most severe forms of acne. However, nodules are more hard than cysts and more widespread than regular pimples. There are also other types of acne that are more severe. It is possible to find this type of acne on the face as well as the body, and it frequently has the sensation of solid knots under the skin.
It is common for nodules to be rather painful to the touch, despite the fact that they may have a flesh-toned or red appearance. Nodules have the appearance of hard lesions that feel like lumps under the skin.
A holistic esthetician and a dermatologist should be consulted in order to treat it accordingly. First, this type of acne is typically the direct result of, or a complicating factor of, imbalances in the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract (often the result of food sensitivities or allergies, or an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeasts – see 7 Foods That Can Cause Acne), hormonal imbalances, and other factors within the body. Diet is the most effective place to begin when dealing with this kind of acne. In the event that these preliminary attempts do not adequately resolve your nodular acne, we strongly advise you to consult a specialist. Over-the-counter acne medications are just not effective against nodules like acne. It is quite unlikely that your dermatologist will be able to offer much assistance in terms of lifestyle recommendations, which may include nutritional concerns that could be contributing to your acne. In order to treat and prevent the formation of any new lesions, your dermatologist will be able to prescribe drugs, which may include topical and systemic therapy such as antibiotics (such as tetracycline, mincocycline, or eryhtromycin), oral contraceptives, or isotretinoin (also known as Accutane). It is possible that these medications will be helpful in treating the systems; nevertheless, they will not be able to treat the fundamental cause of your acne and will not provide you with the clear, radiant perfection that we all crave (in addition, they all have side effects and other complications).
Get peels on a regular basis: There may be a genetic component to nodular acne; however, if you have a family history of the condition, getting frequent chemical peels in the office can help remove excess dead skin and induce cell turnover, which, in turn, can help avoid clogged pores and nodules over time.
- Look for additives that brighten the appearance: When it comes to scarring, nodules have a higher risk. A brightening agent, such as vitamin C or arbutin, can help reduce scarring or hyperpigmentation over time. This is especially helpful if you have noticed scarring or hyperpigmentation. Osmosis Catalyst AC-11 DNA Repair Serum is a remarkable choice that cannot be overlooked. Reversing the effects of aging, reducing pigmentation, reducing scar tissue, clearing capillaries, and increasing skin elasticity are all possible with the help of this professionally proven serum that triggers the repair processes of our own natural cells.
The cysts
Cystic acne is distinguished from other types of acne by the fact that it never manifests itself on the surface of the skin. Cystic acne is characterized by inflamed lesions that originate deep within the skin and are frequently quite enormous in size. To add insult to injury, cysts, in contrast to hard nodules, can be tender to the touch; in fact, they are frequently swollen and tender.
Methods of treatment: • Chamomile: This herb has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to heal wounds and skin irritations. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics may help lessen the uncomfortable swelling that is associated with this condition. Chamomile in topical skin care products has the ability to calm and soothe the skin when it is applied to the skin.
The inflammation that is linked with cystic acne is so severe that cysts are more likely to leave scars than other types of acne. It has been mentioned on multiple occasions that retinol has the power to prevent blemishes and outbreaks; however, it also has the potential to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Retinoids, in addition to removing dead skin cells, function by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that are responsible for the production of melanin, which ultimately leads to a more even skin tone. Once more, we strongly suggest using Osmosis Clarify Retinal Serum as a cure for acne.
Additionally, Refer yourself to a dermatologist and/or an esthetician: Diet, stress reduction, and other treatments that can be done at home can be helpful; nevertheless, they should not be your only plan of action by any means. In the end, cystic acne should always be treated in collaboration with a professional, and the most worst thing you can do for cystic breakouts is to touch, squeeze, or try to pop the lesions. This is the most dangerous thing you can do.
What You Should Take Away
You cannot expect to treat each area in the same manner because acne is a complicated skin problem that is caused by a number of different triggers and contributing factors. The classification of your blemishes is a good place to begin because different types of acne require different kinds of components. Some of these ingredients are more effective than others. Diet, stress reduction, and other lifestyle aspects should be included in any treatment plan that is developed.
