Different types of acne and how to remove them in the right way

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns in our lives and worldwide. It mostly affects teenagers and adults. While many people suffer from all breakouts under the term “acne,” the truth is that acne comes in different types, and each requires its own treatment approach. Using the wrong method and treatment can worsen breakouts, cause scarring, or irritate the skin. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of acne, what causes them, and the right way to remove and treat them for long-term clear skin.

How many types of acne are there?

Let’s see different types of acne and how to remove them in the right way.

1. Blackheads (Open Comedones)

Blackheads are small, dark, or black bumps caused by clogged pores filled with excess oil and dead skin. It may exist around our nose, chin, and forehead, where most excess sebum is produced. You can remove them by using skincare with salicylic acid cleansers or serum to unclog pores and dissolve the oil. You can also do gentle exfoliation with enzymes or chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA), which will help to remove dead skin cells.

Pro tips: Don’t squeeze or touch blackheads, which can irritate and enlarge pores.

2. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

Whiteheads are small, white, and yellowish bumps that become raised where oil and dead skin are trapped under the surface of the skin. It is located around the T-zone, where the excess sebum is mostly produced. It can also be removed by using salicylic acid or niacinamide to regulate oil production. Unlike topical retinoids, they are also effective in preventing buildup.

Pro tips: Avoid heavy, pore-clogging products that contain harsh chemicals, mineral oil, and alcohol.

Pro tips: Try to choose non-comedogenic and alcohol-free skincare.

3. Papules

Papules look like red, inflamed bumps without pus. Papules are small, solid, raised skin bumps that can appear anywhere on the body but are commonly found on the face, trunk, arms, and legs. The best way to treat papules is to use nonprescription options like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid, or other treatments containing these ingredients. Spot treatment with sulfur-based products can calm redness.

Pro tips: Don’t pick or press papules, which may lead to scars.

4. Pustules

Pustules are red pimples with a white or yellow pus-filled center with red edges. It can also be found almost everywhere on the body, especially on the face, neck, back, and chest. Try to use a gentle cleanser and topical benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Tea tree oil (diluted) can also help as an antibacterial option.

Pro tips: Don’t pop them up because it increases the infection risk that can lead to bacteria inside.

5. Nodules

Nodules are large, painful, solid lumps deep beneath the skin. It requires professional dermatological treatment (oral medication, prescription retinoids). You can use ice compresses to temporarily reduce swelling.

Pro tips: Avoid DIY extraction, like using scrubs, because nodules can leave deep scars.

6. Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is characterized by pus-filled, inflamed cysts beneath the skin’s surface. It requires oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin prescribed by a dermatologist. Try to take treatment like cortisone injections (in-clinic); it can quickly shrink large cysts. You can try to do daily gentle skincare with hydrating, non-irritating products, which is crucial.

Are acne and pimples the same?

Acne is a kind of skin disease that may have different types and symptoms and needs proper treatment depending on the condition. On the other hand, a pimple is a type of acne that has a certain condition and needs the right treatment.

What causes acne?

Acne can develop when pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. However, several underlying factors contribute to why acne appears and persists. These are

Excess Sebum (Oil Production)

If you have overproduction of sebaceous glands, they produce too much oil, leading to clogged pores.
This happens more commonly during puberty or hormonal changes.

Hormonal Changes

Whether you have been experiencing fluctuations in hormones (androgens, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or PCOS) that trigger acne.
This is why many adults experience “hormonal acne” around the jawline or chin.

Bacterial Overgrowth (Cutibacterium acnes)

When pores trap oil and dead skin, acne-causing bacteria multiply, leading to inflammation and redness.

Clogged Pores from Dead Skin Cells

Clogged pores may slow skin cell turnover, cause buildup, and block follicles.
Doing the right exfoliation helps prevent this situation.

Diet & Lifestyle

Eating high-glycemic foods (sugar, white bread, and processed snacks) and dairy may worsen acne.
Stress can increase cortisol, which stimulates oil glands. Stress can’t cause acne, but it can lead to the spread of acne.

Skincare & Makeup Products

Using comedogenic products (thick creams, oils, or heavy makeup) clogs pores.
Always choose “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” labels if you are wearing makeup, and try to remove makeup and dirt by doing double cleansing to avoid clogged pores.

Genetics

If acne runs in your family, you may be more prone to breakouts. This is a common case, so don’t be so stressed about yourself. You can try to reduce if you are following the right guidelines and strategy.

How to prevent acne?

We cannot avoid having acne completely. Anyone from a teenager to an adult can have acne at any age at any time. But we can try to reduce the risk of having acne by doing these practices to prevent acne.

Cleanse twice daily with a gentle, low-pH, and sulfate-free cleanser.
Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can damage the skin barrier.
Use non-comedogenic and oil-free skincare and makeup.
Maintain a balanced diet (limit high-sugar intake and dairy if they trigger your breakouts).
Never skip sunscreen during the day; even if you are not going outside in the sun, choose an oil-free, physical sunscreen or gel-based formula
Try to visit a dermatologist if your acne is persistent, painful, or scarring.

Skin care routine for acne with the recommended skincare from Japan and Korea

Let’s do the right skincare routine for acne together.

Morning;

Clean your face with a gentle and alcohol-free cleanser like the Puremer green tea cleanser.
Toning with alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and mineral-oil-free toner for deep hydrating with emuart essence lotion from Japan
Use the lightweight and calming serum that contains Centella asiatica, like the Puremer Reset Serum, to reduce redness and inflammation.
Use a moisturizer that is rich in ceramide to lock in moisture.
Use sunscreen like MDEAR UV silky protection with zinc oxide that can protect against UV rays and sun exposure

Night

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and do double cleansing to remove the dirt deeply by using Mdear Speedy Cleansing Gel.
Toning with Emuart lotion for hydration
Add Lumos acne serum to the area of concern for topical treatment
Follow up with moisturizer to avoid dryness and dehydration
Try to use the Yomogi clay mask for gentle exfoliation 2 to 3 times a week.

Common questions I get

1. Can I remove acne overnight?

Not usually. While spot treatments may reduce inflammation, acne needs consistent care and proper treatment to heal safely.

2. Is it okay to pop pimples?

No, popping pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to more breakouts and scars.

3. Do diet and stress affect acne?

Yes. High-sugar foods, dairy, and stress hormones can trigger breakouts in some people. A healthy lifestyle supports clear skin.

4. Which is better for acne: salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide?

While salicylic acid works best for blackheads and clogged pores, benzoyl peroxide is ideal for inflamed pimples and pustules.

5. When should I see a dermatologist for acne?

If you have painful nodules, cystic acne, or acne that leaves scars, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for prescription treatments.