Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, yet no two cases look the same. From tiny white bumps to painful cysts, the types of acne on the face vary widely, and so does the way each type should be treated. Understanding your acne is the first step toward treating it effectively and preventing long-term scarring. This guide breaks down the 7 types of acne, their causes, symptoms, and the best treatment options to help you make informed decisions about your skin.
Acne forms when pores become blocked with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, or bacteria. But the cause of acne differs from person to person. Here are the most common triggers behind different types of acne:
Most people experience multiple triggers at once, which is why identifying your exact acne type is so essential.
Although symptoms vary by the types of acne, most people notice:
If these symptoms persist despite basic home care, it may indicate a more stubborn form of acne requiring dermatologist-led treatment.
Here are the 7 types of acne dermatologists commonly diagnose. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right treatment approach.
Whiteheads form when a pore becomes blocked with oil and dead skin cells but remains closed at the surface, creating a small, white bump. They are non-inflammatory but can progress into papules or pustules if bacteria multiply.
Blackheads occur when a clogged pore stays open, allowing the trapped debris to oxidise and turn dark, but this is not dirt. They commonly appear in oily areas like the nose and chin.
Papules develop when the wall of a clogged pore breaks down under pressure or from irritation, causing redness and inflammation. They do not contain pus but indicate early inflammatory acne.
Pustules are inflamed lesions containing visible pus, formed when bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells build up inside a pore. They can rupture easily, and picking them increases the risk of marks.
Nodules are severe, painful bumps that form deep under the skin. They develop when blocked pores trigger intense inflammation at the deeper layers of the skin. Nodular acne often persists for weeks and may leave scars if untreated.
Cysts are among the most severe forms of acne, forming deep within the skin and filled with pus. They are soft to the touch, often painful, and can cause long-term scarring due to deeper infection.
Unlike bacterial acne, this type is caused by an overgrowth of yeast within the hair follicles.
It appears as uniform, itchy bumps, particularly on the forehead, chest, and back, and does not respond to typical acne products.
There is no universal treatment, because different types of acne and treatment must match correctly. Here are the most effective options:
Best for whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and mild pustules.
Dermatologists may recommend:
Used for moderate to severe acne types.
These professional procedures accelerate results and treat all types of acne, including stubborn breakout cycles.
Chemical peels use medically formulated acids to exfoliate dead cells, dissolve excess oil, and clear clogged pores. They help control active acne, smooth rough texture, and lighten post-acne pigmentation for a more even complexion. By boosting cell turnover, they reveal fresher, brighter skin beneath. These peels also support healthier skin renewal and prevent future breakouts. Ideal for oily, congested, and acne-prone skin types.
This multi-step treatment deeply cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, and hydrates the skin using vortex technology. It removes blackheads, whiteheads, and buildup without irritation, while infusing calming serums that soothe inflammation and redness. The treatment restores balance to oily areas and hydrates dry patches simultaneously. Over time, it reduces acne flare-ups and improves overall skin clarity. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
These advanced treatments work at deeper layers of the skin to repair acne scars, pits, and discolouration. Laser helps even out pigmentation and resurface damaged areas, while microneedling stimulates collagen to reduce pits and unevenness. PRP further accelerates healing and boosts smoothness and overall radiance. Together, they restore a more refined, precise, and uniform skin texture. Ideal for moderate-to-severe scarring or long-term acne damage.
These dermatologist-approved habits help prevent recurrence:
You should consider consulting an expert if:
Early intervention prevents scarring and ensures that your facial acne is treated correctly.
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Why Choose Bodycraft: We personalise every acne treatment so your skin feels cared for, balanced, and confident, without harsh chemicals or guesswork. Our experts gently guide you through solutions for all types of acne, helping your skin look clear, healthy, and naturally radiant. Book your consultation today. |
Understanding the different types of acne can help you choose the proper skincare and treatment path. From mild whiteheads to severe cystic acne, each type requires a tailored approach. With expert dermatologist care and advanced treatments, achieving clear, healthy skin is absolutely possible.
Observe size, colour, presence of pus, and pain. A dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis through a professional assessment.
Hormones, oil production, bacteria, clogged pores, fungal imbalance, and lifestyle factors can all lead to different types of acne.
While the different types of acne on the face cannot always be “permanently cured,” it can be controlled long-term with the proper routine, medications, and clinical treatments.