6 Types of Breakouts and How to Handle Each One

Breakout Type #1: Blackheads

When it comes to identifying acne types, blackheads are one of the easiest. These small dark dots scattered across the nose or forehead are most likely black dots. What happens, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), is that your pores become clogged with excess sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells, and when that debris-filled pore is left open and oxidized by exposure to air, it forms dark skin. color clogging (aka blackhead). It may come as a surprise that this name is slightly incorrect; in fact, the oil that clogs your pores turns brown instead of black when exposed to air. Thank you Mayo Clinic for clearing this up for us!

While your immediate reaction may be to try to erase them, this is not the right way to deal with blackheads. Since they are not dirt, brushing will not help wash them off. In fact, it is likely that scrubbing can worsen the appearance of acne. Your best bet is to consult a dermatologist, who may recommend using cleansers with retinoids and benzoyl peroxide to reduce acne. If you don't see improvement from these types of topical treatments, your dermatologist may prescribe a prescription acne treatment or use special tools to remove blackheads from your skin - something you shouldn't try to do at home, as tempting as it may be. may be.

Breakout Type #2: Whiteheads

Whiteheads and blackheads are basically sister rashes. Very similar, but slightly different style. They both start the same way when your pores get clogged. The main difference, apart from their color, is that whiteheads have closed pores rather than being left open. When it closes, a tiny white or flesh-colored bump appears, and this is a white dot.

Because whiteheads are another form of clogged pores, you can treat them the same way you would treat blackheads. This means that if your skin suffers from both, you won't need separate products or treatments to deal with each type of breakout. Small silver lining! (When it comes to acne, we'll take it where we can.) 

Eruption Type #3: Papules

Now it's time to talk about acne. Yes, the words "acne", "acne" and "pimple" can be used interchangeably, but pimples are something else. According to the Cleveland Clinic, although whiteheads and blackheads are the earliest visible sign of acne, they can progress into pimples. These pimples form when excess sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells penetrate deeper into the skin, causing redness and swelling. You will see small red bumps or papules. They feel hard to the touch, and AAD even likens the feel to sandpaper. Talk about rough texture!

Removing papules is not so different from how you take care of a perfectly clear complexion. You'll want to keep washing your face twice a day, but instead of using the old cleanser you have near the sink, switch to a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are two ingredients that help with acne. In more extreme cases, it's always a good idea to make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Eruption Type #4: Pustules

If you find yourself popping pimples frequently (hey, kick that bad habit), chances are you have pustules. These pus-filled pimples are very similar to papules, except that they contain a yellowish fluid. When you look at them, you usually see a yellow or white center, which is pus at the tip.

While they can be tempting, especially if you're a fan of all those ever popular social media videos popping pimples, it's certainly not the best way to deal with pimples. You are probably wrong, definitely you want to limit the chance of scarring, so skip the pops. Instead, wash your face regularly with a cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for at least 6 to 8 weeks. If you don't see improvement after this time, that's a good sign that you should see a dermatologist.

Breakthrough Type #5: Nodules

As if acne wasn't enough to deal with the pain, sometimes it does hurt a lot. If this applies to your acne, you may have acne nodules. The Mayo Clinic states that nodules are large, hard, painful growths that lie under the surface of the skin.

If you think your pimples are nodules, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. According to the AAD, nodules can cause scarring, and the sooner you and your dermatologist address them, the fewer permanent scars you're likely to have.

Breakthrough Type #6: Cysts

Nodules are not the only type of acne that can cause you pain. Cysts are just as painful, but instead of being hard lumps, they are filled with pus. Oh joy.

Of course, cysts still require a visit to a dermatologist, as they are just as likely to lead to permanent scarring.

That's it - six types of acne! Now you are in the know.