Types of Acne
Understanding the different types of acne — from whiteheads and blackheads to cystic and hormonal breakouts.
10 articles
Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): What They Are, Why They Form, and How to Get Rid of Them
Those small, flesh-colored bumps that won't pop? They're closed comedones — and they require a completely different approach than regular pimples. Here's what dermatologists recommend.
Blackheads (Open Comedones): Why They're Dark, How to Remove Them Safely, and What Actually Prevents Them
Blackheads aren't caused by dirt — they're oxidized oil plugs in open pores. Here's the science behind why they form and the dermatologist-approved ways to actually get rid of them.
Papules: Understanding Small Red Acne Bumps and How to Treat Them
Those small, red, tender bumps without a visible head? They're papules — a sign your acne has become inflammatory. Here's what's happening beneath the surface and what to do about it.
Pustules: The Classic Pimple — What's Inside, Should You Pop It, and How to Treat It
Pustules are what most people picture when they think 'pimple' — red bumps with a white or yellow center. Here's what's actually inside them, whether popping is ever okay, and what dermatologists recommend.
Nodular Acne: Understanding Deep, Painful Acne Bumps and Why They Need Professional Treatment
Hard, painful lumps deep under the skin that won't come to a head? That's nodular acne — a severe form that requires medical treatment. Here's what causes it and what actually works.
Cystic Acne: The Most Severe Form of Acne — Causes, Treatment, and What to Expect
Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne — large, painful, fluid-filled lesions deep under the skin. Here's what causes it, why it's so hard to treat, and what actually works.
Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis): Why Your 'Acne' Might Not Be Acne at All
If your acne isn't responding to any treatment, it might not be acne. Fungal acne is caused by yeast overgrowth, not bacteria — and it requires a completely different treatment approach.
Hormonal Acne Patterns: How to Identify Hormone-Driven Breakouts by Location and Timing
Where your acne appears on your face can reveal what's causing it. Learn to read your breakout patterns — jawline, chin, cheeks — and understand what your hormones are telling you.
Acne Mechanica: How Helmets, Masks, Backpacks, and Sports Gear Cause Breakouts
If your breakouts appear exactly where your helmet, mask, chin strap, or backpack touches your skin, you might have acne mechanica — friction-induced acne that requires specific prevention strategies.
Body Acne vs. Facial Acne: Key Differences in Causes, Treatment, and What Works Where
The acne on your chest, shoulders, and back isn't the same as the acne on your face — and it shouldn't be treated the same way. Here's what makes body acne different and how to approach it.