Acne Treatments

Noninflammatory acne, which develops when a pore (aka a follicle) gets clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, is also known as comedonal acne. There are two types:

• Blackheads are clogged pores that remain open, so the trapped oil is oxidized by air and appears black. Blackheads aren’t caused by dirt, so don’t try to scrub them away—that will just irritate your skin. 
• Whiteheads are clogged closed pores. When left untreated, they can lead to inflammatory acne. 

Inflammatory acne develops when the bacteria that normally live on top of your skin gets trapped in the pore and the area becomes infected, red, and swollen. Varieties of inflammatory acne include: 

• Papules: small, tender bumps that occur when oil, bacteria, and dead cells push deeper into the skin, causing inflammation.
• Pustules: pus-filled papules, often with a yellow center.
• Nodules: large, solid, painful lumps that form beneath the skin’s surface.
• Cysts: deep, painful, pus-filled lumps embedded beneath the surface of the skin; cystic acne is the most severe type.
• Areas with the largest, most active oil glands—the forehead, nose, and chin, commonly called the T-zone—are most likely to develop acne, but it can also develop on the neck, back, shoulders, and chest.