Acne leaves blemishes on our faces, blots our self-confidence and ruins a good photo opportunity. Everyone hates those stubborn pimples which are often annoying, painful and can leave physical and emotional scars. In the Pakistan alone, eight out of ten people will experience some form of acne between the ages of eleven to thirty.
In the summertime, especially, our skin becomes more exposed to dirt, free radicals and humidity from spending more time outdoors which increases our chances of buildup, and thus, acne on our skin.
What are the 6 different types of acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicles and pores are compacted with oil (also called sebum), dead skin cells and bacteria which inflame and irritate the skin. While acne is most common in teenagers, adults can still get it well into their 30s and at any other age.
Not all acne is the same — there are actually six different types of acne that can wreak havoc upon your face, chest, back and shoulders.
Here’s how to spot the six different types of acne:
- Whiteheads: Easily identifiable by its name, whiteheads appear as pimples with rounded white tops. Whiteheads frequently appear in areas that are more prone to oil like the nose, forehead and chin areas — otherwise known as the T-Zone.
- Blackheads: Also true to name, blackheads are a common type of acne caused by a buildup of dead skin cells in open pores. Whereas whiteheads are closed comedones, blackheads are considered open comedones because the pore is unobstructed. Blackheads are darkened by oxidation — not dirt! — meaning the dead cells are exposed to open air that turns them black.
- Pustules: An acne pustule is an inflamed blemish with an obvious white top or head. They’re similar to whiteheads, but are distinguished by a more red and inflamed appearance.
- Papules: These pimples or areas of swelling have smaller, raised and solid features.
- Cysts: More harsh than regular pimples, cysts lie deep within the skin and occur when the pores become blocked and swollen. They are frequently caused by hormones in women.
- Nodules: A severe form of acne, nodule growths are large, inflamed and painful breakouts that affect deeper layers of the skin.
How can I get rid of acne?
Finding a cure for your acne may require some trial and error to identify the correct treatments. In part, that’s because the reason for your acne may be an excess of oil, bacterial infections, clogged pores, among other reasons.
“There is no one-size-fits-all treatment when it comes to acne as everyone’s type and severity are different. Some people get clear skin from just topical treatments while others require oral treatments in addition to topical treatments,”
Ingredients like Vitamin A, aloe vera, tea tree oil and witch hazel are popular for home remedies.
However, these remedies have limited testing standards, so we usually recommend other forms of treatment.
Over-the-counter medications
One of the first approaches to treat acne usually includes over-the-counter products that include benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which decrease excess oil and bacteria and hasten the turnover of skin cells. These acne medications work great whether you’re battling widespread facial acne or just looking to treat a particular spot. Azelaic acid also helps combat various forms of acne. However, be careful of overusing these products because they may be drying and irritating to the skin.
Amongst available topical medications, retinoids and retinoid-like drugs contain stronger amounts of medication that clear pores. Dr Salman explains that you can apply a thin coat of over-the-counter retinoids like adapalene to the whole face for best results. For sensitive skin, start application every two to three nights until the skin tolerates the treatment.
Oral medications
If topical medications don’t work (both over-the-counter and prescription), then oral medications can be a good alternative.
The tetracycline group of antibiotics that include minocycline and doxycycline are used to treat various types of acne by slowing down bacteria growth while reducing swelling and redness. For women, treatments like birth control or Spironolactone may be prescribed to help regulate hormones that can cause acne. Accutane is considered one of the most effective ways to treat severe acne, and it’s also used for chronic acne that doesn’t respond to other forms of treatment.
Talk to your dermatologist who can prescribe these medications and help you weigh the benefits and any side effects.
What are some everyday tips to prevent acne?
First and foremost, wash and cleanse your skin twice each day, especially because dirt and bacteria build up throughout the day and while we sleep. You can help prevent whiteheads through simple exfoliation and washing, but it’s important to avoid harsh scrubbing as it irritates the skin further.
Here are some other tips to keep your skin clear:
- Exfoliate, but only do so three times a week at most (excessive exfoliation causes more irritation)
- Don’t pick at pimples or rub your face
- Avoid rough scrubs
- Wash your hair regularly (oily hair can cause clogged pores)
- Wear oil-free makeup to avoid irritants
- Avoid eating foods linked to acne (sugary products and high glycemic foods)
How can I get rid of acne scars?
Dr Salman advises that the absolute best way to treat acne scarring is through prevention. If there’s no new acne that appears, then you’re not going to get new acne scars. Therefore, your first focus should always be to get your acne under control and to avoid popping pimples.
If you do have acne scars, they don’t have to be permanent. There are two categories of acne scars: superficial, temporary marks and deeper, more severe permanent scarring like pockmarking. Each type requires different treatments.
Superficial, temporary scars may fade naturally over time, but dermatologists can minimize their appearance more quickly through the use of chemical peels, topical retinoids, azelaic acid, and hydrocodone.
On the other hand, deeper acne scars often require the help of a dermatologist who can provide laser treatments and minor skin surgeries. Fillers, for instance, add volume to some deep atrophic scars while laser resurfacing may work on various types of both atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars.