Not all breakouts are created equal
Whiteheads are also known as closed comedones. They develop when the pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Blackheads are also known as open comedones. They develop when the pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Their black color isn’t caused by dirt - it develops when sebum oxidizes at the surface of the skin.
Non-inflammatory acne lesions like blackheads are best treated with regular cleansing and exfoliation.
Though they can be extracted, squeezing could lead to scarring. Other abrasive options to pull out blackheads like pore strips and peel-away masks can damage the top layer of skin and make your acne worse.
Papules are small, hard, red bumps that form on the skin’s surface. They develop when a pore becomes clogged with excess oil or dead skin cells then mixes with bacteria on the skin.
The contents of the pore can spill out, spreading bacteria to the surrounding tissue to create an inflamed lesion with no visible pus.
Inflammatory acne lesions like papules can be treated with over-the-counter remedies like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Consider a routine that includes cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturization to manage breakouts.
Pustules are white or yellowish pus-filled lesions also known as pimples. These lesions develop when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria combine under the skin’s surface causing an infection.
Pustules look similar to papules but they contain pus and may exhibit a higher degree of inflammation while the body tries to fight the infection.
Inflammatory acne lesions like pustules can be treated with over-the-counter remedies like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Consider a routine that includes cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturization to manage breakouts.
Nodules are large, painful, swollen bumps that develop underneath the skin when the walls of a clogged hair follicle break down.
When the walls of the follicle break down, oil and bacteria spread deeper into the skin to create a painful infection that can affect multiple pores. Fluctuating hormones can trigger or worsen nodular acne.
Nodules are deeply rooted in the skin and they generally do not contain pus, so they cannot be extracted and they are difficult to treat with over-the-counter acne treatments.
Consider consulting with a medical professional. Such providers can recommend a wide array of options, including prescription treatments like tretinoin to help control inflammation or specific types of birth control to help regulate hormonal fluctuations that can cause nodular acne.
We offer access to providers and a free consultation to make professional treatment possible from the comfort of home.
Cysts are very large, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that develop deep under the skin. These lesions form when the walls of a pore rupture, allowing oil and bacteria to spread to the surrounding tissue to create a painful infection.
When a membrane forms around the infected area, it becomes known as a cyst. Cysts are often painful and can be difficult to treat.
Many people with cystic acne struggle to treat it with over-the-counter acne treatments. Prescription treatments like tretinoin and clindamycin can help control the infection and reduce inflammation.
Oral contraceptives may help regulate hormonal fluctuations and treat cystic acne. Additionally, oral antibiotics can help to treat cystic acne.
Ask your healthcare provider if these could help with your acne.
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