Different Types of Acne & How To Treat

When it comes to acne, everyone experiences different types. For some, they experience mild acne, while others experience severe acne in the form of serious, painful, and big lumps and cysts found below the skin.

The ideal treatment for an acne condition will depend on the type. The mild acne conditions can be treated with over-the-counter treatments from local pharmacies around you. However, severe cases may need the intervention of a dermatologist or GP.

This text will focus on the ideal treatment for each type of acne and how to manage acne during pregnancy.

Teen Acne

Teen Acne is a type of teen found in teens. It comes with an increased level of sex hormones (androgens). The direct result of this is a rise in the size of oil glands and the amount of oil produced. They eventually get blocked, and one or more pimple pops up as a result.

Mild Acne

A mild acne condition is commonly identified by whiteheads and blackheads, as well as lesions that do not cover large areas of the face or body. The whitehead emerges when an opening to the pore is closed off, and the hair follicle is filled with dead skin cells and oils. You have a blackhead when dead skin cells and a dark plug of oil blocks the pore opening. This triggers a chemical reaction, which, in turn, leads to a dark surface and ultimately, a blackhead.

Mild acne can be significantly reduced if early treatment and consistent preventive skincare are put in place. You can get acne treatments at pharmacies and supermarket shelves, effective enough to control mild acne.

How do you manage mild acne?

Consult your pharmacist – they may prescribe suitable over-the-counter treatments based on your skin type.
Ensure that you stick to the instructions so that the existing pimples clear off completely without new ones coming up.
Do not switch between treatments.
Use a mild moisturizer and a gentle face wash.
Using a lot of makeup is not advisable, especially oil-based products. They cause more clogging.
If there are no signs of improvement after eight weeks of treatment, consult your GP.
You may switch to a non-acnegenic topical product to improve your mild acne condition. Such products will neither worsen the situation nor trigger fresh acne cases.

Moderate Acne

The most evident signs of moderate acne include pustules (raised reddish bumps with white centers) or papules (raised reddish bumps). The lesions, in this case, tend to be spread across the face or body. You will also notice that the breakouts take more time to go away if they do at all.

You may start treatment with over-the-counter products. However, if these do not prove effective, consult your doctor. Your doctor will either recommend a new treatment or refer you to a dermatologist. Early treatment is essential to avoid permanent acne scars on the skin.

How do you manage moderate acne?

Consult your GP, who will prescribe either a topical/oral antibiotic and/or a topical retinoid. The ideal timeframe for such treatment is 12 weeks.
If there are no improvements after the 12th week, request your GP to refer you to a dermatologist.

Severe Acne

The most notable signs of severe acne are solid, deep, and sizable painful lumps or cysts are emerging underneath your skin. You will find the breakouts on large areas of the face or body, where they will stay for months or years. Sufferers of severe acne tend to lose their self-esteem and self-confidence because they get overly worried about their appearance. This eventually causes depression and extreme anxiety.

Over-the-counter products are never effective for severe acne. It is essential to treat the condition immediately to avoid permanent scars. Start by consulting a doctor, who, if necessary, will refer you to a dermatologist for further assessment.

How do you manage severe acne?

The first thing is to request your GP to refer you to a dermatologist.
Feel free to ask any questions during your session with your dermatologist, as well as after the session.
Ensure that you follow the dermatologist’s instructions on the prescribed isotretinoin and antibiotic treatments if you are given any.
Stick to your skincare routine of cleansing, treating, and protecting your skin.

Adult Acne

Perhaps, you think outgrowing the teen years mean outgrowing the risk of acne? Well, this is not true. Adults are also prone to experiencing acne, especially women. Adult acne is clearly different from teen acne. It comes up in the post-adolescent phase when the skin has become more fragile and drier. If it occurs in female adults, they may be found around the neck, chin, and jawline. The pimples are not only bigger but also deeper, most painful, and takes almost forever to clear off.

While there is no definite cause of adult acne, experts have touted family history, hormones, stress, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as possible causes. Hence, it is highly recommended that you consult a doctor immediately, for diagnosis and treatment.

How do you manage adult acne?

Visit a GP or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.
You may require further tests if your doctor believes PCOS and similar medical conditions are responsible for your acne.
The ideal treatment depends on the type of acne.
Excellent skincare routine will improve an adult acne condition.

Closing Words

The information provided on this page is not medical advice or its equivalent. Always consult your doctor or dermatologist for professional medical advice and guidance.