Know Your Acne Before You Knock It Out: Types Of Acne And How To Treat Them
I used to suffer from severe acne issues when I was a teenager. I would try any and every home remedy to get clear skin, but everything would go in vain. Then I did my research and found that all acne is not the same and needs different treatments. Then I visited a dermatologist, who prescribed a treatment and told me to follow a morning and evening skincare routine. Within six months I had clear and glowing skin. Till today, I follow the same skincare routine and I have not had acne issues since. Reports show that about 85% of people between 15-19 years of age suffer from acne. Though it is not a serious health issue, it is painful, and it affects a person's social life and makes them lose confidence. However, acne is common among young adults, but the causes, types and treatments are different. Are you ready to fight acne, then keep on reading to understand what it is as well as to get some tips on skincare routines for acne-prone skin.
Acne Types, Symptoms And Treatment
Acne is a common skin condition that causes blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and pustules. In this section, let’s understand the types of acne, their symptoms and how to treat them.
Fungal Acne
When yeast grows in your hair follicles, it causes fungal acne. These don’t respond to acne treatments. They most commonly appear on foreheads, other than that you can also find them on cheeks.
Symptoms
These are small, uniform, painless bumps
Treatments
Topical antifungal creams are prescribed. If the condition is severe, then you might be prescribed oral antifungal medication.
Hormonal Acne
This is caused when pores get clogged by the overproduction of sebum due to hormonal changes. It is found in both men and women aged between 20 to 50. However, it is most common in women, especially pregnant women or those who are in the pre-menopause stage or changing contraceptive pills or devices.
Symptoms
You will see whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and even pustules and cysts.
Treatments
Based on the symptoms the treatment varies. Like, topical creams are used for blackheads and whiteheads while cystic acne might need oral antibiotics. In severe conditions, hormonal regulation might be needed.
Cystic Acne
These are large, deep, pus-filled pimples that are painful. If not treated properly, they leave behind scars. It is commonly seen in teens. When oil and dead skin cells clog the pores it becomes home for bacteria that infect the area and cause cystic acne. Family history, stress, age, and hormonal changes are the main reasons.
Symptoms
Starts as a red bump and grows into a pus-filled, pea or dime-sized cyst. Painful to touch and oozes pus.
Treatments
These are tough to treat. Topical antibacterial creams, retinoids etc, are used.
Nodular Acne
These are the severe forms of inflammatory acne. It is very painful and lasts for a few weeks to months. This is typically genetic and is most frequently observed in males, particularly young ones. It is due to the overactive oil glands and dead skin cells accumulating and allowing bacteria to grow that causes infection.
Symptoms
April Blogs for Trend Tree Hard, solid lumps that are located deep inside the skin. Appears as a red bump on the skin that is painful to touch.
Treatments
This one needs oral medication as the topical application doesn’t affect the acne.
Tips for clear skin
Along with proper treatment, you need to follow some skincare routines to get rid of acne and its scars fast. Here are a few tips that will help you fasten the process.
1. Face Wash
Make sure you wash your face twice a day with a face wash that suits your skin. Preferably a salicylic acid face wash as it helps remove the dead skin and reduce the inflammation. But don’t overdo it as it hurts your skin barrier and increases the acne instead of reducing it.
2. Moisturize
Keep your face moisturized with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Make sure it is fragrance-free.
3. Acne Patches
Acne patches are tiny pimple fighters, loaded with healing ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. They work by speeding up healing, acting as a protective barrier against dirt and your fingers, and they're so discreet you can wear them anytime without anyone noticing.
4. Serums
Use serums to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Vitamin C and Niacinamide are the best face serums you can start with, as they help in healing your skin. But before using them consult your dermatologist.
5. Apply Sunscreen
This is crucial as it protects your skin from harmful sun rays. So never miss this even if you stay indoors.
6. Keep Your Hair Clean
This is very important because if you don’t wash your hair regularly, it invites fungus and bacteria, which then attack your face. So make sure to keep your hair clean.
7. Eat Healthy
Junk and oily food also have a role in increasing the acne. So make sure you eat healthy. Also, drink lots of water, this helps keep your body and skin hydrated.
Acne is common during adolescence, but if left untreated it can cause a permanent scar on your face. Many people try at-home remedies to combat acne, while some see the difference, others face adverse effects. That’s why it is very important to understand acne types, symptoms and treatment methods. But you should be patient and consistent in this journey because stress also increases acne. Keep calm and treat acne!
Disclaimer: Don't try any treatments without consulting a dermatologist.
Acne Types, Symptoms And Treatment
Acne is a common skin condition that causes blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and pustules. In this section, let’s understand the types of acne, their symptoms and how to treat them.
Fungal Acne
When yeast grows in your hair follicles, it causes fungal acne. These don’t respond to acne treatments. They most commonly appear on foreheads, other than that you can also find them on cheeks.
Symptoms
These are small, uniform, painless bumps
Treatments
Topical antifungal creams are prescribed. If the condition is severe, then you might be prescribed oral antifungal medication.
Hormonal Acne
This is caused when pores get clogged by the overproduction of sebum due to hormonal changes. It is found in both men and women aged between 20 to 50. However, it is most common in women, especially pregnant women or those who are in the pre-menopause stage or changing contraceptive pills or devices.
Symptoms
You will see whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and even pustules and cysts.
Treatments
Based on the symptoms the treatment varies. Like, topical creams are used for blackheads and whiteheads while cystic acne might need oral antibiotics. In severe conditions, hormonal regulation might be needed.
Cystic Acne
These are large, deep, pus-filled pimples that are painful. If not treated properly, they leave behind scars. It is commonly seen in teens. When oil and dead skin cells clog the pores it becomes home for bacteria that infect the area and cause cystic acne. Family history, stress, age, and hormonal changes are the main reasons.
Symptoms
Starts as a red bump and grows into a pus-filled, pea or dime-sized cyst. Painful to touch and oozes pus.
Treatments
These are tough to treat. Topical antibacterial creams, retinoids etc, are used.
Nodular Acne
These are the severe forms of inflammatory acne. It is very painful and lasts for a few weeks to months. This is typically genetic and is most frequently observed in males, particularly young ones. It is due to the overactive oil glands and dead skin cells accumulating and allowing bacteria to grow that causes infection.
Symptoms
April Blogs for Trend Tree Hard, solid lumps that are located deep inside the skin. Appears as a red bump on the skin that is painful to touch.
Treatments
This one needs oral medication as the topical application doesn’t affect the acne.
Tips for clear skin
Along with proper treatment, you need to follow some skincare routines to get rid of acne and its scars fast. Here are a few tips that will help you fasten the process.
1. Face Wash
Make sure you wash your face twice a day with a face wash that suits your skin. Preferably a salicylic acid face wash as it helps remove the dead skin and reduce the inflammation. But don’t overdo it as it hurts your skin barrier and increases the acne instead of reducing it.
2. Moisturize
Keep your face moisturized with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Make sure it is fragrance-free.
3. Acne Patches
Acne patches are tiny pimple fighters, loaded with healing ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. They work by speeding up healing, acting as a protective barrier against dirt and your fingers, and they're so discreet you can wear them anytime without anyone noticing.
4. Serums
Use serums to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Vitamin C and Niacinamide are the best face serums you can start with, as they help in healing your skin. But before using them consult your dermatologist.
5. Apply Sunscreen
This is crucial as it protects your skin from harmful sun rays. So never miss this even if you stay indoors.
6. Keep Your Hair Clean
This is very important because if you don’t wash your hair regularly, it invites fungus and bacteria, which then attack your face. So make sure to keep your hair clean.
7. Eat Healthy
Junk and oily food also have a role in increasing the acne. So make sure you eat healthy. Also, drink lots of water, this helps keep your body and skin hydrated.
Acne is common during adolescence, but if left untreated it can cause a permanent scar on your face. Many people try at-home remedies to combat acne, while some see the difference, others face adverse effects. That’s why it is very important to understand acne types, symptoms and treatment methods. But you should be patient and consistent in this journey because stress also increases acne. Keep calm and treat acne!
Disclaimer: Don't try any treatments without consulting a dermatologist.
