Types of Acne: A Science Backed Approach

Clogged pores, pimples, and painful breakouts can happen at any age. While many adolescents struggle with acne, blemish-prone skin can follow you your entire adult life. Hormone fluctuations fuel most acne breakouts during puberty, but play a limited role in adult acne, which is often exacerbated by one’s self-care regimen, diet, stress levels, medication, and environmental variables.

There is an arsenal of treatment options designed to address different acne types and levels of severity. Because breakouts can be caused by many external factors – ranging from genetics to latent health issues, acne is often frustrating to treat. Some anti-blemish serums are harsh and drying, while others can irritate sensitive skin.

If your acne is more than an occasional nuisance, an evaluation with a board-certified dermatologist can prove invaluable. Once you know what type of acne you’re dealing with, you are on the right path toward making effective adjustments to your lifestyle and skincare regimen.

Topical treatment:

When it comes to topical anti-blemish products, look for powerhouse formulations that have been proven to increase skin cell turnover, reduce bacteria, and decrease inflammation and oil production. Scientific research indicates that retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, along with lactic and glycolic acids (AHAs) are some of the best ingredients for acne.

Oral treatment:

Oral medications are typically prescribed for more severe acne cysts and nodules and are used in conjunction with topical skincare products. Contraceptive pills target flare-ups linked to menstrual cycles, while antibiotic tablets reduce bacteria on the skin to help clear deep breakouts.

Acne vulgaris, or common acne, typically affects the face, back, upper chest, and areas of skin with numerous sebaceous follicles. Sebum helps keep the skin moisturized, but too much of this oily secretion can contribute to acne. Acne lesions can be non-inflammatory or inflammatory and are usually categorized as:

• Comedones – open and closed (blackheads and whiteheads)
• Pustules - white or yellow inflamed lesions
• Papules - tender red bumps
• Nodules – painful lumps deep under the skin that are hard to the touch
• Cysts – tender, pus-filled bumps that appear as red boils

Dermatologists grade acne as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of lesions present.

Four primary factors cause acne to develop: excess oil production, bacteria, accumulation of dead skin cells, and inflammation. When the sebaceous glands near the skin’s surface become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, a comedone is formed. These plugged follicles appear as whiteheads or blackheads.

If the blocked hair follicles are infected with P. acnes bacteria, these blockages can turn into painful red pimples or pustules. When blockages occur deep within the follicle, painful cyst-like lumps may develop.

Cystic acne appears on the face, neck, arms, shoulders, and back and is more likely to result in scarring. There is no singular cause of acne. Any number of the following variables causes this skin condition:

• Changing hormone levels during puberty and as an adult
• Heredity – which informs the size and activity of your sebaceous glands
• Medications - Anabolic steroids, Isoniazid, Testosterone, Prednisone, Lithium, and Phenytoin are linked to acne

Research suggests that certain factors can worsen acne in some people:

• Emotional stress
• Skim milk and carbohydrate-dense foods
• High humidity
• Certain cosmetic products that clog pores
• Excess sugar and alcohol
• Underlying health conditions like Polycystic ovary syndrome

Treating moderate to severe acne takes some degree of perseverance. Most protocols -- whether topical or oral -- require several months of everyday use to realize effects and benefits. The American Academy of Dermatology cautions against self-extraction of pimples, which can lead to infection, scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Skincare tips for preventing acne breakouts

Dermatologists offer these skincare tips for preventing acne breakouts:

• Wash your face twice daily and after sweating
• Use your fingertips and gentle motions when cleansing the skin
• Rinse with lukewarm, rather than hot water
• Avoid touching your face throughout the day
• Limit sun exposure
• Only use lotions, sunscreens, and noncomedogenic cosmetics
• Remove makeup before going to bed
• Avoid harsh exfoliants that can irritate acne

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating acne, whether triggered by hormones, medication, lifestyle habits, or genetics. PROVEN addresses blemish-prone skin with powerful, science-based formulas personalized for your lifestyle, skin sensitivities, gene expression, living environment, and stress levels. Achieve a clearer complexion with high-potency skincare carefully crafted just for you with cutting-edge, clean ingredients. Take the skin quiz to discover your unique skincare formulation right away!