Back to Basics: Know Your Acne Type

In the intricate world of skincare, one universal adversary stands out – acne. It’s the unwelcome guest that often overstays its welcome, leaving behind a trail of frustration and self-consciousness. Sometimes, one would have a hard time to know their own acne type.

This article isn’t just about treating those pesky spots; we’ll navigate the diverse landscape of acne, from its origins to the most common types and varying severity levels. Armed with this knowledge, we’ll then venture into effective treatment strategies tailored to your specific acne type. 

So, let the journey begin, as we empower you to become the Sherlock Holmes of your skincare routine, decoding the mysteries of acne one type at a time!

What is acne?

Also known as acne vulgaris – those pesky blackheads, whiteheads, and all sorts of pimples that decide to set up camp on your skin. They’re not picky about locations; the face, chest, shoulders, and back often become their favorite hangout spots.

Now, imagine acne as the not-so-welcome visitors crashing your skin’s party. Mild cases might be persuaded to leave with over-the-counter treatment. But, when acne gets a bit rowdier and turns into a more severe form, that’s when you call in the big boss – a dermatologist.

Common acne type

• Blackheads:
  Imagine a traffic jam in your hair follicles – clogged with oil and dead skin cells. When these clogs open up on your skin’s surface, they’re called blackheads. It’s not dirt but the play of light that gives them a dark hue. Good news: many over-the-counter meds can tackle these.
• Whiteheads:
  Similar to blackheads, but this time the entrance stays closed. Luckily, many over-the-counter medicines that tackle blackheads can handle these too.
• Papules:
  Inflamed comedones, throwing a red or pink party on your skin. These bumps can be touchy, so resist the urge to play with them. Picking or squeezing might lead to scarring. More papules might mean a moderate to severe acne situation.
• Pustules:
  Inflamed rebels with a white or yellow pus-filled center. They come with a red ring, making them stand out. But here’s the rule: hands off! Picking can lead to scars or dark spots.
• Nodules:
  These are the big, tough bumps that set up camp deep within your skin. Firm to the touch and often painful. Over-the-counter treatments might not cut it here; it’s time to call in the dermatologist.
• Cysts:
  Filled with pus and looking like mini-boils. Painful and prone to scarring. Dermatologist time? Absolutely. Over-the-counter won’t do the trick here, but prescription and dermatologist magic might.

Check your acne severity levels

1. Mild Acne:
   Fewer than 20 whiteheads or blackheads, less than 15 inflamed bumps, or under 30 total lesions. Treat with over-the-counter medicine; improvement may take about eight weeks.
2. Moderate Acne:
   20 to 100 whiteheads or blackheads, 15 to 50 inflamed bumps, or 30 to 125 total lesions. Dermatologist-prescribed meds needed; improvement may take weeks, and things might worsen initially.
3. Severe Nodulocystic Acne:
   Inflamed cysts and nodules causing deep red or purple marks. Swift dermatologist action crucial to minimize scarring; corticosteroid injections may be used.
4. Acne Conglobata:
   Severe form with numerous interconnected inflamed nodules, often leaving scars. More common in men, linked to steroids or testosterone. Timely dermatologist intervention is crucial.

Now that you know your acne type, know what causes them

• Clogged Pores:
  Your skin’s highway, the hair follicles, gets clogged when too much material like sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells converge. 
• Food Suspects:
  Some studies point fingers at certain foods like skim milk, whey protein, and high-sugar diets as potential troublemakers in this skin business.

Acne can also surface because of these triggers;

• Snug Outfits and Headgear:
  Tight clothes and headgear, like hats and sports helmets, can cozy up to your skin and stir trouble in the acne department.
• Environmental Influences:
  Blame it on the weather – air pollution and certain conditions, especially high humidity, might team up to provoke acne breakouts.
• Oily Personal Care Products:
  Your skincare routine can play a role. Using greasy lotions or creams, or working in places with regular grease exposure (think frying oil at a restaurant), might contribute to the acne plot.
• Stress – The Silent Agitator:
  Meet stress, the sneaky troublemaker that increases the hormone cortisol, nudging acne to make an appearance.
• Medication Side Effects:
  Some medications have acne on their list of side effects. It’s the unwelcome plus-one you didn’t ask for.
• Picking at Pimples:
  Hands off! Picking at your acne is like adding fuel to the fire. It can worsen the situation and lead to more breakouts.
• Hormonal Rollercoaster:
  Hormones, specifically androgens like testosterone, can go on a rollercoaster ride, influencing acne patterns. Blame it on those hormonal fluctuations.

Your action plan after knowing your acne type

• Topical Treatment:
  Imagine this as your on-the-spot help – acne medication applied directly to the skin, such as gels and creams. For mild acne, over-the-counter topicals are often the go-to, armed with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur. They’re like the frontline defense, tackling those troublemakers directly on your skin.
• Systemic Treatment:
  Systemic therapy is like the behind-the-scenes hero – acne medication taken by orally. Antibiotics such as tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, or erythromycin step in for moderate to severe acne. They target bacteria and dial down inflammation from the inside out. It’s like a strategic strike against acne, working on the root causes.

Bottom Line

As you embark on your journey to clear skin, remember: consistency is your ally. Results may take time, but with patience and adherence to your chosen treatment plan, you’re on the path to a clearer, healthier complexion.

#AcneType #AcneSurvivor #TowardsBlemishFreeSkin #TCTNutraceuticals tct

---

TCT Nutraceuticals Sdn Bhd is an OEM Skincare manufacturer in Malaysia. An OEM/ODM Factory with an extensive R&D team to formulate your products. We are both Halal and GMP Certified together with ISO 9001.

Inspire to be a brand owner? Or you’re a brand owner looking to expand your product range? Do WhatsApp us at +6012-6886256 or email at info@tct.asia.