How do I know what type of acne I have?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people, including adult men and women. It can manifest in different forms and has multiple causes. Understanding what type of acne you have is crucial to choosing the right treatment. Here is a guide to help you identify the different types of acne and their characteristics.

What are the different types of acne?

1. Juvenile acne

Juvenile acne is a common form of acne that appears mainly in adolescents during puberty. This period of life is marked by significant hormonal fluctuations , which stimulate the skin's sebaceous glands , leading to excessive production of sebum. This sebum, or natural skin oil, can clog pores and cause various types of skin lesions characteristic of acne.

Typical signs of juvenile acne include:

  • Blackheads , or open comedones , form when pores clogged with sebum and dead cells open to the air, becoming oxidized and turning black.
  • Whiteheads , or closed comedones, occur when pores remain closed, trapping oil and dead cells beneath the skin's surface, forming small white or yellowish bumps.
  • Papules are small, red, inflamed bumps without pus, often tender to the touch.
  • Pustules , on the other hand, are red bumps with a white or yellow top filled with pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection.

In more severe cases, juvenile acne can lead to the formation of nodules and cysts. Nodules are firm, painful lumps that develop under the skin, while cysts are deep, pus-filled lesions, both of which can leave scars.

The main causes of teenage acne are hormonal fluctuations during puberty, which increase androgen levels and stimulate the sebaceous glands. This excess sebum can clog pores, creating an environment conducive to the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria that colonizes hair follicles and contributes to inflammation and pimples. Additionally, the buildup of dead skin cells can also block pores, making acne worse.

Genetic factors may also play a role in the development of teenage acne, with a family predisposition making some adolescents more likely to suffer from the condition.

How to treat teenage acne?

To treat and prevent acne, it is important to practice good skin hygiene. This includes cleansing your face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities. Topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid , or retinoids can help reduce blackheads and inflammation.

It is also crucial to avoid comedogenic cosmetics, which can clog pores. Choosing skin care and makeup products that are labeled "non-comedogenic" is a good practice. It is recommended not to pick or pop pimples, as this can worsen inflammation and cause scarring.

Finally, in case of severe acne, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. This health professional can prescribe more powerful treatments, such as antibiotics, oral retinoids or other specific medications to treat severe or persistent acne.

Teenage acne is a common but often temporary condition that can be effectively managed with a proper skincare routine and tailored treatments. The goal is to maintain clear, healthy skin during this time of hormonal transitions and development.

2. Adult female acne

Adult female acne is a persistent skin condition that affects many women well beyond their teenage years, often in their 20s and 40s, or even later. Unlike juvenile acne, which is primarily related to the hormonal fluctuations of puberty, adult female acne is influenced by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, genetics, and the use of certain cosmetic products.

Adult female acne often presents differently than juvenile acne. The main features include red , inflamed pimples, cysts , nodules , and blackheads and whiteheads . Inflammatory papules and pustules are common and appear primarily on the lower face, especially around the jaw, chin, and neck.

These lesions can be deeper and more painful than those of juvenile acne, often in the form of cysts and nodules, which can leave scars if not treated properly.

In comparison, juvenile acne is often marked by the presence of open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads) over the entire face, and sometimes on the back and chest. Papules and pustules are also present, but they are generally less deep and less likely to leave permanent scars.

The causes of adult female acne also differ from those of juvenile acne. Hormonal fluctuations play a crucial role in both types of acne, but in adult women, they are often linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These hormonal fluctuations can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil, which clogs the pores and leads to the formation of acne lesions.

Stress is another aggravating factor for acne in adult women. Stress can cause an increase in the production of cortisol, a hormone that can in turn stimulate sebum production and worsen acne. Additionally, the use of comedogenic cosmetics, which clog pores, can also contribute to acne in adult women.

Treatment and prevention

To treat adult female acne, it is essential to adopt a proper skincare routine. This includes cleansing your face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities. Topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help reduce blackheads and inflammation.

Hormonal treatments, such as oral contraceptives or antiandrogens, can be effective in regulating the hormonal fluctuations that cause acne. It's also important to choose skin care and makeup products that are labeled "noncomedogenic" to avoid clogging pores. Avoiding picking or popping pimples is crucial to prevent further inflammation and scarring.

In summary, although adult female acne and juvenile acne share common characteristics, they differ in their primary causes, manifestations, and appropriate treatments. Understanding these differences is crucial to choosing the best approach to manage and treat each type of acne.

3. Cystic acne

Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterized by painful, deep cysts. This acne is often caused by severe inflammation of the hair follicles and can leave permanent scars.

These cysts can persist for weeks or months and are often accompanied by nodules, which are firm, painful masses. Commonly affected areas include the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.

Cystic acne is primarily caused by a combination of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly high androgen levels, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum. This sebum, combined with dead skin cells, clogs pores and creates an environment for bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes (Cutibacterium acnes) to thrive, causing severe inflammation.

Genetic factors also play a significant role in the development of cystic acne. If a parent has suffered from this severe form of acne, it is more likely that their children will suffer from it as well. Additionally, stress, poor diet, and certain cosmetics or medications can aggravate cystic acne.

Cystic acne is treated with oral therapies, isotretinoin, and corticosteroid injections.

4. Acne fulminans

Acne fulminans is a rare and severe form of acne that can cause systemic symptoms such as fever and joint pain. It requires urgent medical attention.

5. Acne conglobata

Acne conglobata is a severe, chronic form of acne that involves deep lesions, nodules, and interconnected abscesses. It is often linked to hormonal abnormalities and requires intensive treatment.

Factors and triggers

1. Propionibacterium acnes and Cutibacterium acnes

These bacteria are commonly associated with acne. They colonize hair follicles and contribute to inflammation and the formation of red pimples and cysts.

2. Sebaceous gland and sebum

Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores when produced in excess. The accumulation of sebum, combined with dead cells, promotes the appearance of blackheads and closed comedones.

3. Menstrual cycle

In women, the menstrual cycle influences hormone levels, which can cause acne breakouts, especially before menstruation.

4. Cosmetic products

Using comedogenic cosmetics can make acne worse by clogging pores. It is important to choose products that are non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin.