Different Types of Acne Breakouts: What They Are and How They Happen

You might see different kinds of breakouts on your skin when you have acne. 

• Whiteheads

• Blackheads

• Pimples

• Nodules, cysts, or both (deep and painful)

Here's what they are:

Whiteheads

A whitehead happens when too much oil and dead skin cells build up and clog a pore. This causes a raised blemish that looks white or flesh-coloured.

Blackheads

These form when excess oil and dead skin cells clog a pore, but the pore stays open. As the buildup grows, it widens the pore's opening, and you see a blackhead.

What makes blackheads black?

Many people think blackheads are dirty, but they're not. The black colour comes from a chemical reaction. When the stuff inside the pore reacts with oxygen in the air, it turns black. It's like how a cut apple turns brown when exposed to air.

Pimples

Oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria sometimes get stuck in a pore. The bacteria multiply fast in the extra oil. As the pore fills with bacteria, it swells and becomes inflamed, forming a pimple.

Acne nodules or cysts

When a pore gets filled with too much oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, it can cause swelling deep inside the skin, forming an acne nodule or cyst. These breakouts go deep so that they can feel tender or painful.

The main difference between an acne nodule and an acne cyst is that a cyst contains pus. Because nodules don’t contain pus, they feel harder to the touch than cysts.

Pomade acne

Make some changes if acne only appears on your forehead and temples.
If acne only appears in these areas, your hair oil may be the cause. It is so common that there's actually a name for it—pomade acne.

You may be able to clear this acne by making some changes. Options that dermatologists recommend to their acne patients include:

• Switch hair care products, using one that contains water or glycerin instead of oil.

• Use the hair oil only in the middle of your scalp and the ends of your hair.

If you continue to have breakouts, another option is to stop using these hair care products.

If you're struggling with signs of skin imbalances like breakouts, enlarged and clogged pores, inflammatory acne, cysts, and acne scars that appear as dark spots that are commonly red, brown, or purple (known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), consider booking a free consultation with us. Our commitment extends beyond treating symptoms. We believe in a holistic approach to skin health. During your free consultation, we assess your unique skin needs, considering factors like lifestyle and diet. We will work together to design a personalised approach that ensures a comprehensive strategy to address and prevent acne.