BestBeautyHacks

June is National Acne Awareness Month, where we highlight the importance of knowledge, support and remedies for those of us dealing with this skin disorder.

To begin, it’s helpful to understand the different types of acne and causes to determine how to address your particular concern.

Types of acne and causes

• Blackheads and whiteheads (comedonal acne): These are caused by clogged pores and are generally considered a milder form of acne that is most often found in the T-zone.

• Papules and pustules: These are medium-severity forms of acne and are characterized by inflamed, tender bumps with white pus at their tips.

• Nodules: larger and more serious than other types of acne. They are hard, painful lumps that develop deep within the skin, and they can persist for weeks or even months, often requiring treatment from a dermatologist.

• Cystic acne: large, pus-filled lesions that look similar to boils. They are the most severe type of acne and can cause deep, painful inflammation, and can lead to permanent scarring if not treated properly.

• Acne conglobata: This is a severe form of acne that causes large lesions and nodules to form on the skin, often leading to widespread damage and scarring. It is more common in males and often associated with hormonal imbalances.

• Acne mechanica: This type of acne is triggered by excess heat, pressure, friction, or by repetitive physical irritation from things like sports equipment and tight-fitting clothing.

• Chloracne: This rare form of acne is caused by exposure to certain chemicals like chlorinated dioxins. It results in very large blackheads and cysts, mostly around the cheeks, behind the ears, armpits, and groin.

• Fungal acne: Unlike other acne types, this is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles and usually is small, itchy pustules on the skin.
• Adult Acne: Usually seen in women over 25, it is often hormonal and can be cyclical, flaring up with the menstrual cycle or stress.

• Acne fulminans: A severe form of acne that usually affects teenage males, characterized by inflammatory nodules and ulcerated lesions. It can cause severe scarring.

• Acne rosacea: This is a chronic skin condition often mistaken as acne, characterized by redness, visible blood vessels, and pimple-like bumps.

• Drug-induced acne: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, lithium, or androgens, can cause this type of acne.

• Hormonal acne: This type tends to occur in adolescence, during pregnancy, or at certain points in the menstrual cycle, due to hormonal imbalances. Hormonal acne are deep and tender, and usually develop in the lower half of the face.

• Inflammatory acne: This type is characterized by small, red, tender bumps, and is usually caused by the inflammation of clogged pores, and aggravated by sensitivities or allergies to dairy, sugar and/or gluten.

• Stress acne: breakouts on the skin that occur as a result of stress. In periods of high stress, the body produces more cortisol and other hormones which can stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, leading to acne. These breakouts can manifest as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or deeper lumps (cysts or nodules). Stress itself does not directly cause acne, but it can aggravate existing acne or trigger it in individuals susceptible to acne.

• Persistent acne: a chronic skin condition characterized by the continuous occurrence of inflamed or non-inflamed breakouts. These can occur despite trying various treatments. It’s not just a common teenage problem but can affect adults too. This type of acne often appears on the face but can also be present on the chest, back, and shoulders. It can be caused by various factors, including hormonal changes, stress, certain medications, and a high-glycemic diet.

• Cosmetic acne: a type of acne that is caused by the use of cosmetics or beauty products. This skin condition occurs when the ingredients in these products clog the pores of the skin, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and other types of acne lesions. Cosmetic acne is typically characterized by small, white bumps, which often appear on the cheeks, forehead, and chin. The condition can affect anyone who uses cosmetic products, regardless of age or gender. The severity of cosmetic acne can vary widely from one individual to another, with some individuals experiencing only a few small pimples, and others developing widespread and persistent acne.
  • SLS effect: SLS, or sodium laurel sulfate, is a common ingredient in personal care products like shampoos, facial cleansers and body washes. SLS strips the skin of natural oils, causing dry skin, irritation and allergic reactions like acne, itchy skin and scalp, eczema and dermatitis. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to check the ingredients on your products for sulfates and switch to sulfate free.

• Congested skin is more than just breakouts—it can appear as dullness, bumps under the surface, or small white or blackheads. It comes from a buildup of dead skin cells, sweat, impurities and excess oil. Some skin is naturally congested and has a slower turnover rate than other skin, so you may need to be more diligent with exfoliation.

All types of acne can lead to scarring and can also have psychological effects, such as lowering self-esteem that lead to depression and anxiety.