Acne: Causes, Types, Symptoms, Pictures, Cure & Prevention

We hope to dismiss it as a pubescent hang-up, however, acne finds a way to follow us well ahead into life as well.
Hormones, lifestyle, skin type, wrong products, and several other physiological and environmental factors can lead to different types of acne.
Understanding acne’s meaning and symptoms is your first step toward finding an effective solution.

Keynotes:

• Acne is a common skin condition characterized by pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts, often triggered by blocked pores due to excess sebum, dead skin cells, and impurities.
• The main types of acne include non-inflammatory (blackheads and whiteheads), inflammatory (papules, pustules), and severe forms like cystic (cysts, nodules) or hormonal acne.
• Common causes of acne are hormonal imbalances, genetics, excessive sebum production, abnormal cell turnover, bacterial growth, and external factors like pollution and improper skincare.
• Treatment for acne ranges from topical treatments (salicylic acid, retinoids) and oral medications (antibiotics) to advanced therapies like laser treatments, draining, and chemical peels.
• Acne prevention is vital to dodge recurrence. Consistent skincare routine, avoiding poor diet and stress, and using non-comedogenic products minimize flare-ups.
• Ingredients like Thiamidol can be utilised to minimize acne scarring.

Recurring, red, inflamed, and often painful pimples are categorized as acne. Breaking out all at once, acne and acne scars can be a painful skin concern that takes a serious toll on your self-confidence. Acne generally occurs when excessive sebum, dead skin cells, and impurities clog your pores.

Acne Meaning and Overview

Acne meaning often translates to pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads, whiteheads, or a combination of these in varying severity.
When the sebum-secreting pores or hair follicles on the skin are clogged due to impurities, one faces acne.
It may arise on your face, chest, shoulders, back, or any other area with a high concentration of sebum-secreting pores.
Hormonal imbalance, often faced during puberty or pregnancy, is often what causes acne.
However, it cannot be classified as the only reason. Different reasons for acne on the face display different symptoms. Resultantly, the mode of treatment changes too.

What is Acne Vulgaris?

Acne vulgaris is one of the most commonly faced types of acne. It is generally triggered by Cutibacterium acnes that thrive under the raised levels of dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA.
Often experienced by young adults, higher circulation of DHA can lead to excessive sebum which leads to the growth of bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes.

Typically, when your skin is healthy, sebum produced by your follicles is emptied onto the surface to moisturize your skin. These follicles are lined with cells called Keratinocytes.
As the skin regenerates and sheds dead cells, it also begins to rise towards the surface of your face.
However, when your pores are blocked due to hair, excessive oil, or other impurities, the dead cells and sebum don’t reach the surface and remain clogged within the pores.
The impurities within the clogged pores accelerate bacterial growth and can lead to inflammation, redness, and painful pustules on the pores.
Once the wall of this pore breaks, the bacteria spills onto the surrounding skin leading to a complete acne vulgaris breakout.

Acne can be categorized into many different types based on its symptoms and severity. The main classifications include non-inflammatory acne, inflammatory acne, and more severe forms like cystic or hormonal acne.

Inflammatory Acne

As the term suggests, inflammatory acne occurs when your pores are infected and swell up.
Inflammatory acne is often painful, deeper within the skin, has a red and swollen appearance, and maybe yellow or white in the center owing to its pus-filled tips.

• Papules: These are red, inflamed acne lesions that are smaller than 1 cm.

• Pustules: While they appear similar to papules, pustules have a white or yellow cone showing their pus-filled centers. Papules may eventually turn into pustules.

Typically, excessive sebum and overgrowth of bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes is what causes acne and inflammation. Inflammatory acne can also cause more prominent scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) if left untreated.
Treatment often involves topical or oral antibiotics, retinoids, or other anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the bacterial load and soothe irritation.

Non-Inflammatory Acne

This type of acne does not cause swelling. Also referred to as comedonal acne, non-inflammatory acne is a result of clogged pores that show up as whiteheads or blackheads.

• Blackheads: These are called open comedones as they remain open at the surface of your skin. The melanin pigment in these pores reacts with oxygen and gives them their black appearance.

• Whiteheads: These are also called closed comedones as they are completely blocked pores that create raised whitish bumps under the surface of your skin.

Non-inflammatory acne is usually milder and does not involve significant redness or swelling.
It is often seen in people with oily skin and is often manageable with over-the-counter treatments as it usually does not cause scarring.
However, it’s critical to not squeeze or pop non-inflammatory acne as bacteria may enter and infect the busted pores and lead to inflammatory acne.

Other Types of Acne

One of the most severe skin concerns, cystic nodular or hormonal acne is a sign to visit the dermatologist.
These acne outbreaks create large, painful, solid, pus-filled lumps that are deep within your skin and cannot be treated by simple over-the-counter medications.
Cystic-nodular acne comprises painful cysts or nodules.

• Nodules: These are large, painful, solid lumps that have progressed from papules and pustules. Unlike the former two, nodules are deep within your skin and cannot be acted upon with over-the-counter treatments.

• Cysts: This type of acne appears redder than nodules and has a large, soft, pus-filled center beneath the skin.

• Hormonal Acne: Like cystic-nodular, this acne occurs beneath the skin’s surface and never reaches the top of your face. As the name suggests, acne is usually caused due to hormonal fluctuation caused in young adulthood. Usually, this acne only affects the lower third of your face along the jawline, chin, and lower face.

Milder, topical medications may not do the trick for these types of acne as they lie deep beneath your skin. It is vital to consult experts when acne is aggravated.
However, following a simple and non-comedogenic skincare regimen aids the treatment.

Typically, acne is the result of blocked hair follicles due to excessive sebum production, dead skin, and impurities.
A blocked pore creates a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria which can cause a clogged pore to redden, swell, and become painful.
These are the last-mile causes of acne that occur due to a number of biological reasons, such as -

Excessive Sebum

Produced by sebaceous glands, sebum is essential to lubricate and protect your skin. At the same time, your skin sheds dead cells as it regenerates which then moves toward the surface.
Excessive sebum production can interfere with the movement of these dead skin cells and clog your pores. This phenomenon can be the onset of your acne symptoms.
If bacteria makes its way into these pores, your acne tends to swell up and become more painful.
Many reasons can trigger excessive sebum production, such as hormonal imbalance, genetics, inappropriate skincare, or an unbalanced lifestyle.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones, especially androgens like testosterone are a major trigger for hormonal acne.
Due to puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, birth control, or an unbalanced lifestyle, the body produces higher levels of androgens, which cause sebaceous glands to become enlarged and produce more sebum.
More sebum can be a reason for acne on the face leading to several outbreaks.
Though faced frequently during puberty, hormonal acne can continue to persist later in life too, especially for women with polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS.

Abnormal Skin Cell Turnover

The skin sheds dead cells naturally for regeneration. However, follicular hyperkeratinization occurs when your body sheds too many dead skin cells abnormally.
These dead cells build up inside your pores and can obstruct the movement of sebum toward the surface of your skin, resulting in acne.

Bacterial Growth

Acne-causing bacteria are naturally found on the skin. Under normal circumstances, it doesn’t cause harm.
However, when hair follicles are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, the bacteria can multiply inside these follicles and cause inflammatory acne.
This leads to redness, swelling, and painful pustules.

Genetics

Genetics plays a large role when it comes to skin health, skin type, and acne. If a person has a family history of acne, they are more likely to develop it themselves.
Genes also have the power to affect how the sebaceous glands function, how the skin sheds dead cells, or how the immune system responds to bacterial overgrowth.
This predisposition makes some people more prone to acne.

External Triggers of Acne

While physiological factors can do a number on the skin, external factors are just as much responsible when it comes to acne. Pollution, lifestyle, incorrect skincare, and friction can all culminate and cause acne.

• Pollution: Environmental pollutants, such as dust, dirt, and chemicals in the air, tend to settle on the skin and clog your pores. If you are not cleansing your skin at regular intervals, these pollutants can lead to acne breakouts too.

• Contact: Contact of different kinds, be it touching the face with dirty hands, can transfer oil, bacteria, and dirt to the skin, clogging pores and triggering acne.

• Cosmetics and Skincare Products: Using the wrong kind of skincare, makeup, heavy creams, or sunscreens can clog pores. These products often contain comedogenic ingredients and can clog your pores, trapping the sebum inside.

• Friction and Pressure: Wearing tight clothes, scarves, hats, helmets, or masks that put pressure on the skin can cause a type of acne called acne mechanica. Repeated rubbing, stretching, friction, and sweating are the reasons for this acne on the face.

• Diet: A diet high in refined carbohydrates, dairy, or sugary foods can trigger acne by increasing insulin levels and sebum production. It can also lead to inflammation. These dietary factors can also influence hormone levels, exacerbating acne.

Acne manifests as various lesions on the skin, ranging from non-inflammatory types like blackheads and whiteheads to inflammatory forms such as papules, pustules, and cysts. A few common symptoms of acne are -

• Blackheads (Open Comedones): A type of non-inflammatory acne, these are open pores that appear as small black or dark spots on the skin.

• Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): Similar to blackheads, whiteheads are non-inflammatory too but they clog pores that create small, white bumps on the skin.

• Papules: These are small, swollen, red bumps on the skin caused by inflammatory acne. They don’t contain pus.

• Pustules: Like papules, they are red, inflamed bumps that are filled with pus. These are often tender to the touch and can be painful.

• Nodules: These are firm, large bumps that develop deep under the skin. They are often painful, can't be solved by over-the-counter care, and can lead to scarring.

• Cysts: These are present during severe acne. They are large, painful, deep lumps under the skin, filled with pus that lead to scarring.

• Redness: Apart from the acne lesions, a common acne symptom is the swelling and reddening of the skin around your affected area.

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Simply known as acne scarring, this symptom refers to the darkening, blemishes, and scars left after the acne heals.

• Uneven texture: Apart from the uneven tone, acne-riddled skin also has an uneven texture due to the bumps, pustules, and scars.

• Tenderness: Inflammatory acne types such as pustules, cysts, and nodules can be painful or sensitive to touch.

The reasons for acne and its symptoms change the line of treatment one adapts to. Mild acne may be resolved using the right skincare products, while more severe cases may require prescription medications or a combination of therapies.
Treatments must aim to reduce inflammation, control oil production, prevent bacterial growth, and promote skin healing. Treatment plans often include topical and oral medications tailored to the individual’s skin type and acne severity.
It’s important to follow a consistent treatment regimen and consult a dermatologist for pointed solutions.
Here are a few of the most common acne treatments they may recommend -

Topical Acne Treatments

Applied directly to the skin, topical treatments are usually creams and serums that are designed to treat mild to moderate acne.
These treatments often include antibacterial ingredients along with skin actives like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or retinoids.
Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin and prevent clogged pores. Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the redness and swelling. Retinoids, such as tretinoin, promote skin cell turnover and prevent pores from becoming blocked.
These ingredients can also be assimilated into your regular skin regimen, after consulting a dermatologist. As the acne begins to fade, ingredients like Thiamidol can be incorporated to fade remnant marks and scars.

Oral Acne Treatments

Oral treatments are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe acne, hormonal or nodular-cystic acne when topical treatments are not effective.
Antibiotics like minocycline or doxycycline are used to counter acne-causing bacteria and help reduce inflammation.
For hormonal acne, solutions such as birth control pills or anti-androgens like spironolactone may be recommended. For severe cases, oral retinoids like isotretinoin may be prescribed, which work by reducing sebaceous gland size and oil production.
However, one must only start with oral acne treatments after consulting a dermatologist and having the acne diagnosed.

Additional Acne Treatments

Apart from topical and oral medications, a few other therapies can step in as acne treatments.
Light and laser therapies, such as Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be used to target the bacterial presence in the acne-prone regions.
Chemical peels, which involve the application of exfoliating acids, can help unclog pores, reduce scarring, and reveal smoother skin underneath. Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used for large, painful cysts to reduce inflammation and promote faster healing.
Other treatments may include drainage or extraction procedures, where a dermatologist uses sterile needles to drain out excessive oils, dead cells, and impurities.
These treatments are typically used in conjunction with other topical, medical methods for optimal results.

Natural Remedies and Home Care

Tea tree oil, aloe vera, and turmeric are often used as home remedies against acne. These ingredients are a crowd favorite due to their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
While they may help mild acne in some cases, using them incorrectly or excessively may leave you at risk of clogged pores and aggravate acne.
Nutritional science and common sense tell us that a healthy, balanced diet is the key for maintaining overall health and supporting clear skin. While research on the direct link between nutrition and acne is ongoing, many experts believe that certain dietary choices can influence acne severity. Include foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and support healthy skin. Limit Foods that can exacerbate blemish-prone skin. These include dairy (e.g. milk, buttermilk and curd), as well high Glycemic Index foods, such as refined carbs, fried food, sugary snacks, and beverages.

While not direct causes of acne, smoking and stress can contribute to acne development. Both factors can lead to hormonal imbalances and increased inflammation in the body, which may worsen existing acne and trigger new breakouts. To promote clearer and healthier skin, it’s crucial to avoid smoking and manage stress effectively. Adopting a balanced lifestyle and following a consistent skincare routine can significantly benefit your skin's health.

Depigmentation treatments

As acne subsides, it is essential to begin with depigmentation treatments. Opt for products that are non-comedogenic, lightweight, and have a gentle ingredient at the center - like Thiamidol.
Try to create an uncomplicated yet complete skin regimen with facewash, toner, serum, moisturizer, and non-comedogenic sunscreens to treat post-acne pigmentation and treatments.
Look for products with AHAs, PHAs, and natural chemicals like lactic acid to promote exfoliation and skin cell turnover.

Acne Prevention Tips

A large part of acne treatment is focusing on prevention. Adapting to a proper lifestyle, dodging the acne triggers, and staying consistent with skincare is paramount, as recurring acne can leave lasting scars and abrasions on your face.

Depigmentation treatments

As acne subsides, it is essential to begin with depigmentation treatments. Opt for products that are non-comedogenic, lightweight, and have a gentle ingredient at the center - like Thiamidol.
Try to create an uncomplicated yet complete skin regimen with facewash, toner, serum, moisturizer, and non-comedogenic sunscreens to treat post-acne pigmentation and treatments.
Look for products with AHAs, PHAs, and natural chemicals like lactic acid to promote exfoliation and skin cell turnover.

A large part of acne treatment is focusing on prevention. Adapting to a proper lifestyle, dodging the acne triggers, and staying consistent with skincare is paramount, as recurring acne can leave lasting scars and abrasions on your face.

Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

A balanced regimen in the mornings and night is one of the most certain ways of preventing acne-prone skin.
Start with gentle cleansing, toning, AHA-infused serums, and moisturizers, and close your routine with sunscreen or a night cream.
Try to stay consistent with your acne treatment products and regimen to avoid reactions. Consult a dermatologist before using or layering potent skin actives.

Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments

Dietary choices, lifestyle, stress, and sleep cycles can also influence acne outbreaks.
Food groups that give you an insulin spike are more likely to leave you with acne.
Try to opt for whole foods and lean proteins, and ensure plenty of hydration to keep your bodily processes in order.
Exercising, meditating, and practicing other stress management methods can also lower cortisol levels and help prevent ace.

Tips for Reducing Acne Scars

Acne scars can be a persistent reminder of past breakouts, but there are ways to minimize their appearance. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be treated with effective methods such as -

• Use Thiamidol:Thiamido is a potent yet gentle ingredient that shows highly effective results against hyperpigmentation. Versatile and suitable for all skin types, this skin active can be added to your regimen via serums for oily skin or moisturizers.

• Apply Sunscreens: Acne scars, marks, and blemishes can deepen and darken on prolonged exposure to the sun. Using broad-spectrum sunscreens, with SPF 50+, can help prevent further damage and collagen breakdown.

• Toner: While cleansing has been normalized as a part of skincare, toners are just as crucial too. Toners help remove any residual impurities and excessive sebum, clearing out your pores to prevent acne. They also help you balance the pH levels of your skin to prevent excessive bacterial growth.

• Exfoliants: Look for skincare products, like cleansers, that have gentle exfoliants. AHAs like salicylic acid help dissolve dead skin cells, clear follicles, and boost skin cell turnover to give you a radiant, smooth, acne-free complexion.

• Avoid picking acne: Picking at or squeezing acne papules can increase the likelihood of scarring. Allow acne treatments to do their job and avoid touching affected areas.

Can Acne Be Cured Completely?

Acne treatments, results, and speed of recovery depend on your symptoms, immunity, and reasons for acne on your face. However, topical, oral, and clinical treatments can combine to reduce symptoms and flare-ups. Skin regimens and lifestyle can also be controlled to prevent acne flare-ups.

How Long Does Acne Last and Can It Return After Treatment?

The duration of acne varies depending on your symptoms, reasons, and efficacy of treatment. Mild acne may clear up in a shorter period of time whereas severe cases can persist for years. Acne can return if underlying causes—like hormonal changes, genetics, or lifestyle factors—are not addressed. Preventative care is key to avoiding recurrence.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Acne?

Long-term effects of acne can include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation(PIH) and scarring. These appear as darker marks, blemishes, and abrasions on the skin that can be tackled with effective topical treatment such as Thiamidol.

What Causes Acne and How Can It Be Prevented?

The main cause of acne is clogged pores, which may occur due to several factors such as sebum production, abnormal cell shedding, genetics, or external factors such as stress and pollution. Regular cleansing, non-comedogenic products, and targeted ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide can help prevent breakouts.

Can cotton pads cause acne?

Cotton pads can lead to acne if they’re unclean, clog your pores, or cause high friction against your skin. Using unclean cotton pads can transfer bacteria and oils to the skin, potentially leading to clogged pores.

At what age does acne stop?

Typically, hormonal acne stops after pubescent years unless you suffer from hormonal concerns such as PCOS. However, some individuals may experience acne into their 30s or even 40s, due to skin conditions, lifestyle choices, and genetics.

What kills acne the fastest?

Targeted treatments such as Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are some of the fastest-acting treatments for acne. However, one must consult a dermatologist to select the right line of treatment for their acne.

• Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris - NIH National Library of Medicine
• The role of follicular hyperkeratinization in acne - PennState University
• Genetics of Acne - News-Medical.Net