When many of us think of acne, we picture the awkward teen years with youthful faces covered in red blemishes. But what many people don’t realize is that acne doesn’t exclusively affect teens—the skin condition can strike at any age. Much of it comes down to the environment you live in, your lifestyle and hormonal irregularities.
Adult acne affects 85% of women and 15% of men, so it’s important to know how to treat it. Our staff members at Dermapure are experts in this area, as acne is one of the most common skin conditions we treat in our clinics.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through common types of acne and your treatment options.
The Three Most Common Types of Acne
You may think that all acne is the same, but that isn’t the case! There are actually many different types of acne, all of which may require varying treatments to get to the root cause. While this list isn’t exhaustive, these are the most common types that we see in our clinics and what causes them.
1. Cystic
Cystic acne happens when big stubborn bumps form deep underneath the epidermis. It tends to appear with multiple bumps near each other, causing a larger patch of red, inflamed skin in the affected area. Like most types of acne, cystic acne is usually a result of pores getting clogged with bacteria, oil, or dead skin cells. However, it can also be caused by hormonal changes.
2. Pustular
Pustular acne is when a pore is filled with pus, sebum (oil), and cell debris. Pustules are often yellow or white at the base of the bump and will ooze if popped. As tempting as they are to pop, doing so may push the infection further into your skin and cause a larger breakout of acne or make it more severe than it would have been. They usually grow near oil glands on your face, back, chest, and shoulders. These are the acne spots that look very similar to classic whitehead zits.
Pustular acne can be treated using over-the-counter products like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. However, medical-grade skincare products and regular skin maintenance can help prevent them altogether. Luckily, our staff at Dermapure can help you out with both.
3. Open/Closed Comedones
Comedones are the most basic type of acne, and they occur when a hair follicle gets clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
There are two types of comedones:
- Open comedones (a.k.a. blackheads): Open comedones—you guessed it—are open pores exposed to air. Blackheads form when a hair follicle in the skin becomes backed up with dead skin cells and oil. Since it’s open to air, the oil oxidizes within the pore, thereby creating a black appearance. These will most commonly appear on the nose and chin but can appear in any area of the body where you get acne.
- Closed comedones: Unlike open comedones, pores are not exposed to air with closed comedones. This is also why these spots don’t have a black colour. Closed comedones look like little bumps that aren’t red or inflamed like other pimples and occur when the hair follicle swells from being totally blocked with cells and oil.
Closed comedones may also be called fungal acne. Sometimes, closed comedones can turn into whiteheads if bacteria invade the follicle. These are most common on the cheeks, forehead, and chest.
If you are prone to getting comedones, cleaning your face often is critical. For skincare, consider non-comedogenic products.
How to Treat Acne: In-Clinic
Here at Dermapure, we offer several skin treatments that can help resolve acne comfortably and effectively.
1. IPL Treatments
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is an effective treatment for acne, helping to reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria. By targeting the deeper layers of the skin, IPL helps to decrease oil production in the sebaceous glands and improve skin texture. This treatment also addresses post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and can minimize acne scars over time. Many patients report clearer skin and a reduction in breakouts after a series of IPL sessions, making it a valuable option for those struggling with persistent acne.
2. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels, such as glycolic acid and Jessner’s peel, are effective treatments for acne. Glycolic acid peels work by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells, and unclogging pores. This helps to reduce inflammation and the presence of P. acnes bacteria, promoting clearer skin.
On the other hand, Jessner’s peel combines lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol, making it particularly effective for moderate to severe acne. This peel not only exfoliates but also addresses post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, helping to even skin tone. Both treatments can be tailored to individual skin types at Dermapure for optimal results. Regular sessions can lead to a significant improvement in skin texture and clarity over time.
3. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that effectively exfoliates the outer layer of dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresher skin underneath. This technique is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin, as it helps clear clogged pores, reduces the appearance of acne scars, and improves overall skin texture.
At Dermapure, our BELA MD treatments incorporate microdermabrasion to enhance its benefits. The three-step BELA MD system provides deep cleansing and hydration, while the five-step version adds advanced techniques for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Both options support your acne treatment plan by optimizing your skin’s health and appearance.
How to Treat Acne At Home?
1. Cleanse (Morning and Night)
Cleansing your skin morning and night is essential for preventing acne and maintaining a clear complexion. Throughout the day, skin accumulates dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants that can clog pores, leading to breakouts. Cleansing not only removes these impurities but also prepares your skin to absorb the active ingredients in your skincare products effectively.
For optimal results, consider using Functionalab’s Micellar Solution to gently cleanse and tonify without irritation, or SkinCeuticals’ LHA Cleansing Gel, which exfoliates while targeting excess oil. These products help create a fresh canvas for your treatments.
2. Treat with a Spot Treatment
To effectively address dark spots and hyperpigmentation, consider using the Spot Corrector Serum from Functionalab. This new-generation serum targets the formation of dark spots, visibly reducing their intensity and number. Its unique formula combines powerful antioxidant ingredients, including 2% Brighlette (marine plankton extract), 2% Borealine Aurora (white pine extract), 4% ET-VC (stabilized Vitamin C), and 1.5% IBR-TCLC (carotenoid antioxidants).
Free from kojic acid and hydroquinone, this non-photosensitizing serum is suitable for all skin types, including the sensitive areas around the eyes, neck, and hands. Results in aesthetic clinics show a significant reduction in dark spot size and a more even skin tone, with visible improvements in as little as two weeks.
3. Moisturize
Moisturizing is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, especially for those with normal to oily skin. The SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture is a lightweight face moisturizer designed to hydrate and nourish while minimizing the appearance of pores.
This formula combines vitamin E with three nutrient-rich algae extracts and seven botanical extracts, protecting the skin from environmental damage without leaving a greasy residue. It restores moisture effectively, making it an ideal choice for achieving a smooth, non-greasy finish.
By incorporating Daily Moisture into your skincare routine, you ensure your skin remains hydrated and balanced.
Take Control of Your Skin Today
At Dermapure, we want to help you reach your skin goals. If you’re struggling with acne, contact us today to book a free consultation at one of our clinics or reach out for further information from our expert treatment providers. Any of our staff members will be happy to assess your personal skincare needs and help you choose the skincare treatment that will be best for you!
