From adolescence to adulthood, acne is a common skin concern for many people—so much so that it's no exaggeration to call it a universal issue.

 

Some people may go through life without ever getting acne, while others may suffer from severe skin troubles that leave scars or pigmentation, leading to significant stress.

 

That's why it's essential to understand the different types of acne in detail.

 

This post will cover the most important aspects of acne treatment and the essential skincare practices you need to know.

 

Each type of acne requires a different management approach!

Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

A buildup of sebum trapped under the skin

• Excessive sebum production
  (Due to excess male hormones or hormonal imbalances during menstrual cycles)

 

(2) Treatment for Whiteheads

Since whiteheads are caused by excessive sebum, those who frequently experience them (especially those with oily skin) should consider using creams or oral medications with sebum-suppressing ingredients. (Prescription required)

 

Removing dead skin cells (exfoliation/peeling) helps with sebum drainage.
(AHA, BHA, LHA, GHA, benzoyl peroxide-based cleansers or in-clinic peels are recommended)

We recommend extraction through sterilized and hygienic methods.

(In dermatology clinics, this typically involves using a needle or laser to open the pore before extraction)

 

(3) What Not to Do

Since sebum is trapped under the skin, forcibly squeezing or extracting without disinfection can cause scarring or pigmentation later.

 

Blackheads (Opened Comedones)

When whiteheads open up on the surface and oxidize, turning dark

 

(1) Causes of Blackheads

Same as whiteheads.

 

(2) Treatment for Blackheads

Similar to whiteheads, but since the pore is already open, extraction can be done without making an opening.

 

Because sebum is oil-based, those with oily and acne-prone skin should use acidic cleansers (GHA, LHA) and oil cleansers that can dissolve sebum effectively.

 

(3) What Not to Do

Same as with whiteheads.

 

Inflammatory Acne

Red and painful acne

 

(1) Cause

• Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)
  Bacterial infection of clogged sebum

 

(2) Treatment

If inflammation worsens, it can lead to pigmentation or scarring. In such cases, we recommend anti-inflammatory injections over extraction.

 

Prescription antibiotics for oral intake are also recommended.

 

(3) What Not to Do

Avoid squeezing or extracting, as it may leave dark spots or permanent scars.

 

Nodular Acne (Acne Conglobata)

Hard lumps under the skin with redness

 

(1) Cause

When sebum is not properly expelled, it can cause deep inflammation and result in long-lasting nodules. It may also be related to excessive male hormones or keloid-prone skin types.

 

(2) Treatment

If you can feel large nodules under the skin, you must seek professional treatment from a dermatologist. Prescription retinoid derivatives and oral medication are necessary.

 

Anti-inflammatory injections or oral anti-inflammatory medications are also required.

 

(3) What Not to Do

Nodular acne is one of the most severe forms of acne. Scarring and pigmentation are highly likely. Do not leave it untreated—see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

Prescriptions are essential. Laser treatment or skincare alone is not sufficient. Medications such as isotretinoin are necessary.

 

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3-Line Summary

1. Acne can be categorized into four main types.

2. Even without understanding the underlying mechanisms, refer to photos and manage according to type and severity.

3. For severe acne, home care has its limits—always consult a dermatologist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

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This concludes the information on the types, causes, and treatments of acne.

 

I hope this post provides valuable insight to many of you.

 

If you have any questions regarding treatments, feel free to leave a "like" or a comment—I’ll be happy to answer them personally.

 

Thank you very much!

 

📍 Primi Clinic
3F, 52, Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea