3 Different Types of Pimples & Exactly How to Manage Them

Updated:

30 Jan 2023

Yads Cauchi is a Canberra-based beauty journalist, dermal therapist and mum of three. She's super passionate about skin health, and is currently completing her post grad in human nutrition to complement her in-clinic work.

Fact: Breakouts can be very confusing.

There are many types of acne, and the reasons why people break out is super varied.

Everyone and every situation is really different, which is why what may work for one person won't necessarily work for another.

Then there's the difference between pimples and acne.

Acne is a common skin disorder that's classified as a medical condition.

Pimples are an acne symptom that often happen when the opening of hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil.

You can learn more about acne from dermatologist Dr Michelle Rodrigues in our YouTube video below.

The thing about acne is people tend to leave it too long before seeing a professional.

If your acne is bothering you, it is important to get your skin assessed by a dermatologist.

That said, we can definitely manage the look of pimples and inflammation associated with acne using over-the-counter skincare products.

Types of Acne.

Did you know there are different types of acne pimples?

As Dr Michelle explained in her YouTube video, generally acne can be divided into two types:

Inflammatory acne commonly involves cysts that are red, swollen pimples full of pus.
Comedonal acne is generally a pattern of acne made up of whiteheads, blackheads and papules that can make the skin appear bumpy.

Let's break down the most common forms of breakouts I see as a dermal therapist, and the correct way to treat them.

Watch my video recap here, or keep scrolling for all the details.

1. Inflammatory Acne.

Inflammatory acne is just that, pimples that are red, swollen, inflamed, and often filled with pus and/or bacteria.

Common inflammatory acne pimples include:

Papules - Red or pink with inflammation that surrounds them. They may be sensitive and you shouldn’t pick at them. This will only make the inflammation worse and lead to acne scarring.
Pustules - Filled with pus with a red ring around the bump.

Pimple products to try:

Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic is a salicylic acid-based toner you can use after cleansing at night before your moisturiser, or as a spot treatment.

It also contains antibacterial tea tree oil to soothe inflammation and fight the bacteria that causes acne in the first place.

Using a COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch is the best for not only reducing the inflammation of angry pimples and absorbing excess sebum, but they also stop you picking at your blemishes.

Pickers, you need pimple patches in your life!

In-clinic skin treatment options:

Pustules are best left to be extracted by a skin professional, however I wrote this pimple popping article to help you if you're at home and can't resist.

Alternatively, watch our step-by-step guide to popping pimples safely on YouTube below.

2. Nodules & Cysts.

Cysts are the most severe type of inflamed acne pimples, and these sit below the surface of your skin.

They can also be extremely painful and take weeks or months to heal. They often look like boils, although severity can vary.

Nodules are larger bumps that also sit below the surface of the skin. They’re often hard to touch and super painful.

Both nodules and cysts are very hard to treat with over-the-counter products, and are classified as severe forms of acne.

If you are concerned, definitely book in to see a dermatologist. The earlier you see a professional, the better, as this will prevent acne scarring!

Rather than trying to squeeze your skin at home, focus on calming and brightening ingredients to prevent post-acne scarring.

Pimple products to try:

Cosmedix Simply Brilliant 24/7 Brightening Serum is a great serum to treat and prevent post-acne scarring.

It contains skin lightening ingredients that target existing pigmentation, but also prevent more from forming.

Calming the skin is very important when you are dealing with blemishes.

asap super B complex 30ml is packed with niacinamide, which regulates oil production and helps minimise the look of redness and inflammation.

In-clinic skin treatment options:

LED treatments are minimally invasive, and help wound healing and calm inflammation.

Your clinician will be able to advise which wavelength of light will be best for your concerns.

In-clinic LED is stronger than at-home LED devices.

You can learn more about the difference in our LED YouTube video here.

3. Comedonal Acne.

Comedonal acne can occur when pores get clogged with oil, dirt and bacteria.

Common comedonal acne pimples include:

Whiteheads - These are comedones that are closed on the surface of the skin. They’re white because a clogged hair follicle is unable to open.
Blackheads - Open comedones on the surface of the skin filled with excess skin and sebum that turn black when exposed to oxygen. Any skin type can get blackheads and they are very common.

Watch more blackhead do's and don'ts in our YouTube video below.

Pimple products to try:

Medik8 Blemish Control Pads are textured salicylic acid peel pads that are great for treating blackheads and whiteheads, as well as other types of breakouts.

They can be used to exfoliate within pores over the whole face, a section to spot treat, or on the body for acne pimples on your back and chest.

Incorporating the right vitamin A product into your routine (slowly) can be beneficial when treating acne pimples, but it will also be great for overall skin health.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 increases collagen production, helps reduce breakouts by banishing bacteria, and strengthens the skin.

In-clinic skin treatment options:

Chemical peels tailored to your skin type are great treatments when dealing with comedonal acne. Talk to your clinician about options best suited for you.

Microneedling or skin needling may also be beneficial to help with pores and acne scarring.

A Final Note...

Acne is a complex topic that can't be 'fixed' by reading an article - even one written by a dermal therapist like me.

You can start treating and managing different pimples associated with acne using targeted skin care, but it's best done under the guidance of a professional.

And in case I haven't said it enough already, don't pick your pimples!