You have to be able to identify your type of acne before treating your breakouts. There are two types of acne inflammatory vs. non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne has no significant redness or inflammation—you’ll see whiteheads and blackheads. With inflammatory acne, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts are present. Nodules and cysts are seen in more severe acne. Acne varies depending on the severity: Whiteheads are closed, clogged pores Blackheads are open, clogged pores Papules are small red, tender bumps Pustules (pimples) are papules containing pus Large, firm, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin are nodules Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin are cystic lesions Best treatments for different types of acne include: Non-inflammatory acne treatments Mild, non-inflammatory acne can usually be treated at home with products containing salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids(AHAs) and retinoids including: Benzoyl Peroxide 5% or Benzaderm 10% with Aloe Glycolic / Salicylic 5-2 & 10-2 Pads Hormonal acne treatments If you have hormonal acne, we might try birth control or a pill like Spironolactone. If your acne is severe, you might want to consult a doctor about Accutane or other acne medication. Severe, inflammatory acne treatments For more severe acne with nodules and cysts, prescription treatments like antibiotics, topical retinoids or isotretinoin are used. Talk to your dermatologist about how to best treat your acne may be your best bet. There is a wide range of prescription topical and oral medications, but they require a consultation with a medical professional. In-office, we can perform a range of treatments that may help, including chemical peels, laser and dermal filler treatments. We also suggest using a product with SPF because acne marks can get darker over time when exposed to sunlight.”
You have to be able to identify your type of acne before treating your breakouts. There are two types of acne inflammatory vs. non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne has no significant redness or inflammation—you’ll see whiteheads and blackheads. With inflammatory acne, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts are present. Nodules and cysts are seen in more severe acne. Acne varies depending on the severity: Whiteheads are closed, clogged pores Blackheads are open, clogged pores Papules are small red, tender bumps Pustules (pimples) are papules containing pus Large, firm, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin are nodules Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin are cystic lesions Best treatments for different types of acne include: Non-inflammatory acne treatments Mild, non-inflammatory acne can usually be treated at home with products containing salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids(AHAs) and retinoids including: Benzoyl Peroxide 5% or Benzaderm 10% with Aloe Glycolic / Salicylic 5-2 & 10-2 Pads Hormonal acne treatments If you have hormonal acne, we might try birth control or a pill like Spironolactone. If your acne is severe, you might want to consult a doctor about Accutane or other acne medication. Severe, inflammatory acne treatments For more severe acne with nodules and cysts, prescription treatments like antibiotics, topical retinoids or isotretinoin are used. Talk to your dermatologist about how to best treat your acne may be your best bet. There is a wide range of prescription topical and oral medications, but they require a consultation with a medical professional. In-office, we can perform a range of treatments that may help, including chemical peels, laser and dermal filler treatments. We also suggest using a product with SPF because acne marks can get darker over time when exposed to sunlight.”