Answering the question what does acne look like is one that can help you solve your skin care problems.
There are two main categories of acne — acne vulgaris and nodulocystic acne. The most common is acne vulgaris, which can affect pre-teens, teens and adults. In most every case fluctuating hormones and an excessive production of sebum is the cause, however treatment for teen acne and adult acne may be different. Let’s begin by discussing the various types of acne vulgaris and what each type looks like.
Blackheads are commonly seen on the nose and cheeks. They are partially blocked pores that appear as little black spots on the face. Whiteheads are fully blocked pores, and are filled with white pus. Papules are a type of acne vulgaris that shows up as red bumps that may hurt and become inflamed. The most common type of acne vulgaris are pustules, which are what most people suffer from. Pustules look like whiteheads because of the pus-filled center, however they feature inflammation and a reddish-pink circle around the white pus. Acne vulgaris can range from the occasional zit to constant breakouts or those that occur periodically.
Nodulocystic acne, also known as cystic acne, is a very painful and severe type of acne. This acne looks like large, inflamed, swollen cysts filled with pus which is basically what they are. Cystic acne has roots into deeper layers of the skin and must be treated by a dermatologist. This kind of acne can cause scarring in addition to unsightly blemishes and intense discomfort. Luckily there are prescription oral and topical medications that can solve the problem of cystic acne. They include Retin-A and Accutane, both of which must be used under medical supervision.
Now that we have answered the question what does acne look like, you probably have a better idea as to what kind of acne you are suffering from. If you think you have acne vulgaris, check your local drugstore or supermarket for skin care products containing blemish fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You will need a cleanser, acne treatment, moisturizer made for acne prone skin and sunscreen made for acne prone skin. Cleanse and treat your skin morning and night, using an astringent after cleansing if you like. If cystic acne is your issue, head straight to the dermatologist’s office for an evaluation and treatment.