Many types of acne such as whiteheads, pimples, cysts and blackheads will develop when the pores within the skin become clogged. Sebum is the culprit, which is an oil within the skin which is developed when hormones surge. This is the reason why many teenagers suffer from this condition. Women may also experience this condition before a period when the hormones are at the highest. As hormones also fluctuate leading up to menopause, thousands of women in their late 40s, and early 50s will also get acne.
The type of acne that each person gets will be determined by whats happens in the clogged pore, so i will explain further of why each type is developed, to give you a better understanding of why you have a certain type.
When dead skin cells and sebum clog the pore, a blackhead will appear. Although the skin pores are clogged, the surface will still be open. You are able to see inside the pore which will uncover a black color. A dermatologist will refer to a blackhead as an “open comedo”.
When the excess oil and dead skin cells clog the pore as well as blocking the opening of each pore, this will be a whitehead. Due to the pore been completely closed, your dermatologist will refer to this as a “closed comedo”.
Its unfortunate that this excess oil will do more than just clog the pores. Due to the bacteria that is normally on the skin, this will become immersed within the oil and will thrive in this kind of situation. This causes the bacteria to rapidly increase and develop. The pore will become inflamed as the bacteria will grow within the pore and is why the pimples will look red as well as swollen.
If the inflammation reaches deep with your skin, this is when the acne cyst will form. This is considered to be the worst form of acne that anyone could experience and cysts can be extremely painful. Many people will often see permanent scarring, when this type of acne has been treated and healed.
How Can Acne Be Treated:
Mild acne will consist of blackheads, whiteheads, small lesions or pustules, which may appear at or very near to the surface of your skin. If you are trying to treat mild acne then this can be done from home. To remove the excess sebum and dead skin, which cover acne, wash your skin with warm soapy water, at least twice per day. You will also benefit from acne treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide which can be purchased over the counter at your pharmacy.
You can expect mild acne to be cleared within 3 to 8 weeks. Once the acne has cleared, you must continue to perform the above home treatment to ensure no more small lesions appear. Its important to keep your skin clear of any excess oils or you may experience much more severe acne.
If you have more severe acne then you will need to see your dermatologist as you will be assessed to see how severe it actually is and to determine what further treatment will be required.