The Different Types of Acne

Yes, you read that correctly. The different types of acne.

Many folks think that hormones are a direct link to acne and that it only happens from the ages of 12-24 as you’re going through puberty.

Hormones are not a direct cause of acne, but they are a trigger – and the effect differs from person to person. With teen acne there is a tendency for males to get that BIG cystic lesion and yet, women find themselves with a breakout in their 30’s.

What tends to happen is an increase level of what is known as androgen hormones, specifically, that cause acne – hormones that are present in both males and females. When these hormones bind with androgen receptors in sebaceous gland cells, the glands are signaled to become larger and increase production of sebum.

When you mix this increase of sebum with dead skin cells that collect in and around the pores, the end result are pores that are clogged forming non-inflamed areas (blackheads and whiteheads) or the in-flamed type that can look like a little pustule or grow to a large cyst.

Some of the types are called:

• Genetic Acne
• Acne detergents – Cause: products
• Acne Excoriee – Cause: Sun exposure
• Acne Cosmetica – Cause: Comedogenic cosmetics
• Acne Mallora – Cause: Mechanical irritation
• Cystic – Cause: Acne from sebum, dead cells and bacteria

Non-inflammatory Acne

The first stage of an impacted follicle can be referred to as a micro-comedone.

Comedone is a medical term for pimple that can start as a really small impaction to one that feels like a hard bump just below the surface.  As the lack of oxygen causes bacteria, the waste produces an irritation and seems that the lesion has a thin film covering it or if totally open can look black (No it’s not dirt but oxidized oil) or white

Another form of non-inflammed are what are termed Melia – those hard little white not easy to extract round guys usually around eyes and cheeks.

Inflammatory Acne

If the non-inflamed lesions evolves into an open pore, or just the right mixture of cells start to look larger, red to pink, swollen, raised and bumpy, you’re the path to a lesion that can cause pigmentation (often confused as scarring), more difficult to control, and possibly rupture the follicle wall – affecting other follicles.

If the break is painful and deeper, a nodule can form which may require an injection to control the lesion. The other form is a cyst that has a membrane that entraps the infection.