If you've ever wondered why some breakouts seem to come out of nowhere while others stick around for weeks, you're not alone. Whether you're dealing with the occasional spot or more stubborn breakouts, knowing what's happening beneath your skin's surface can help you choose the right skincare for acne.

WHO DOES ACNE AFFECT?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 50 million Americans experience acne annually.

While often associated with puberty, acne doesn't discriminate by age. Breakouts can occur in women experiencing hormonal changes, young adults and even those well into their 40s. This is because hormones aren't the only contributor; genetics plays a major role, and stress and diet can contribute to flare-ups, too.

But not all acne is the same. Understanding the differences is key to finding the right skincare for acne. Let's break down the types of acne and how to care for each one.

TYPE 1: NON-INFLAMMATORY ACNE (OPEN COMEDONES)

These are your classic blackheads. You'll notice small, dark spots on your skin where pores have become clogged.

WHAT CAUSES THIS ACNE?

Open comedones form when dead skin cells, oil and melanin (pigment) accumulate in your pores. The surface opening of the pore dilates from internal pressure, allowing the material inside to oxidize and darken. In younger teens (ages 12 – 14) with a genetic predisposition to acne, blackheads can be an early warning sign of more severe breakouts to come.

HOW TO CARE FOR THIS ACNE

The key is to keep pores clear and prevent buildup with amazing skincare for acne.

• GlyMed's Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid works to kill bacteria, reduce oil production and slow the shedding of dead skin cells that can clog pores.
• For a deeper exfoliation, try Glycolic Facial Cleanser with 10% Glycolic Acid, which jumpstarts cell turnover and helps prevent future blockages.
• Add Astringent No. 2 with Salicylic Acid to your routine to keep your skin refreshed while controlling excess oil.

TYPE 2: NON-INFLAMMATORY ACNE (CLOSED COMEDONES)

Closed comedones, known as whiteheads, appear as small, flesh-colored bumps on the skin's surface. Unlike blackheads, the pore opening remains closed, trapping everything beneath.

WHAT CAUSES THIS ACNE?

Closed comedones are sometimes called "maturation arrest acne" because they can't mature into open comedones. Dead skin cells, oil, melanin and bacteria become trapped inside the pore, but the follicular opening never dilates. This makes whiteheads particularly resistant to care, so they’ll stay longer than their blackhead counterparts.

HOW TO CARE FOR THIS ACNE

Since whiteheads are trapped beneath the surface, you need skincare for acne that can penetrate and break up the congestion.

• Exfoliating Cleanser with Salicylic Acid purges pores and removes dead skin and excess oil.
• For ongoing maintenance, Idyllic Cleanser with 3% Mandelic Acid gently exfoliates and controls acne-causing bacteria without being too harsh.
• Add Accelerator Gel with 20% Alpha Hydroxy Acids to your routine 2 – 5 times per week (depending on your skin's sensitivity) to release impacted pores and prevent new whiteheads from forming.

TYPE 3: INFLAMMATORY ACNE (ACTIVE BREAKOUTS)

These are the red, raised bumps that often feel tender to the touch. Papules appear as small, inflamed bumps without a visible center, while pustules have a white or yellow center filled with pus.

WHAT CAUSES THIS ACNE?

When bacteria (specifically Propionibacterium acnes) get trapped in clogged pores along with oil and dead skin cells, your body's immune system responds with inflammation. The bacteria break down the skin’s natural oil into fatty acids that irritate the surrounding tissue, leading to those painful, angry-looking bumps.

HOW TO CARE FOR THIS ACNE

Active breakouts need targeted action to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

• Clear Skin Cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide is formulated to address both inflamed and non-inflamed lesions effectively.
• Follow up with Blemish Control No. 5 with Benzoyl Peroxide, one of the most effective topical options for active acne. It works by oxygenating pores, which creates an environment where bacteria can't survive.
• For an added boost, Mattifying Sulfur Masque can be applied as a nightly spot action to dry out pustules and promote faster clearing.

TYPE 4: INFLAMMATORY ACNE (DEEPER BREAKOUTS, CYSTIC FORM)

Cysts and nodules are deep, painful lumps beneath the skin's surface that never come to a head. They're larger than typical acne lesions and can linger for weeks or even months.

WHAT CAUSES THIS ACNE?

Cystic acne develops when infection and inflammation occur deep within the skin. The pore becomes severely clogged and ruptures beneath the surface, spreading bacteria and causing widespread inflammation in the surrounding tissue. This is the most severe form of acne and often requires a multi-pronged approach.

HOW TO CARE FOR THIS ACNE

Deep cystic lesions need powerful skincare for acne that can penetrate to where the problem lies.

• Clear Skin Cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide is excellent for cystic acne, as it can reach deep into the pores.
• For more resistant cases, Skin Resurfacing Lotion with Resorcinol combines Lactic Acid, Sulfur and Resorcinol to encourage peeling, kill bacteria, suppress oil production and support the skin's natural clearing process.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SKINCARE FOR YOUR ACNE

Managing acne effectively means addressing all three components of the lesion. If you're ready to really take control of your skin with pharmaceutical-grade skincare for acne, reach out to one of your local GlyMed Pros! These professionally-trained and educated aestheticians know exactly how to evaluate your skin and provide personalized recommendations for a successful acne-clearing routine.