When it comes to skincare, there is a broad spectrum of enthusiasts. There are those individuals who know skincare and skin facts like the back of their hand, those who have a few favorite products, those who live on whatever free samples they can get, and those who don’t even know where to start. For those of you without a skincare spreadsheet, new to the skincare space, or even our advanced friends looking for a basic refresher course, here’s a little Acne 101.
First things first, for clear skin you need to know what you’re dealing with blemish-wise before treating it. Treating acne requires a different approach depending on the type of blemish. Below are the most common types of blemishes. Note: if you are squeamish, we tried to tone it down.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are round, small, with a white or yellow head, that develop just under the skin surface. Whiteheads are brought on by hormones, oily skin, or products and cosmetics on your face.
Blackheads
Blackheads are black or dark that are clogged near the surface of the skin. They’re a bit like whiteheads except the exposure to air causes the darkening of oil trapped in the pore. Blackheads can be caused by an obscured hair follicle, oil, hormones, skincare products, diet, or medications.
Papules
Papules are when a hair follicle is clogged with bacteria and your immune system produces white blood cells to fight the infection, causing a cluster of red inflamed pimples.
Pustules
Pustules are when a hair follicle becomes clogged with, ahem, pus (ie bacteria, oil, dead skin cells.) A bit like papules, the clusters of bumps are red, a bit larger, and sensitive to touch.
Nodules
Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin surface that develops when a pore wall breaks down and the bacteria and oil affect other pores. They hurt and can cause permanent scarring.
Cysts
Cysts are the worst. Cysts are a major inflammatory reaction deep in your pores that are fluid filled like boils. Varying levels of hormones found down deep in the follicle cause these painful blemishes.
While Soon products do not treat acne, they can treat your skin to some TLC. Soon masks help soothe and nourish your skin while you are feeling the effects of acne or acne treatments without causing more damage—they are non comedogenic and contain no sulfates, phthalates, or parabens.
