Understanding Breakouts: Identify Your Acne Type & The Best Treatments

Posted: May 20, 2025

Breakouts can be frustrating, unpredictable, and sometimes painful. Many people that struggle with acne try multiple treatments. This sometimes can lead to road blocks with clearing your acne. The key to cleaner skin isn’t just using more products – it’s using the right ones for your specific acne type. Not all acne is the same, and different types require different approaches. Today I’m going to help you identify your acne type, understand its root causes, and choose the best treatments to keep your skin healthy and blemish-free.

By: Mackenzie, Licensed Esthetician

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The Different Types of Acne & What They Mean

Before you can teat acne effectively, its essential to identify what type of acne you have.

Comedonal Acne (Whitesheads & Blackheads)

The most common acne I see is Comedonal Acne (Whitesheads & Blackheads). These are going to be smaller bumps that are not inflamed; blackheads are an opened comedone they are black because when the bacteria hits the air it will oxidize and turn black. Whiteheads are going to be a closed comedone. This is going to be caused by too many dead skin cells on the skin, over production of oil and clogged pores.

To treat this type of acne it’s important to have some sort of acid blend in your skin care. Salicylic and glycolic acid are very popular for this type of acne. It is also important to note that you are gently exfoliating 2-3x a week. If you over exfoliate the skin it can damage your skin barrier and your oil production can over produce which can make your skin oilier, cause irritation and texture. In office treatments every 4-6 weeks can also help prevent this specific type of acne. I would suggest getting an Express Hydrafacial or the Wet Diamond Hydrafacial.

Inflammatory Acne (Papules & Pustules)

This is going to be red, swollen bumps (papules) or pimples with pus (pustules). This acne is going to present as more moderate to severe. This can be causes by using the wrong skincare and or makeup products. This is also caused by bacteria, oil build up, skin irritation, hormones or genetics. For this type of acne I feel like its really important to still incorporate AHAs and BHAs.

Stay mindful of how strong the exfoliants are because we do not want to inflame the skin even more. A huge misconception in skincare is the more intense and inflamed the acne is the more intense you need to be which is not always the case. Some other skincare ingredients to consider when dealing with this specific type of acne is going to be anything with anti-inflammatory properties. Niacinamide is going to be really great for reducing inflammation and redness. It will also improve skin tine and texture.

Image showing both red light therapy and blue light therapy acne treatment machines

Again, it’s important that you are still staying on top of your monthly facials. I would suggest getting a Wet Diamond HF every 4 weeks. Our Wet Diamond HF is going to have more exfoliation, there are acne boosters that can be customized into the facial and my favorite is our professional grade LightStim that you get to sit under for 15 minutes at the end of the facial.

The LightStim projects red and blue light (see picture to the right for what they look like). Red light is going to be great for inflammation and any redness in the skin. Blue light is going to work as an antiseptic to kill any bacteria in the skin. Another treatment you could consider is our Face Reality Bootcamp.

More Tips Over Instagram!

For a more extensive breakdown of red light vs. blue light therapy, watch this video over on our Instagram page!

Cystic and Nodular Acne

These will be large, painful, deep bumps under the skin that don’t always come to head. This is going to stem from hormonal fluctuations, severe oil buildup, and inflammation. This is a more severe case of acne that we see. I would suggest completing our 12 week Face Reality bootcamp program that I had mentioned previously. Face Reality is going to be a structured, individualized, and expert guided program. It will treat stubborn acne through products and treatments designed for any and all skin types. This is going to be beneficial for acne but especially beneficial for more severe acne.

How to Identify Your Acne Type

Since different acne types require different treatments, its crucial to assess your skin properly before choosing a routine.

Comedonal Acne

Comedonal Acne is going to present as small, flesh-colored or dark bumps. There is usually no redness or swelling and it is also painless. It can present as a blackhead (open comedone) or a whiteheads (closed comedone). Common locations for is going to be in the t-zone area (forehead, nose and chin). If you press on your skin gently this type of acne wont feel tender. Blackheads have a dark surface due to oxidation like I had mentioned previously. Whiteheads are going to be closed underneath the skin with a white head. These are usually easy to pop.

Check out my other blog here to learn more about the difference between blackheads and whiteheads!

Before and after images of a man's face from acne treatment at Atalo Aesthetics

Inflammatory Acne

Inflammatory Acne will appear red, swollen and sometimes painful pimples. Common location is going to be anywhere on the face, back, shoulders, and chest. This is caused by Bacteria (P.acnes) infecting clogged pores. Excess oil production also plays a huge role. To identify this type of acne look out for papules which will be small raised red bumps with no visible pus. Look out for pustules as well which will have a white or yellow pus-filled center. It may be a little sore to touch.

Nodulocystic Acne (Severe Acne)

Nodulocystic Acne (Severe Acne) will appear on the jawline, chin, neck, back, chest and overall anywhere on the face. This type of acne will feel like hard lumps under the skin. Cysts are going to feel a bit softer, they will be filled with pus and can rupture. Breakouts last longer than typical pimples and don’t always come to head.

Struggling to Identify Your Acne Type? We Can Help!

Understanding different types of acne is very important when it comes to figuring out the right approach to tackle it. By correctly identifying the cause and severity of breakouts, you can tailor your skincare routine to address specific concerns rather than relying on one-size-fits-all approach. However, consistency and patience are key. True skin transformation takes time, and quick fixes often do more harm than good. If you’re struggling to find the right approach, consulting with professional can provide personalized guidances and ensure you’re on the right path.

If you’re in the Cincinnati area and struggling with acne, come see us! Fill out this form and our front desk staff will be in touch to get you scheduled.