Understanding Mild to Moderate Acne by:Martin Chambers
Acne has several different types, but the most common are known as Acne Vulgaris
. Acne Vulgaris is the type of acne that teens and adults most commonly suffer from. In fact, 85% of teens suffer from Acne Vulgaris. Most of the time, acne is resolved as a person grows older and his or her face will clear up when he or she reaches the early 20's. For some people, however, the problem can continue well into adulthood, sometimes even reaching up to a person's 30's or even 40's.
Acne Vulgaris most commonly affects a person's face and neck, but there are also cases wherein it afflicts a person's chest, back and shoulders. The following are the common manifestations or types of the common acne.
Acne type #1: Whiteheads
When a pore becomes completely blocked, the sebum or the oil gets trapped inside the pore along with the bacteria and the dead skin cells. This results in a whitehead. Whiteheads are also called closed comedones.
The opening of a whitehead is very microscopic, which is mainly why the sebum and the dead cells aren't oxidized and turned black. It is also why a whitehead, as its name implies, has a white appearance on the surface.
Whiteheads have a shorter lifespan compared to the other forms of acne and can easily be "popped."
Acne type#2: Blackheads
Blackheads, on the other hand, are called open comedones. Unlike whiteheads, blackheads have larger openings, so some of the sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria slowly seep out into the surface of the skin.
Most people believe that blackheads are dark because of dirt. This is not really the case. Blackheads are dark because the skin's pigment melanin, which is included in the chemicals that seep to the surface, reacts with oxygen and turns black.
Blackheads have a relatively stable structure. They take a much longer time than whiteheads to clear.
Acne type #3: Papules
Papules are bumps on the skin which are often red and inflamed. Unlike whiteheads and blackheads, papules have no head. Popping them would only exacerbate scarring and would not yield any good results.
No pus will come out so it's best to just leave this type of acne alone. Trying to pop this type of acne is also rather painful. Leave a papule alone and it will eventually recede and disappear.
Acne type#4: Pustules
Pustules are what we commonly call 'pimples'. Like a whitehead, the sebum, dead skin cells and the bacteria are trapped inside. The difference between the two is that pustules are usually more severe and more painful. The area surrounding pustules is also red and inflamed.
Pustules are also much larger than papules. It is generally not advisable to pop a pimple or pustule for it may become a permanent scar or lesion. It is best to just apply a topical antibiotic or to use anti-acne products and wait for the pustule to recede.
Sometimes, though, pustules can become very inflamed. More and more pus accumulates inside the pore so the pustule swells up until even the slightest movement can pop it. When this happens, just clean your face thoroughly with water and soap and make sure that the pus does not spread.
About the author
Martin Chambers has put together a complimentary report on curing acne that will help you to get acne clear. To download this report instantly visit
http://www.b5acnesecrets.com
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