Spoiler alert: no squeezing required.
All acne is pesky, but not all acne is the same. Considering how acne are formed, it takes a myriad of factors that include your health, hygiene, surroundings and so forth. This would perhaps explain why sometimes, you find that an acne patch might work well on a zit every now and then, but less so in other circumstances.
And because we believe that you should know how to treat each type of acne, we’ve compiled some of the common acne types, and how you should be treating them to have them go away as quickly as possible.
WHITEHEADS
Looks like: A small, white bump.
Cause: This commonly found type of acne is a result of a clogged pore, which then leads on to a buildup of oil underneath the skin that turns into a red, raised bump.
Solution: Something with salicylic acid will help to break down the excess oil. Mellow Naturals’ Clarifying Face Serum with Sophora Root, $59, is a great candidate to help you nick all these whiteheads. This serum contains sophora root – a Chinese herb with multiple medicinal benefits due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, that is able to effectively provide relief to acne-prone skin, prevent further breakouts and reduce scarring.
BLACKHEADS
Looks like: When you inspect your pores, you see dark dots.
Cause: Another common skin problem, this is largely caused by a buildup of dirt and grime. The dark colour comes from the oil oxidizing inside the pore.
Solution: Your best bet is in finding a good facial exfoliant, such as Beigic’s Correcting Exfoliator, $52 (Original price: $65), which gently exfoliates dead skin cells, encouraging skin’s natural renewal. It also removes impurities to help unclog the pores and deeply cleanse them for fresh and clear skin.
PAPULES
Looks like: A raised, red bump that never actually develops a hardened head.
Cause: These are usually caused by inflammation.
Solution: A product with benzoyl peroxide is suitable, but if not, find something with tea tree as well, like Aromatica’s Tea Tree Balancing Toner, $45. The anti-microbial properties of tea tree extracts can help to clear pores and purify your skin, while balancing your skin’s natural pH levels.
PUSTULES
Looks like: A raised, red bump with a yellowish head, usually filled with pus.
Cause: This gross-sounding acne type is caused by a buildup of pus that is a result of bacteria in the pore.
Solution: Finding a good blemish serum is key, such as Re:erth’s Blemish Control Serum, $87. Formulated to specifically target acne-causing bacteria, this serum is clinically tested, and is non-comedogenic as well as non-drying.
HORMONAL
Looks like: Zits that show up, usually around the lower half of your face.
Cause: Hormones can kick your oil production into high gear, which in turn causes the likelihood of hormonal acne forming to be increased as well.
Solution: Aside from oral medication, you’ll want something that is anti-inflammatory and helps to regulate oil, which is where Rooki Beauty’s Mission Critical Acne Patch, $18, comes in. Made with hydrocolloid – a gentle, drug-free and innovative non-drying technology that absorbs excess fluid like oil and pus – you’ll know the patch is doing its job when it turns speckled white.
From now till the end of June, enjoy 20% off selected items from Beigic, Mellow Naturals and Celloom when you shop at societyA Beauty!
Anchor image and illustrations: Alamy