You are not alone if you look in the mirror and spot a new blemish.

• Acne affects over 20% of people aged 16 and above.

• Most people deal with acne at some point in their lives.

It can feel frustrating when breakouts appear, but you can take control. When you focus on understanding and managing acne, you set yourself up for real results. Different types of acne need different care. Choosing the wrong treatment can exacerbate the issue or leave you feeling stuck. When you know what you are dealing with, you can find what actually works for your skin.

Key Takeaways

• It is essential to know your acne type. Different types, like blackheads or cysts, need special care. Each type needs its own treatment to work well.

• Try not to make common skincare mistakes. Using the wrong products can make acne worse. Putting products on the wrong way can also cause more problems.

• Make a simple skincare routine. Wash your face gently two times each day. This helps keep your skin clean and stops breakouts.

• Good habits are essential. Eat healthy foods and try to lower stress. Get enough sleep to help stop acne from getting worse.

• See a dermatologist if you need help. If store-bought treatments are not effective, a doctor can give you advice. They can help with tough acne and find the best solution for you.

Acne Understanding and Managing

Why It Matters

You may ask why it is important to know about acne. If you know your acne type, you can choose the best treatment. This helps you avoid wasting time on things that do not help. Many people use the same treatment for all acne. However, each type of acne requires its own specific care. I frequently hear people ask about 'wonder treatments' they've heard about on social media platforms, such as using essential oils and hot towels to treat acne, but it's not that simple, and may actually do more harm than good. Something as simple as applying heat to the affected area can increase inflammation, especially if the affected area is already red and irritated.

Did you know? Only 11% of people with acne use a skincare routine with their treatment. Most people do not get all the benefits of a full plan.

Here is what research says about acne understanding and managing:

Personalized Care

You need a plan that works for your skin. Knowing about acne helps you avoid common mistakes. Some mistakes people make are:

• Using strong scrubs that make skin red and sore

• Picking moisturizers that block pores

• Putting products on in the wrong order

• Using products that cause breakouts.

• Skipping important acne-fighting ingredients

• Trying to treat acne without knowing the type

• Scrubbing too much and making things worse

• Not matching your routine to your skin’s needs

If you focus on understanding and managing acne, you can avoid these mistakes. You will see better results and feel more confident. One treatment does not work for every type. Your skin is special, so your care should be too.

Types of Acne

You may notice that your breakouts look different from those of your friends. This is because there are many types of acne. Each type requires its own specific treatment. Let’s learn how to spot each type, what causes them, and how to handle them.

Blackheads

Blackheads are very common. They look like tiny, dark spots on your nose, chin, or forehead. The pore remains open, allowing the oil inside to turn dark when it comes into contact with air. The oil in the pore oxidizes and turns into a solid, dark plug.

Tip: Blackheads do not mean your skin is dirty. They form when oil and dead skin cells block your pores.

Studies show blackheads happen when your skin makes too much oil. Hormones can make oil glands bigger. Skin cells can clog pores. Bacteria can grow in these clogged pores and make things worse. Oil at the top mixes with stuff and turns black.

How to manage blackheads:

• Use gentle cleansers and exfoliants with salicylic acid.

• Use products that contain AHA's and salicylic acid to keep pores clear.

• Avoid using heavy creams that clog pores.

• Pore strips can help for a quick fix, but do not use them too much.

• Using a specially formulated chemical exfoliating product can help prevent excess skin cell build-up that can block pores and contribute to blackheads.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads look like small, white bumps on your skin. They form when a pore gets blocked but stays closed. Oil and dead skin get trapped inside. Whiteheads do not have a dark tip. It's best not to try to 'pop' whiteheads yourself. Instead, consult a skincare specialist to perform extractions of both blackheads and whiteheads with professional equipment and antiseptic technique to avoid damaging the pores and skin.

You can spot whiteheads by their round, white look. They often show up on your cheeks, chin, or forehead.

How to manage whiteheads:

• Choose skincare and makeup that won't clog pores.

• Wash your face two times a day with a gentle cleanser.

• Do not pick or squeeze whiteheads, as this may result in scarring. Try using a specially formulated drying product to help ease inflammation and dry up the whitehead or pimple. Blemish Rx is a great choice for spot-treating whiteheads overnight.

Papules

Papules are small, raised bumps that feel hard. They do not have pus inside. You will not see a white or yellow tip. Papules can look red, brown, or gray. The color depends on your skin tone. You may notice them on your arms, legs, neck, torso, or buttocks.

• Small, itchy bumps

• No pus inside

• Color changes with skin tone

• Can be on many body parts

Papules can appear due to inflammation, eczema, or certain skin conditions such as scabies or lymphomatoid papulosis. Papules can also be caused by surface skin dehydration, which prevents the flow of oil from the oil glands to the skin's surface, where it is needed. This is sometimes known as 'congested' skin. Using hydrating, oil-free serums with niacinamide can be highly effective. Additionally, using gentle daily exfoliating products can help keep the skin's surface free of debris.

How to manage papules:

• Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers.

• Avoid using rough scrubs that can irritate the skin.

• If papules do not improve, consult a dermatologist or esthetician.

Note: Inflammation is a big part of papules. It is important to know if your acne is inflammatory. These types need special care.

Pustules

Pustules look like regular pimples. They have a red base and a white or yellow top filled with pus. They may feel sore or notice redness around the bump. Pustules can show up anywhere on your face or body.

• Red, swollen bumps with pus

• Sore to touch

• Can be in groups

Bacteria often cause pustules. Sometimes, skin problems like impetigo start as papules and turn into pustules. Rosacea can also cause pustules, but it needs different treatment than acne.

How to manage pustules:

• Use spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide.

• Keep your skin clean and avoid touching your face.

• If you notice many pustules or they worsen, consult a dermatologist.

Note: Rosacea can look like acne with red, pus-filled bumps. If your skin feels dry and sensitive, or you see flushing, you may have rosacea. Ask your doctor for help.

For additional information about the four main types of rosacea, see: www.rosacea.org

Nodules

Nodules are big, hard lumps deep under your skin. They do not have a head and can feel sore. Nodular acne is more common in people assigned male at birth. Some medicines or hormone problems like PCOS can raise your risk.

• Nodules are firm and hurt.

• They form deep in the skin and last for weeks.

• Nodular acne often requires medical treatment.

How to manage nodules:

• Do not try to pop or squeeze nodules.

• Use gentle skincare and avoid harsh products.

• See a dermatologist for stronger treatments and medication.

Cysts

Cysts are the worst type of acne. They appear as large, swollen lumps under the skin. Cystic acne can be painful and may leave scars if not treated properly. Cysts are soft, filled with fluid, and can be very large.

• Big, painful pimples deep in the skin

• Red, swollen, and sore

• May break open and leak pus

• Can cause scars

Hormone changes, like more androgens, can cause cystic acne. You may see cysts during puberty, periods, pregnancy, or menopause. Some medicines and health problems, like PCOS, can also cause cysts.

How to manage cysts:

• Do not pick or squeeze cysts.

• Use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh products.

• See a dermatologist for medicine like antibiotics or retinoids.

Reminder: Cystic acne needs special care. One treatment does not work for all acne. Always match your routine to your skin’s needs.

Each type of acne looks and feels different. Causes include hormones, bacteria, genetics, and lifestyle. That is why you need to know your acne type before picking a treatment. Using the wrong products can make things worse. Learn about your skin to find the best way to handle breakouts.

Managing Acne

At-Home Tips

You can help your skin at home. Start with a gentle routine. Wash your face twice each day. Use a mild cleanser. This removes oil, dirt, and sweat. It does not dry out or irritate your skin. Regularly cleaning your skin helps keep it healthy. It can lower the chance of inflammatory acne. Studies show simple routines help your skin feel smoother. Your skin can look brighter and feel better in a few weeks.

Here are some home remedies for mild breakouts:

Tip: Always test new remedies on a small spot first. Some natural things can still bother your skin.

Do not scrub your skin hard. Scrubbing can make inflammatory acne worse. It can cause more redness. Use clean towels and pillowcases. Pro tip: Wash towels and pillowcases in hot water with bleach or oxygen-based bleach. Change them often to stop bacteria from spreading. If you wear makeup, choose products labeled as "non-comedogenic." and always remove makeup at the end of the day.

Bee Naturals makes gentle cleansers and moisturizers. They work for many skin types. Their products help keep your skin calm. They stop extra irritation. If your skin is sensitive or you frequently experience inflammatory acne, look for soothing ingredients such as witch hazel, aloe vera, allantoin, and 6% niacinamide.

Over-the-Counter Options

You can buy many acne products at the store. Each type of acne needs its own care. Not every product works for everyone. Some ingredients help alleviate certain types of breakouts, especially inflammatory acne.

Salicylic acid helps with blackheads and whiteheads. It cleans out your pores. Benzoyl peroxide is good for inflammatory acne. It kills bacteria and calms swelling. Retinol helps with hormonal and cystic acne. It keeps your skin from getting clogged. It can fade dark spots. Niacinamide is gentle. It helps with redness and swelling from inflammatory acne.

Many people see their skin get better with these ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are strong choices for inflammatory acne. They help with red bumps and clogged pores. Always start with a small amount. See how your skin reacts.

Note: Using too many strong products can make inflammatory acne worse. Try one new product at a time, and if irritation and/or excessive dryness occur, try gentler products, or those with lower concentrations of these ingredients.

Bee Naturals has gentle, skin-friendly products. These help with mild to moderate inflammatory acne. They do not cause more irritation. If your skin feels sore or becomes red, discontinue use of the product. Try something milder. A few examples include: Self-Foaming Face Wash, Refining Face Wash with AHA/BHA, Revitalizing Gel Cleanser, Oil-Free Moisturizing Serum with 6% Niacinamide, Oil-Free Day Cream, and Oil-Free Night Repair Cream, Blemish Rx and Clear Skin Toner, alcohol-free.

When to See a Dermatologist

Sometimes, home care and store products are not enough. You should see a dermatologist if:

• Your acne does not improve after trying store-bought products for a few months.

• You have severe or painful breakouts, like nodules or cysts. These are types of inflammatory acne that need special care.

• You see scars or your skin feels sore all the time.

• Acne makes you feel sad, worried, or less confident.

• You have other symptoms, like changes in your period or hair growth. These could mean a health problem like PCOS or rosacea.

Seeing a dermatologist early can help you avoid scars. It can stop long-term skin problems. Doctors can prescribe stronger medications or create personalized treatment plans for stubborn inflammatory acne. One study found that individuals who consulted a dermatologist early experienced significantly better outcomes. Almost 88% reported an improvement in their skin.

Remember: Not all acne is the same. Inflammatory acne needs a different plan than blackheads or whiteheads. If you feel stuck, a dermatologist can help you find the right care.

Bee Naturals can help with many breakouts. But some cases need a doctor. If you have tried many products and still see no change, do not wait. Getting help early can save your skin from more damage.

Causes and Triggers

Hormones

Hormones have a big effect on your skin. You might get more pimples during puberty or your period. Stress can also cause breakouts. Estrogen helps your skin by making oil glands smaller. It also reduces the amount of oil your skin produces. When your body produces more androgens, such as testosterone and DHT, your skin becomes oily. This extra oil can cause non-inflammatory acne and worse types. If you have PCOS, you may get more pimples. This is because higher levels of androgens can make your skin oily. PCOS can also cause insulin problems and swelling, which makes acne worse. Hormone changes often cause blackheads and whiteheads.

• Estrogen keeps oil glands small and controls sebum.

• Androgens make your skin oily and can block pores.

• PCOS causes more oil and swelling, which leads to acne.

Diet & Lifestyle

What you eat and how you live can change your skin. Some foods can make acne worse. Other foods can help your skin stay healthy. Studies show eating lots of dairy, sugary drinks, and foods with high sugar can cause more non-inflammatory acne. A Mediterranean diet may help your skin stay clear.

Changing your habits can help your skin. Getting enough sleep is good for your skin. Eating healthy meals and lowering stress also help. You may get fewer breakouts if you follow these habits.

• Sleeping well can help lower acne.

• Managing stress can help stop breakouts.

• Eating balanced meals helps keep skin clear.

Stress

Stress can make your skin worse. When you are stressed, your body makes hormones that cause more oil. This can lead to more non-inflammatory acne and red bumps. Studies show people with more stress often have worse acne. Not sleeping well and feeling stressed can also change your hormones. This makes it harder for your skin to heal.

If you lower your stress levels, you may experience fewer pimples and reduced redness.

Bacteria & Habits

Bacteria on your skin can cause acne. The main bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes, can make your skin swell and break out. If you frequently touch your face or use dirty towels, you spread germs and oil. This can cause non-inflammatory acne and red bumps. Healthy skin has more Cutibacterium, which helps keep your skin balanced. When bad bacteria grow, your skin can turn red and swell.

You can lower your risk for non-inflammatory acne by washing your face gently, changing pillowcases often, and keeping your hands clean.

Prevention Tips

Skincare Routine

You can stop many breakouts before they start. Maintaining a good skincare routine is essential for healthy skin. Doctors advise keeping things simple. You do not need fancy or strong products.

Try these easy habits every day:

• Wash your face gently twice a day with a mild cleanser.

• Use toners without alcohol to keep your skin calm.

• Select makeup that won't clog your pores.

• Wash your hair often if your forehead gets oily.

• Give acne treatments time to work. Do not change products too fast.

• Keep your hands off your face. Picking at pimples can make them worse.

• Avoid tanning beds and sunbathing. The sun can make acne worse.

You can use products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These help open pores and fight germs. If you have severe acne, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics, retinoids, or chemical peels.

Here is a simple routine you can follow:

Tip: Keep doing your routine for a few weeks. Your skin needs time to get better.

Healthy Habits

What you do every day changes your skin. Eating healthy and caring for your body can help stop acne.

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and foods with probiotics. These help your skin stay strong.

• Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar. Studies show eating lots of sugar can raise your acne risk by 30%.

• Try to eat less dairy, especially skim milk. Dairy can exacerbate acne for some individuals.

• Pick whole grains and lean meats. Low sugar diets help stop breakouts.

• Reduce your intake of fried foods, chocolate, alcohol, and soft drinks. These can cause more pimples.

Remember: Small changes in what you do and eat can help stop new pimples. You can keep your skin healthy.

You can take control of your skin by learning about your acne type and picking the right plan. Sticking with your routine helps you see real changes.

• Patient education makes a big difference in treatment success.

• Consistency in your routine is key for clear skin.

If your acne stays stubborn or gets worse, talk to a dermatologist. You have the power to help your skin look and feel better. Stay patient and keep going—your healthy skin is worth it! 😊

FAQ

How can you tell what type of acne you have?

Look at your pimples. Blackheads look dark and flat. Whiteheads look small and white. Papules feel hard and red. Pustules have pus. Nodules and cysts feel deep and sore. Each type needs its own care.

What causes acne to get worse?

Hormones, stress, and diet can make acne worse. Touching your face or using oily products can also cause breakouts. Bacteria and dirty pillowcases add to the problem. Try to keep your skin clean and calm.

Why doesn’t one acne treatment work for everyone?

Each acne type forms in a different way. Some need bacteria-fighting products. Others need pore-clearing ingredients. If you use the wrong treatment, you might not see results or could make things worse.

Can you treat all acne at home?

You can treat mild acne at home with gentle cleansers and over-the-counter products. If you have deep, painful pimples or see scars, you should visit a dermatologist. Some acne needs more potent medicine.

What’s the best way to prevent new breakouts?

Wash your face gently twice a day. Use non-comedogenic products. Eat healthy foods and manage stress. Change pillowcases often. Stick with your routine. Small changes can help your skin stay clear. 😊

Would you like more help understanding your skin issues? Please reach out to our professionals at www.beenaturals.com