Mixed Types of Pimples on Face: Treating Combination Acne and Personalized Care

Pimples or acne are no strangers to your face. At least once, you must have dealt with a pesky pimple problem. It is worse if you have not just one but different types of pimples at the same time.

However, in a desperate attempt to do them away, you often make it worse by using the wrong treatment. But you can say goodbye to those generic solutions. This article will discuss in detail the types of acne as well as the right way to treat them. So, buckle up and read on till the end!

Types of Pimples

There are majorly two types of pimples on face: non-inflammatory (whiteheads and blackheads) and inflammatory (papules, pustules, and cysts) acne. They are discussed below.

Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

When hair follicles become congested with oil and dead skin cells, they give rise to little bumps on face, known as whiteheads. They are present just beneath the surface of your skin, and that's why you can't see their centers. This makes them more difficult to notice than the other types of acne.

Blackheads (Open Comedones)

Blackheads are tiny, black spots that also form when hair follicles get stuffed with dead skin cells and oil. However, unlike whiteheads, they remain open (hence the name). Due to this, the material present in them becomes oxidized and turns black. They are commonly present on the face and nose and are more easy to treat than other types.

Papules

Papules are the inflammatory type of acne and are caused when the hair follicles get infected. They present as small pimples on face, which are red and raised. Papules don't have a visible center and are painful to touch.

Pustules

What you know and refer to as ‘pimples’ are actually pustules, and pimples are an umbrella term for all types. They are also a type of inflammatory acne and present as large bumps that are filled with pus. They have a red base and a yellowish center and are very painful to touch. 

Causes of Combination Acne

Combination acne is various types of pimples on face at the same time. There are many causes for that. They are discussed below.

Hormonal Imbalances

There are fluctuations in hormones of your body during adolescence, menstruation, pregnancy, or medical conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). The hormone that is mainly responsible for the increased production of oil or sebum is androgen. The excess oil, in turn, blocks the skin pores and causes pimples or zits on face.

Diet and Stress

Processed food and food with a high glycemic index contain high carbohydrate and sugar content. This adds to increased sebum production. If you are under chronic stress, you are more susceptible to pimples on face than other people. This is due to an increase in cortisol levels (stress hormone), which stimulates the oil glands to produce more oil. 

Lifestyle Impacts

Lifestyle problems such as lack of sleep or use of hard face products can cause acne. Skin regeneration ability decreases, and skin pores get congested. Overwashing of the face is also one of the reasons for increased oil production. It causes dryness, and to compensate for that, the skin produces excess oil.

Effective Treatment Options for Mixed Acne

Acne is bothersome, but that doesn't mean it's not treatable. Some effective pimple treatment options are discussed below.

Over-the-Counter Treatments: What Works?

OTC treatments for mixed acne are suitable for mild to moderate cases. Pimples on face can either be due to infection or just clogged pores. To treat that, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are recommended. The former kills the bacteria that cause acne, whereas the latter works on unclogging the pores. Topical retinoids such as adapalene help increase the production of new skin cells to replace the dead ones. 

Prescription Medications: When to Consider

Prescription medications should be considered when there is no improvement in acne after continuous use of OTC drugs for 2 months. Moreover, if the acne is severe and there are a lot of pustules present on your face, you should move on to prescription medicines. Your dermatologist will help you choose the appropriate treatment regimen.

Homeopathic and Natural Remedies

Homeopathic medicine for pimples, as well as natural treatments, provide all the effects of modern medicine minus the added side effects. Homeopathic treatments include pulsatilla, sulfur, and heparan sulfates. They are effective against hormonal acne, itchy skin as well as painful zits on face. As for natural remedies, honey masks, tea tree oil, turmeric, and aloe vera gel greatly reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Building an Effective Skincare Routine

An effective skincare routine is essential for a healthy, pimple-free skin. Some pointers are discussed below.

Cleansing Techniques for Acne-Prone Skin

If your skin is prone to acne, then you should focus on gentle cleansing to prevent irritation. Follow the given tips:

• Natural oils are essential for healthy skin, so choose a cleanser that is mild and does not clog the pores, plus preserves the natural oils.
• Wash your face two times a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, to remove dirt and excess oil. 
• Don't scrub your face too hard. Use gentle, circular motions to clean. This reduces irritation and inflammation.

Exfoliation and Moisturization

Exfoliation is the technique of removing the dead skin cells and unclogging the pores. This reduces the incidence of pimples on face. Consider the following tips:

• Gently exfoliate your skin by using chemical exfoliants such as AHAs or BHAs 1-2 times a week.
• To hydrate the skin after washing, use a lightweight moisturizer that does not block the pores.
• To lock in the moisture, apply immediately after washing when the skin is still moist.

When to Consult a Dermatologist

You should seek medical help when nothing else works. Discussed below are the signs you should look out for in case of acne.

Identifying Signs That Require Professional Help

Some of the acne signs that indicate the need for professional help are:

• Persistent acne: If OTC medications don't improve your acne even after 2 months of continuous use.
• Painful acne: If the pimples on face are repeatedly getting infected and are more in number.
• Emotional effects: If the acne breakouts are affecting your mental health, self-esteem, or social life.
• Acne Scarring: If your pimples are leaving scars or dark spots on your face after healing.

Benefits of Professional Acne Treatment

There are many benefits to getting professional acne treatment. They are:

• Customized Treatment: Doctors make a treatment regimen based on your skin type and the severity of acne.
• Advanced Techniques: Doctors can perform complex procedures such as laser and chemical peels for effective treatment.
• Monitoring Progress: Regular visits to the doctor can help them monitor your progress.

Take the Skin Evaluation Test Now!

Acne treatments can be ineffective or even backfire if not chosen according to your skin type. To prevent that and get the best possible treatment for your pimple problem, visit Dr Batra's and get a skin evaluation test now!

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