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TEJAL AJMERA PATEL
23.3 Years of experience Dermatology, Hair Specialist, Oncology, Pediatrics, Skin Specialist

Acne isn't the same for everyone, and one-size-fits-all treatments may not work. Identifying the type of acne you have is the first step to clearing your skin. According to a study conducted by the Indian Association of Dermatologists in 2023, nearly 68% of Indian adolescents and more than 30% of Indian adults suffer from acne. However, while some people suffer from mild whiteheads, others may suffer from deep, painful cysts.

In this blog, we explain how acne differs, how to recognize it, and what works best for it.

Understanding Acne: What Triggers It?

Acne forms when hair follicles get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. Common triggers include:

  • Hormonal fluctuations (puberty, PCOS, stress)
  • Oily skin
  • Diet (high glycemic foods, dairy)
  • Pollution and humidity
  • Cosmetic or skin care product buildup
  • Genetics

Types of Acne on Face and Body

Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

These appear as small, white bumps under the skin. They’re non-inflammatory and caused by clogged pores that remain closed. They are commonly found on the forehead, chin, and nose.

Blackheads (Open Comedones)

Dark-colored clogged pores exposed to air. Their color comes from oxidized sebum, not dirt. Blackheads are commonly seen on the nose and cheeks.

Papules

Small, red, raised bumps without pus. These are inflamed clogged pores, and touching them may worsen inflammation.

Pustules

Similar to papules, but with a white or yellow center. When inflamed, they are filled with pus.

Nodules

Deep, hard bumps under the skin. They don’t come to a head and can last weeks. These are painful and can lead to scarring.

Cystic Acne

The most severe form—deep, red, pus-filled lumps. They can feel swollen, are tender to touch, and often result in permanent acne scars if untreated.

Other Skin Acne Types You Should Know

Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)

Caused by yeast overgrowth rather than bacteria. Appears as small, uniform red bumps on the chest, back, or forehead.

Acne Mechanica

Common in people wearing helmets, masks, or tight clothing. Caused by friction, pressure, heat, and sweat.

Hormonal Acne

It mostly appears on the jawline, chin, or cheeks and flares up around periods or due to PCOS. It involves deep, painful cysts.

Stress Acne

Typically, it shows up as random breakouts across the face during or after emotional or mental stress.

How to Identify What Type of Acne You Have

  • If it’s black or white, it’s likely comedonal acne.
  • Red bumps? Think papules or pustules
  • Painful, deep bumps? You’re likely dealing with nodular or cystic acne
  • If breakouts appear with stress or hormonal changes, it's time to explore internal triggers.

Dr Batra’s® pro tip:

"Not every pimple needs the same treatment. Treating the root cause is very important. For example, PCOS acne, over-the-counter face washes might work for blackheads but can worsen cystic acne. If acne is caused by cosmetics, discontinuing their use is essential for clearer skin. At Dr Batra’s®, we always begin by identifying the type, cause, and trigger before recommending a personalised plan. That’s how we achieve long-term results—safely and naturally." Even if you're using good skincare, the real solution begins with understanding your acne from the inside out.

Real Results of Hair Growth

Not all acne is the same—using the wrong treatment can worsen it. Dr Batra’s® offers personalised homeopathic solutions to treat acne from the root cause. Book a consultation today!

Best Ways to Treat Different Acne Types

  • Whiteheads/Blackheads: Exfoliation, salicylic acid, and mild cleansing
  • Papules/Pustules: Anti-inflammatory care, gentle topicals, and avoiding picking
  • Nodular/Cystic Acne: Requires deep, systemic treatment—homeopathy or dermatological care
  • Hormonal Acne: Needs hormonal balance through lifestyle, diet, and homeopathic support
  • Fungal Acne: Anti-fungal care, not traditional acne creams
  • Acne Scars: Microneedling, chemical peels, or homeopathic regenerative therapies

How Dr Batra’s® Can Help You

At Dr Batra’s®, we believe in treating acne from the root cause, not just the surface.

Here’s how we do it:

  • Advanced skin analysis to identify your acne type and severity
  • Homeopathic remedies tailored to hormonal imbalance, stress, or diet
  • AI Skin Pro technology to track improvement
  • Complementary lifestyle & diet counseling for holistic healing
  • Scar management treatments for existing acne scars

Whether you have mild acne or persistent nodular breakouts, our treatment plans are personalised and side-effect-free.

Breakouts? Treat them at the root with Dr Batra’s®! Visit Dr Batra’s® now!

Conclusion

  • Acne is not a one-type-fits-all condition—knowing your acne type is the first step to effective treatment.
  • Common types include whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, cysts, and hormonal acne.
  • Stress, diet, hormonal imbalance, and skincare habits play key roles.
  • Incorrect treatment can worsen your acne or cause permanent scarring.
  • At Dr Batra’s®, we help you treat acne from the root with safe, personalized solutions.
  • Book a consultation today to identify your acne type and start your journey toward clear skin.

FAQs

What are the different skin acne types?

The main types include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, cystic acne, fungal acne, hormonal acne, and stress acne.

What does stress acne look like?

Stress acne shows up as random red or inflamed pimples, often on the cheeks and forehead, and worsens during emotional stress.

What does hormonal acne look like?

Hormonal acne appears as deep, painful cysts on the chin, jawline, or cheeks and often flares up before periods

What do you call a hard pimple?

A hard pimple is typically a nodule—deep under the skin, painful, and without a visible head.

How do I identify what type of acne I have?

Look at size, depth, and location. Surface bumps are comedones, while deep, painful ones may indicate cystic or hormonal acne.

What is type 4 acne?

Type 4 is cystic acne, which is painful, pus-filled, and deep within the skin. If not appropriately treated, it often leads to scarring

What are the 2 main types of acne?

The two main categories are non-inflammatory (blackheads, whiteheads) and inflammatory (papules, pustules, nodules, cysts).

What is the most serious acne?

Cystic acne is the most severe. It forms large, painful lumps deep under the skin and may result in permanent scars.

How do I tell if my acne is hormonal?

If breakouts occur during your cycle, on the jawline or chin, or alongside PCOS, it’s likely hormonal acne.

What is the hardest type of acne?

Nodulocystic acne is the hardest—it’s painful, deep, slow-healing, and prone to leaving scars if untreated.

What causes acne?

Acne starts when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria. Hormones, diet, or stress often influence it

What is the rarest type of acne?

Acne conglobata is the rarest and most severe form, involving interconnected nodules, abscesses, and significant inflammation.