Acne is one of the most common skin concerns and affects people of all ages. From occasional breakouts to persistent flare-ups, acne can be frustrating and negatively affect people’s confidence. But here’s something many people don’t realize: not all acne is the same.
Understanding what type of acne you have is the first step toward finding an effective treatment. Each kind forms, behaves, and responds differently to certain products and treatments. Treating all acne the same way can actually make things worse — over-drying the skin, causing irritation, or triggering new breakouts.
In this blog, we’ll break down the seven main types of acne and explain how to treat each one effectively. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to approach your skincare routine and get closer to reaching clear, healthy skin.
1. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
What They Are
Whiteheads are small, flesh-colored or white bumps that form when pores are clogged with oil, dead skin, and bacteria, but stay sealed at the surface. They’re considered non-inflammatory acne, meaning they aren’t usually red or painful, but they can create a bumpy, uneven texture on the skin.
What Causes Them
Whiteheads often appear when:
- Your skin produces excess oil
- Hormones fluctuate (especially around puberty, stress, or menstrual cycles)
- You use heavy, pore-clogging skincare or makeup products
- Dead skin cells build up due to lack of exfoliation
How to Treat Them
Consistency and gentle exfoliation are extremely important.
- Use beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid to help dissolve oil and unclog pores
- Incorporate alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid to promote cell turnover
- Avoid comedogenic products that trap oil and bacteria.
- Book deep cleansing and exfoliating facials to safely clear pores and smooth texture. A great place to start is with Silver Mirror’s Acne-Fighting Facial.
2. Blackheads (Open Comedones)
What They Are
Blackheads are small dark spots that form when a pore is clogged but remains open. The “black” color isn’t dirt, it’s oil that has oxidized from air exposure.
What Causes Them
Blackheads tend to appear in oilier areas like the nose, forehead, and chin (the T-zone). They develop from:
- Excess sebum production
- Dead skin buildup
- Lack of proper cleansing or exposure to pollution and environmental impurities
How to Treat Them
Blackheads respond well to regular exfoliation and detoxifying treatments.
- Use salicylic acid cleansers or toners to penetrate oil and keep pores clear
- Incorporate retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) to increase cell turnover and prevent future blockages
- Avoid over-cleansing, which can cause an over-production of oil
- Schedule professional extractions during facials to safely clear congested pores without damaging the skin. Extractions are included in all Silver Mirror Facials, browse our 30 and 50-minute facials and select the one that best fits your skin.
3. Papules (Inflamed Bumps)
What They Are
Papules are small, red, tender bumps without a visible white or yellow center. They represent the early stage of inflammatory acne, when bacteria begin to infect clogged pores, leading to irritation and swelling.
What Causes Them
Papules often develop when:
- Bacteria infect blocked pores.
- Hormonal changes increase oil and inflammation.
- Aggressive scrubbing or picking at pores irritates the skin further.
How to Treat Them
Calm inflammation and restore balance — don’t over-strip the skin.
- Look for niacinamide, azelaic acid, or green tea extract in your skincare routine to reduce redness.
- Avoid physical exfoliants or scrubs that can tear or worsen irritation.
- Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser to maintain your skin barrier.
- Add LED light therapy or enzyme facials to target bacteria and calm inflammation.
4. Pustules (Classic Pimples)
What They Are
Pustules are what most people think of as traditional pimples: red, inflamed bumps with a visible white or yellow center filled with pus. They’re a sign that the body’s immune system is responding to infection inside a clogged pore.
What Causes Them
- Bacterial overgrowth and infection within a blocked follicle.
- Hormonal fluctuations or poor cleansing habits.
- Overuse of heavy or occlusive skincare products.
How to Treat Them
- Spot-treat with benzoyl peroxide or sulfur-based treatments to kill acne-causing bacteria.
- Use oil-free, non-stripping cleansers to maintain balance.
Don’t pop or squeeze – this can cause scarring and spread bacteria. - Keep pillowcases, makeup brushes, and phone screens clean to minimize re-exposure.
5. Nodules (Deep, Painful Acne)
What They Are
Nodules are large, firm, and painful lumps deep beneath the skin’s surface. Unlike pustules, they don’t come to a head and can take weeks to heal. This type of acne can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or permanent scarring if not treated properly.
What Causes Them
- Deep bacterial infection and inflammation in the pore
- Hormonal imbalances that increase sebum production
- Genetic predisposition or chronic stress
How to Treat Them
Because nodules occur deep within the skin, over-the-counter products don’t usually work to fix the issue.
- Seek professional care to prevent long-term damage
- Chemical peels, acne-focused facials, or LED therapy can help minimize inflammation and promote healing. Take a look at our services and see which is best for you.
- Maintain a consistent skincare regimen with gentle exfoliation and barrier repair.
- Silver Mirror’s estheticians can design a customized acne treatment plan that can help heal the skin over time.
6. Cysts (Severe, Hormonal Acne)
What They Are
Cysts are large, pus-filled lesions that develop deep under the skin. They’re often painful, inflamed, and prone to scarring. Cystic acne is considered the most severe form of acne and typically requires professional or medical intervention.
What Causes Them
- Hormonal changes (especially during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or high-stress periods).
- Bacterial infection in blocked follicles.
- Genetics — some people are more prone to cystic acne.
How to Treat Them
- Never squeeze or pop cysts — it can worsen inflammation and result in permanent scars.
- Use anti-inflammatory and non-comedogenic skincare with ingredients like niacinamide or zinc.
- Professional treatment where an esthetician can curate a plan that works toward less pain and inflamed skin.
- For ongoing cystic breakouts, consult with a dermatologist about prescription options (like oral antibiotics or hormonal therapies).
7. Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)
What They Are
Fungal acne, unlike bacterial acne, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin known as Malassezia. It appears as small, uniform bumps — often mistaken for whiteheads — and is frequently itchy. It commonly shows up on the forehead, chest, back, and shoulders.
What Causes Them
- Yeast overgrowth on the skin’s surface.
- Excess sweating or wearing tight, non-breathable fabrics.
- Heavy, occlusive products that trap moisture.
- Living in humid or tropical climates.
How to Treat Them
- Use antifungal ingredients such as sulfur, zinc pyrithione, or ketoconazole (found in some shampoos and cleansers).
- Avoid oil-based moisturizers that can feed yeast.
- Keep the skin clean and dry after workouts or sweating.
- Professional exfoliating treatments can help rebalance the skin and remove buildup.
Discover the Best Acne Treatment for Clearer Skin at Silver Mirror
Identifying your specific acne type helps you choose skincare that works with your skin — not against it. What helps clear one person’s breakouts might worsen another’s, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.
At Silver Mirror Facial Bar, our expert estheticians specialize in acne-prone skin and tailor every facial to your skin’s unique needs. Whether you’re struggling with clogged pores, hormonal acne, or post-inflammatory marks, we combine advanced technology with proven ingredients to restore your skin’s balance and clarity.
From Acne-Fighting Facials and LED Light Therapy to custom exfoliation and extraction techniques, every treatment is personalized to help you achieve lasting results.
Ready to finally begin your journey to clear skin? Book your facial at Silver Mirror today and start your personalized treatment plan. Because when your skin feels healthy and balanced, confidence follows naturally.
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