Introduction
Not all breakouts are the same — and treating them as if they were can backfire. A blackhead won’t respond to the same solution as a cyst, and mild acne requires very different care than severe acne. Yet many people reach for random products or viral hacks, only to see their skin get worse.
Understanding what type of acne you have and how severe it is is the first step toward choosing the right routine and avoiding unnecessary frustration. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common acne types, show you how dermatologists classify severity, and help you spot where you fall on the spectrum.
The Types of Acne (and How to Spot Them)
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Blackheads (Open Comedones)
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Small, dark dots caused by open pores filled with oil and dead skin.
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Color = oxidation, not dirt.
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Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
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Pores clogged beneath the surface, appearing white or flesh-colored.
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Harder to treat than blackheads.
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Papules
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Small, red, inflamed bumps, tender to the touch.
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Pustules
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Papules filled with pus, red with a white/yellow center.
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Commonly called “pimples.”
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Nodules
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Large, hard, painful lumps deep under the skin.
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Often lead to scarring.
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Cysts
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Severe, pus-filled lesions under the skin.
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Risk of permanent scars if untreated.
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Acne Severity Grades
Dermatologists use grading systems to classify acne:
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Mild Acne: A few blackheads/whiteheads, occasional pimples.
→ Often managed with OTC products. -
Moderate Acne: Noticeable papules and pustules across larger areas.
→ May require prescription treatments. -
Severe Acne: Deep, painful nodules and cysts.
→ Needs dermatologist care. -
Very Severe Acne: Extensive nodules/cysts, widespread inflammation, high risk of scarring.
→ Requires aggressive medical treatment.
Why Knowing Matters
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Wrong treatment = irritation. Example: Scrubs won’t help cystic acne, they’ll make it worse.
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Severity guides care. Mild acne can improve with consistent over-the-counter products, while severe acne often requires medical help.
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Expectations management. A mild breakout might clear in 6–8 weeks, but severe acne may need months of treatment and medical supervision.
“Correctly identifying acne type and severity ensures patients get effective treatment faster — and reduces risk of scarring.” — Dermatologist Insight
At The After, we believe empowerment comes from knowledge. That’s why our formulas — from gentle cleansers to targeted exfoliators — are designed with specific acne types in mind.
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Tea Tree Cleanser: Best for daily maintenance if you have blackheads, whiteheads, or mild acne. It gently clears impurities without stripping the skin barrier.
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Salicylic Exfoliator: Perfect for oily or combination skin dealing with recurring blackheads/whiteheads. Its pore-penetrating action helps keep follicles unclogged.
For cystic or severe acne, we always recommend seeing a dermatologist — but our products can complement professional treatment for long-term skin health.
Which acne type do you think you have most often? (Blackheads, Whiteheads, Papules, Pustules, Nodules, Cysts).
Share your acne type story with #MyAfterConfidence — we’ll feature real journeys.
Acne isn’t one-size-fits-all. By knowing whether you’re dealing with blackheads or cysts — mild or severe — you’ll avoid wasted time and finally choose treatments that work for you.
✨ Ready to begin? Start with the basics:
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[Tea Tree Cleanser → Gentle daily balance for acne-prone skin]
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[Salicylic Exfoliator → Targeted pore-clearing action for stubborn breakouts]
Take the guesswork out of acne care — let science guide your journey from Before to After.
