1. The Different Types of Acne and Pimples

Let's get the big physiology bit out the way: your acne type could be comedonal, inflammatory, nodulocystic or hormonal - and treatment for each will differ accordingly.

 

• Comedonal Acne - Blackheads and Whiteheads
  A comedone means a blocked pore, so this means your average blackhead and whitehead. These come about when the openings of your skin pores are blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Now that we understand what a comedone is, things are about to get even more interesting…
  
  Depending on what happens in the skin, you can have a closed comedone (a whitehead where there is no surface opening) or open comedone – your average blackhead forming in an open pore: when the surface is exposed to air, the oil oxidises, which turns it black and, hey presto! Blackhead!
  
  It’s best to start early with a simple topical anti-acne treatment to remove them before they have a chance to convert into one of the more severe acne types.

 

• Inflammatory Acne - Papules vs Pustules
  Add inflammation to the mix and a whitehead can become a papule - a hard red or pink bump. If there’s bacteria, you may get a pustule, filled with pus.
  
  These can be treated both topically with acne treatment and oral medications.

 

• Nodulocystic Acne - Nodules and Cysts
  Commonly known as cystic or nodular acne, these inflamed, angry and painful blind pimples are deep in the skin and often leave scars. They occur when blocked pores become irritated, and inflammation builds up deep in the pore and becomes more and more painful.
  
  Nodules are large and solid, while cysts are hard and filled with pus.
  
  You should get immediate treatment from your doctor or dermatologist - hopefully before you get to this stage - especially if you have a number of these. Antibiotics are often prescribed, as well as more medical solutions. But ultimately these won’t go away until the production of excess oil is reduced and controlled.

 

• Hormonal Acne - Blind Pimples
  The normal fluctuation of hormones that women experience can result in a type of hormonal acne - firm red bumps (so-called ‘blind pimples’) popping up like clockwork once a month, especially on your chin and surrounding areas.
  
  This can be especially common in your 20s or 30s, but can continue right until menopause, if not addressed. These are caused by a build-up of hormones like testosterone and oestrogen which the body doesn’t quite process properly.
  
  Spikes in insulin caused by poor eating habits also sends your oil glands into overdrive and can lead to an onslaught of hormonally driven acne. And if you’re under pressure and feeling stressed, you may find a sudden emergence of blind pimples caused by cortisol, also known as – you’ve guessed it – the stress hormone.
  
  This kind of acne can be treated both topically and with oral medication, and changes in diet and lifestyle can also help.

Read More. Face Mapping: Want to Fix What Is REALLY Causing Your Acne?

2. The Best Treatment Products for Each Type of Acne

So how can you get rid of every type of acne and pimples – and which treatments are the best for each one?
 

• Treatment for Hormonal Acne
  
  If your problem is hormonal acne - that sudden monthly appearance of a few pimples around your chin and jaw area – the best way to fight this is with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide – probably best used in the week before your period.
  
  If this doesn’t work, dermatologists often prescribe an oral contraceptive, which helps to level out hormone fluctuations and keep the skin clear.
  
  You can also use this treatment for pimples and breakouts caused by poor eating/lifestyle habits or stress, unless they become inflamed and need more help to eliminate the bacteria causing the redness.
  
  For some intensive spot treatment for hormonal pimples:
  Quick and effective spot treatments for the occasional annoying pimple include salicylic acid based BioNike Aknet Quick Pen Anti-Imperfector and Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Booster. You can also try Skin Republic Spot Clear Salicylic Acid Patches.
  
  Benzac AC5 Gel or Oxy 5 Pro Acne Lotion with benzoyl peroxide are the best solution for inflamed red pimples.
  
  Sulphur based products like Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution Anti Spot Sulfur Paste and The Ordinary Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate are gentler spot treatment options for both blackheads and pimples if you have sensitive skin.
  
  If acne breakouts are more widespread:
  Go for an acne cream with salicylic acid like BioNike Aknet Hydramat Sebum Normalising Cream, Garnier Pure Active Daily Mattifying Charcoal Air Cream, Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Oil Control Skin Renewal Treatment and Cetaphil Pro Moisturizing Lotion for Acne Prone Skin SPF30
  
  We also like these dermatologist-created products:
  Bioderma Sébium Kerato and La Roche Posay Effaclar K, or BioNike Aknet Hydra Plus Restorative Care Acne Prone Skin which is one of the best acne treatments if you have sensitive skin.

 

• Treatment for Blackheads & whiteheads
  
  Blackheads and whiteheads can be treated in more-or-less the same way. These can be avoided and removed by daily cleansing with a gentle cleanser with salicylic acid or glycolic acid that doesn't strip your skin (remember, if you strip the protective barrier, your skin will overcompensate by producing more oil). Only use these where you have pimples or blackheads.
  
  We like: BioNike Aknet Purifying Cleansing Gel, Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Oil Control Cleansing Gel and Cetaphil Acne Prone Skin Foam Washand Acne Solutions Dermaceutics Clear Skin Acne Pads. You can also try daily serums like Skin Republic Glycolic Acid 10% Serum or Skin Republic AHA + BHA 10% Charcoal Complex Serum (which includes both acids).
  
  Another option is to use pimple patches to specifically treat surface-level whiteheads and pustules (those small red bumps with white or yellow centres) overnight. We like CeraVe Blemish Barrier Patches, Garnier Pure Active 8-hour Pimple Patches and Skin Republic Spot Clear Salicylic Acid Patches.
  
  You should do some gentle exfoliation either daily or twice weekly, depending on the type of exfoliator you’re using. Try Garnier Pure Active 3 in 1 Wash/Scrub/Mask or Bioderma Sébium Exfoliating Gel.
  
  It may be tempting to try pore strips, but you should probably avoid these, particularly if you have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. They also tend to remove sebaceous filaments - harmless sebum plugs that are not blackheads - so may not be actually solving the core problem.
  
  Keep things under control by having or doing a monthly facial that includes extraction. If you decide to DIY, be very gentle: Cleanse your skin, then use gentle - not hot - steam to soften the pores, then wiggle the skin slightly with the sides of your fingers rather than pressing hard with your nails. If it won’t come, leave it alone as you could cause scarring and deep damage. Rather go for professional extraction.

 

• Treatment for Nodular or Cystic Acne (Blind Pimples)
  
  Nodulocystic acne - AKA those dreaded blind pimples - is something we want to avoid, and we hope you treat the problem by seeing a dermatologist before it gets to that stage - not only because it becomes so red, painful and angry, but if left untreated, it can lead to severe skin damage as well as having a long-term impact on your self-esteem and confidence.
  
  It is caused by the hormonal stimulation of oil glands and is usually genetic. Blind pimples should never be popped or picked as this just causes worse inflammation.
  
  Very difficult to treat at home, a dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic, topical medical treatment or cortisone injection. And they may recommend an oral isotretinoin (vitamin A) treatment such as Roaccutane or Oratane to shrink the sebaceous glands that are overproducing oil.
  
  Products to use during treatment: It is vitally important to use intensely hydrating skin care (such as Bioderma Sébium Hydra Cream and Vichy Normaderm Anti Blemish Day Cream) and SPF 50+ sun protection when on tretinoin treatment as your skin becomes very dry and sun sensitive.
  
  Our sunscreen picks are Eucerin Sun Protection Oil Control Dry Touch SPF50 and La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Anti Shine Dry Touch Fluid SPF 50+ - both formulated for oily combination skins.

 

• Treatment for Inflammatory Acne (Red Pimples)
  
  Inflammatory acne - AKA angry red pimples - can be treated with creams containing benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria, but may be quite drying, so moisturising becomes even more important. Avoid strong sunlight when using, and protect daily with SPF30 sunscreen.
  
  We like: A firm favourite, Benzac AC5 Gel, and Oxy 5 Pro Acne Lotion or Oxy 10 Pro Acne Lotion, both with rave reviews.

For all of these, self-medication and homemade acne remedies are not a good idea, and often make the problem worse. Whatever the pimples and whatever the cause – checking with a good skin therapist, pharmacy advisor or dermatologist before embarking on any sort of spot treatment is recommended.

A cautionary note for darker skin tones: The higher incidence of melanin in the skin makes it more prone to acne scars and hyperpigmentation. While salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are safe acne treatments to use, any form of retinoid cream (like Differin) makes the skin more sensitive which can cause dark marks. Always use a full spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen every day to minimise potential pigmentation problems from acne.

Read More. Your Complete Guide: How To Finally Get Rid of Dark Spots and Pimple Scars on Your Face

3. Lifestyle Changes to Treat Acne

It’s important to understand that your lifestyle can have a significant effect on your skin. Small lifestyle changes can help to make the treatment of acne (and the chances that it will permanently stay away) more effective.

 

• Be Gentle. Are you attacking those pimples? Stop now. It’s time to be gentle. Use only gentle, alcohol-free products and cleanse gently with your fingertips rather than any kind of abrasive cloth. Check the ingredients on your products – look out for the word ‘noncomedogenic’ – which literally means ‘won’t cause blocked pores’.

 

• Avoid Picking and Squeezing. Even though it’s a good idea to gently cleanse your face with your fingertips, that’s the only time your hands should touch your face! Avoid picking, squeezing or even just touching those offending bumps, because chances are your hands are very seldom absolutely clean! And keep your phone clean too. Keep it away from your face when chatting.

 

• Use Oil-Free Hair Products. The hair products you use are also important. Choose gentle, oil-free hair products and choose a style (if possible) that keeps your face away from your face. Don’t forget to rinse your conditioner well, especially off your back, as that can clog pores.

 

• Minimise Sun Exposure. With pimples, it’s important to be careful about sun exposure, especially on darker complexions, as the inflammation + UV rays can lead to dark marks where you had the pimples.
  
  Some ranges have sun protection specially for acne-prone skin Bioderma Photoderm Aquafluid SPF50+) as well as to help fade dark marks (Bioderma Photoderm Spot-Age SPF50+ Anti-Spots Antioxidant Gel-Cream and BioNike Defence B-Lucent Anti Dark Spots Protective Cream SPF 50).
  
  We've mentioned that if you are taking any sort of medication for your skin, your skin may be even more sensitive to ultraviolet light – so stay out of the sun!

 

• Water First. What you eat and drink can affect your skin. If you don’t regularly drink water – start now, because there absolutely is no better way to hydrate your skin from the inside out.

 

• Change Your Diet. Just a few slight alterations to your diet can also make a difference. Those foods that cause a spike in blood sugar, and consequently insulin, are not only bad news from a weight point of view but can also trigger changes in your body that promote extra activity in your oil glands and the growth of those horrible pore-clogging cells.
  
  More whole grains, veggies and legumes and less sugar, white starches and refined products will help to regulate your insulin levels and help calm your skin. Adding Omega 3s, either in your diet or through a supplement, can also help. Find out more about foods that can cause pimples and what to eat to help clear your skin.

 

• Maintain a Healthy Gut. We’re understanding that our gut health also plays a very important role in our skin health, including pimples - that inflammation cycle. Read our story on gut health here.

 

• Reduce Stress. One of those lifestyle baddies that exacerbates skin problems is stress. Try to keep stress levels down and make sure you exercise. Regular exercise will not only help with stress, but it also improves blood circulation and consequently more oxygen in skin cells. Just remember that if you exercise, you need your clean your face after sweating – don’t let it dry on your skin!

 

• Good Sleep. Lastly, stop burning the midnight oil. There’s a reason why it’s called ‘beauty sleep’! When you are sleep deprived, you get more stressed, and stress increases the production of glucocorticoids, which can lead to abnormalities in skin structure and function, and actually make acne worse.

Read More. You Need to Know How Diet Can Actually Help Clear Your Acne

4. Professional Acne Treatments: Off to The Doctor!

Apart from prescribing oral medication or topical treatments, what can your dermatologist do?

Mild chemical peels and microdermabrasion are effective for treating blackheads, and deeper peels can help with more severe acne. Lasers and various light therapies are useful for reducing bacteria on the skin, and sometimes procedures can be used to drain acne cysts. It goes without saying that all of these should only ever be performed by trained and qualified professionals.

Whatever treatment your doctor prescribes, it will only work if you are compliant and stay the course. We know what it’s like (we’re only human), once your skin starts clearing up, you may be tempted to stop treatment because it’s a chore or because, especially if you’re on an intensive treatment like tretinoin, it doesn’t always feel great. But as with antibiotics, always, always continue with treatment until your doctor says you should stop.

Medical interventions are also available to improve the appearance of acne scarring, and may include laser, releasing the scar tissue, etc. The important thing to remember is that it’s better to treat scars while they are still fresh and red, for best results.

Read More. Expert Advice on How to Finally Get Rid of Your Acne

5. Meanwhile…How to Hide Your Pimples

Depending on your particular problem, there’s usually a way to improve the appearance of your spots, if not covering them up completely. Concealing is an art form, and time and patience is required to achieve the most effective, natural-looking result.

 

• Oily Skin. If your skin generally looks oily, stay away from oil-based make-up. Rather use a cream-to-powder foundation like Maybeline Super Stay Hybrid Powder-Foundation Makeup and Black Opal True Colour Pore Perfecting Creme Powder Foundation. Don't neglect moisturiser though - just make sure it's oil free.

 

• Whiteheads can be covered with a drier textured thick-ish concealer like Rimmel Multi-Tasker Concealer and Black Opal Total Cover Spots & Scars Concealer. Use a brush to cover the spot and the red area around it. Set with a powder foundation like Yardley Stayfast Pressed Powder or Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder that matches your skin tone.

 

• Blackheads. Experts say that the key to covering blackheads is patience. Carefully layered liquid or cream foundation and concealer, finished with a powder foundation, should do the trick.

 

• Angry Red Spots. Are difficult to conceal, but according to the experts, the redness can be cancelled with a green concealer on the spot itself. Then add a yellow-based concealer and blend this with the un-spotty skin around the spot. Don’t use too much powder, which may actually remove some of the concealer and spoil your artwork. LA Girl has both a green and yellow concealer in their range.

 

• Acne Scars. If you're unlucky enough to be left with acne scars, a full-coverage powder foundation (like the one from Yardley) will usually cover them, or try Black Opal’s True Colour Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation.
  
  There are also products like BioNike Defence B-Lucent Skin Evening Concentrate and Dermactin Equatone Dark Spot Serum available that help to reduce discoloration, so do your research and find one best suited to your skin type.

Here's to a spot-free future!

Read More. Still Struggling To Conceal Acne, Under-Eye Circles And Dark Spots?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get rid of pimples fast?
This product is a targeted spot treatment, an "emergency button" for when unwanted breakouts appear and you need to get rid of them quickly.

The Ordinary Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate starts to help minimize the appearance of breakouts for visible results in under 1 hour. Formulated with 10% Sulfur making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Small scale testing shows: -
Blemish Reduction: Reduces the look of breakouts in under 1 hour
Visible Redness: Minimizes visible spot redness by 50% in only 1 hour
Oil Control: Starts to absorb excess oil to reduce visible shine on application

Does my diet affect acne?
While diet is rarely the only cause of acne, evidence suggests that certain foods can worsen breakouts in some people. Diets heavy in refined sugars, sweets, and processed carbohydrates, as well as excessive dairy intake are known to trigger breakouts.

However, there are many healthy foods that can do wonders for your skin including Omega 3 fats like salmon, avocados, seeds and nuts, good protein (meat, fish, chicken, eggs, yoghurt, tofu) plus a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, green tea - plus lots of water. Find out more on how diet can help clear your acne.