What is Acne?
Acne is one of the most common skin problems that we have today. Almost everyone has experienced acne before, whether it’s a breakout or just a tiny red bump on the forehead or nose. Acne or also known as Acne Vulgaris is a skin condition that affects the pores and sebaceous glands. The sebaceous gland is responsible for producing oil called sebum that helps lubricate our hair and skin thus making it smooth. Once dry skin cells and the oil accumulate, the pores get blocked and small bumps on the skin are produced.

Different Types of Acne

There are different types of acne which is mainly categorized into two:

1. Non-inflammatory Acne
Non-inflammatory acne is acne that is not inflamed. It can come in two forms:

• Whiteheads
  Whiteheads are formed just below the skin surface. They are clogged pores that create tiny bumps on the skin.
• Blackheads
  Blackheads are just like whiteheads. The difference between the two is how they look like. When the surface of the skin opens, this allows the air to enter; thus causing the bump to look black or brown.

Inflammatory Acne
Whiteheads and blackheads that get inflamed and irritated are called inflammatory acne. This kind of acne can be very painful and annoying and can sometimes lead to low self-esteem. There are also different kinds of inflammatory acne:

• Papules
  Papules are small bumps that are red or pink in color and may indicate infection in the hair follicles. They are often small but can go up to a centimeter in diameter.
• Pustules
  Pustules or some call it zit or pimples are small red bumps on the skin that has white pus on the tip
• Nodules and Cysts
  Nodules and cysts are severe kinds of acne. They are definitely larger than pustules and papules and are very painful. These two kinds of inflamed acne take some to clear up. Cysts are full with pus that’s why it feels soft inside while nodules are often hard and inflamed.

Aside from the types of acne mentioned above, there are also types of acne that are very severe.

• Acne Rosacea
  Acne Rosacea is the second most common type of acne after acne vulgaris. It often goes with a red rash that is usually seen on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.
• Acne Conglobata
  Acne Conglobata is a rare type of acne that usually affects males. It’s the worst and damaging kind of acne as large acne lesions are interconnected with each other and often accompanied by numerous blackheads and usually affects not only the face but the body as well. It can severely damage the skin and can last for a long time. It often affects men ages 18 to 30 years.
• Acne Fulminans
  Acne Fulminans is a type of acne that can suddenly breakout. It has Acne Conglobata like symptoms but the difference is it often goes with aching joints and fever.
• Pyoderma FacialeThis kind of acne only affects women between the ages of 20 to 40. It can also severely damage the skin because of the large nodules and pustules that goes with it. However, this type of acne usually clears up within a year.
• Gram-Negative Folliculitis
  This is also a very rare type of acne that often comes with cysts and postules. Generally, Gram-Negative Folliculitis happens because of complications from long term antibiotic consumption for acne vulgaris.

Remember to not touch, squeeze or prick any kind of acne as it can cause irritation and bacterial infection. You can always seek advice from your specialist for acne treatment.

AQI Acne Treatment has natural active ingredients that cleanse and minimise acne breakouts without irritating and over drying your skin!