• Vitamins & Supplements
  • Food & Drink
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Free From
  • Natural Beauty
  • Weight Management
  • Offers
  • Summer Shop
  • The Health Hub
  • Learn more Healthbox
  • Account
Track your order Delivery & Returns Help Centre My subscriptions

Customer Service

  • Contact us
  • Site map
  • Site map
  • Store locator

About us

  • Who are we
  • Working at Holland & Barrett
  • Press releases
  • Privacy & cookie policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Holland & Barrett More
  • Holland & Barrett International
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Modern Slavery Statement

Connect with us

Store
0370 606 6606
My account
Rewards
  • Sign in
  • How do I join?
  • What are the benefits?
  • FAQs
Holland & Barrett :: the good life
  • Menu
  • Account
  • Store
  • Basket
    Search for
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Food & Drink
    • Sports Nutrition
    • Free From
    • Natural Beauty
    • Weight Management
    • Offers
    • The Health Hub
    • Healthbox

    Home / Conditions / Skin Health / Acne / 6 types of acne explained

    6 types of acne explained

    Many of us have had spots at some point in our lives, and getting rid of them or covering them up is usually our top priority. But getting to know your papules from your pustules is the first step to help you banish those blemishes for good. Check out our handy guide to the main types of acne that cause spots.

    Whiteheads

    A mild form of acne, these are firm, white tipped blemishes that can appear anywhere on the body. They form when hair follicles or pores get clogged with dead skin cells and excess sebum (naturally occurring oils). The best way to treat whiteheads is by washing the effected skin with warm water and a gentle cleanser like the Burts Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser.

    Blackheads

    These normally appear as tiny black dots or yellowish bumps. Like whiteheads, they are formed when pores become clogged. But unlike whiteheads which are closed, they are open and become oxidised resulting in their dark colour. Blackheads tend to appear on the nose and can be reduced using nose strips that help unclog and minimise pores.

    Pustules

    The first thing most people imagine when they think of spots – these have a white or yellowish tip caused by pus build-up and are usually tender and painful. You can help calm the affected skin with the Dr Organic Tea Tree Blemish Stick which has natural antiseptic properties and can be used under make up.

    Papules

    Red, swollen and often sore, this type of acne is angry and inflamed without the pus seen in pustles. A cream like the Manuka ApiClear Blemish Cream can help reduce swelling and redness by cooling the skin and replenishing its moisture.

    Nodules

    A more severe type of acne, characterised by hard, painful lumps that underneath the surface of the on areas like the chest and back. For nodules, an antiseptic tea tree oil will help soothe the lumps and avoid infection.

    Cysts

    Similar to boils, these large lumps are found beneath the skin and are filled with pus. The most severe form of acne, they can cause permanent scarring. When treating cysts, it’s important to not try and pop them as this can cause scarring and infection. Keep the area clean by cleansing it regularly with warm water and if it’s causing you discomfort, have your doctor remove it for you.

    Now you’re familiar with the different forms of acne, you can tackle those spots with the right treatment for clearer skin.

    Shop our Natural Beauty range

    Tweet
    Follow on Instagram
    Acne

    You may also like

    Possible causes for acne on your back and how to stop it

    Article

    Possible causes for acne on your back and how to stop it

    The good news is that if you have acne, you are far from alone. In..

    READ MORE...
    The different types of acne (and how to manage them)

    Article

    The different types of acne (and how to manage them)

    Many of us have heard of acne, but did you know that there are different..

    READ MORE...
    What is maskne?

    Article

    What is maskne?

    You’ve heard about acne, but what about maskne? For what is a new and emerging..

    READ MORE...

    Connect with us

    • Log in Register
    • rewards for life

    Customer service

    • Store locator
    • Contact us
    • Site feedback
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Delivery & returns
    • Site map
    • My account

    About us

    • Who we are
    • Working at Holland & Barrett
    • Press room
    • Privacy & cookie policy
    • Terms & conditions
    • Holland & Barrett More
    • Holland & Barrett International

    Brands

    • Holland & Barrett
    • Bootea
    • Dr Organic
    • Precision Engineered
    • Manuka Doctor
    • Good n Natural
    • Miaroma
    Register
    Click to verify if this website is operating legally

    Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2017. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.