Blackheads

What are they?

They are caused by a build-up of dead skin cells and sebum which get trapped in your pores. They appear black because of the exposure to air.

What to do

If your blackheads are small, they are normally best left alone. If you must, squeeze them gently with a clean tissue after cleansing and steaming the area.

How to help prevent them

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for preventing blackheads as it breaks down excess oil and dead skin cells, the root cause of blackheads.

 

Cleanse twice daily to remove any build up of dead skin cells, bacteria and dirt on your skin and help prevent your pores from clogging.

 

Use non-comedogenic products (this means it won’t clog your pores)– our Anti-blemish & Scar Repair Moisturiser is oil free and non-comedogenic so it will keep your skin moisturised without causing blackheads!

Closed Comedones

What are they?

Small skin-coloured raised lumps on the surface of the skin. They are caused when pores become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. They are not red and are usually only visible close up.

What to do

It’s best to get these extracted by a professional but you may be able to gently squeeze them to remove the sebum inside. However, be very careful as you can inflame it, causing it to turn into a spot. Always clean your skin and hands before attempting this and do it after a hot shower or bath, so your skin is soft and it’s easier to remove.

How to prevent them

• Exfoliate regularly and cleanse twice daily to reduce the amount of dead skin cells and oil on your skin.

• Use something which increases skin cell turnover such as our Anti-blemish & Scar Repair Serum.

Papules

What are they?

These are red under the skin spots, which appear like a bump with no head.

What to do

As much as you might want to – don’t squeeze it! This is highly likely to cause scarring

Cleanse your face thoroughly and apply your Silver Intensive Mask to the area in a small circle. You can leave this on/ keep reapplying it throughout the day to help keep you from touching it. This will help reduce inflammation.

You can also try holding some ice on the area for 5 minutes to reduce redness or apply a drying spot treatment. Be patient and try not to touch it. Most papules with either turn into a pustule (a whitehead) or will go down on their own in a few days. 

 

How to prevent them

• Cleanse twice daily with an anti-bacterial cleanser and applying a topical treatment such as our Anti-blemish & Scar Repair Serum.

• Retinoids can also be effective at reducing acne, but they will dry out your skin at the same time.

• If you have persistent acne which is not reducing by using topical treatments, we recommend seeing your doctor or Dermatologist.

Pustules

What are they?

These are inflamed spots with a yellow/ white head.

What to do

These can be squeezed, but only when they are ready and in the right way or you risk scarring. Ideally wait for it to excrete on its own.

If you can’t resist squeezing it, start with a clean face, ideally after a bath or shower so your skin is soft. Wrap a clean tissue around each index finger and squeeze gently. If it doesn’t come out or any clear liquid/ blood appears, stop.

How to prevent them

• Cleanse twice daily with an anti-bacterial cleanser 

• Apply an anti-blemish serum twice a day and use non-comedogenic moisturiser, especially if you have oily skin (this will help stop your pores becoming blocked).

Nodules & Cysts

What are they?

Nodules are hard painful bumps that sit under the skin. Cysts are very similar but are full of pus.

What to do

Never, ever squeeze a cyst or nodule – this can cause permanent scarring. This type of acne often requires professional attention.

We advise keeping the area clean with your usual cleanser and making an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to prescribe any medication/ treatments that you may need. They can also give cortisone injections which will help them disappear much more quickly.

How to prevent them

This type of acne is quite hard to prevent as there can be many factors causing this such as hormones and genetics.

Keeping to a good skin care routine with an anti-bacterial cleanser and acne treatment can help.

Whatever type of spots you get and wherever you are on your skin journey, remember that you notice your blemishes so much more than anyone else.

But, we understand just how frustrating and unfair acne can feel. For more support, check out these 3 top tips for coping with acne.