The pimple family consists of six entirely different variations, each with their own needs and characteristics. And while they all fall under the same general definition of irritated or infected pores, it’s crucial to understand that the pimples you’re experiencing on your back might be broadly different to those popping up on your forehead.
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So just when you thought you had your pimple-banishing regimen all figured out, you might want to think again.
From the do-not-touch hormonal cysts to the ready-to-blow whiteheads, here is everything you need to know about the six different variations of pimples.
1. Whiteheads
By definition, whiteheads are closed comedones, and occur as the result of the buildup of bacteria or sebaceous matter when a pore becomes closed. This type of pimple is considered a mild form of acne and is caused by hormonal fluctuations, irritation and clogged pores. Essentially, a whitehead forms when a thin layer of skin is trapped over the oil, which is why they look the way they look.
Physical appearance: Typically white or yellow and a small yet solid, protruding bump.
Location: Whiteheads can be found anywhere on the body. Typically, in the oiliest parts of your face. AKA the nose, forehead and chin, otherwise known as the T-zone. They may also develop on your chest, back, shoulders and arms.
Treatment: One of the easier pimple variations to combat, whiteheads are easily eliminated through consistent chemical exfoliation and topical retinoids. Speaking to Cosmopolitan, dermatologist Dr Zeichner shared, “the most common ingredient used to treat whiteheads is salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works to open up your pores”. While we don’t typically recommend popping pimples, if you feel your whitehead is about to burst, Caroline Hirons recommends the following technique: “Finish your cleanse and hold the warm flannel over the spot for a minute. Now take clean hands, split two bits of loo roll and wrap them around your forefingers and gently squeeze in from the outside. It should come away easily. If it does, great – make sure the area is clean, tone, moisturise and go on your way.”
bh recommends: Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0, tbh Skincare acne hack OG bundle
2. Blackheads
Otherwise known as open comedones, this pain-free variant is not dissimilar to how apples, avocados or bananas turn brown when left uncovered – AKA oxidation. Speaking to Allure, dermatologist Michelle Henry explained, “blackheads form when the opening of a hair follicle becomes clogged or plugged with dead skin cells and oil.” On the opposite side of the spectrum to whiteheads, which result from closed pores, blackheads develop off the back of open pores.
Physical appearance: Small brown or black dots. Not to be confused with sebaceous filaments, which you can read about here.
Location: Typically found across the nose, chin and side of the face. Can also be found on the arms, chest and back.
Treatment: Cleanse the affected area with salicylic, benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid-containing washes.
bh recommends: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, Panemorfi Skincare 4% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scrub
3. Papules
A papule, although slightly tender, is your regular, run of the mill, relatively harmless pimple. However, the lifecycle of a papule can go one of two ways. They can develop and grow into a painful pustule (more on this below) or disappear on their own. Typically hanging around between five to 10 days before deciding their fate, these pus-free bumps are the result of an infected pore.
Physical appearance: Raised red, swollen bumps. Often arising in clusters.
Location: Face, chest, shoulders, back and arms.
Treatment: As papules are the result of inflammation, the best way to treat them is by soothing and calming the area rather than drying it out, which may trigger further inflammation. Methods such as icing the swollen spots and focussing on products containing calming ingredients like kaolin clay and green tea are your best route for a scar and inflammation-free treatment.
bh recommendations: Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Clarifying Clay Treatment, innisfree Green Tea Balancing Skin EX
4. Pustules
Pustules are sore, angry and inflamed bumps – the mother of all pimples. Not to be confused with a whitehead (a closed hair follicle full of oil and dead skin cells), this variation of pimple can also form a bubble-like head, however, these bad boys are filled with pus (once again, hence the name).
Appearance: Red, swollen and inflamed pustules often containing a yellow gunk-type liquid.
Location: Same as papules
Treatment: While some websites will tell you to pop these bad boys and the little head of pus is screaming “POP ME,” Caroline Hirons warns you to “step away from the spot.” Instead, she recommends for victims of these painful pimples to “keep it clean, keep it moisturised, keep an eye on it and it will go away.” Popping these pimples runs the risk of a bacterial infection which will lead to scarring. Try drawing out the infection by holding a hot, wet and clean washcloth over the spot and apply drying lotions or spot treatments enriched with antibacterial ingredients such as zinc oxide and sulphur.
bh recommends: Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment, Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Daily Clearing Skin Treatment with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
5. Cysts
Typically caused by hormones, cystic breakouts are categorised as a more severe form of acne. These pus-filled lumps are deep-rooted in the tissue of the skin with no way out (hence why they often won’t come to a head). According to celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau, cysts will “eventually heal (your body reabsorbs the infection), but can remain a painful lump for weeks,” she explained when speaking to Byrdie.
Appearance: Large, swollen lumps that sit under the skin.
Location: Typically found on the chin and jawline.
Treatment: Like most other spots, Renee strongly warns against picking a cyst. “Despite being sore, it’s not meant to come out through the surface and if you attempt to do so, you’ll most certainly have a scar that will linger for months.” Instead, she suggests an ice pack and calming serums to reduce swelling. If you get persistent cysts, it is recommended you seek out a dermatologist.
6. Nodules
As severe as a cyst in terms of size and pain, nodular pimples form deep, hard bumps under the surface. However, unlike cysts, nodules are not filled with pus. According to Healthline, “nodules occur when clogged, swollen pores endure further irritation and grow larger.”
Appearance: Often colourless, large, hard bumps.
Location: Typically found on the chin and jawline.
Treatment: Nodular pimples take more than a salicylic acid wash to scare them off. Often hanging around for weeks at a time, these severe forms of acne often require prescription oral medication as they are too deep under the skin to reach with topical treatments.
Interesting article, I’m sure I’ve a few different types of pimples
My daughter has hormonal acne and (despite trying many types of treatment) has pretty much learned to live with it.
Very educational. But I’d prefer not to personally meet any of the “pimple family”. They all look nasty!
I have them all
oh yea what a relief is that! Me too.
o h gee this brings back memories from my 20’s when I had to do Roacc to deal with mine as I am pretty sure I had all of those! I think, looking back it was partly genetic and partly lifestyle effects catching up from my early 20’s when I really didn’t eat well and stayed out late on the weekends. I think I was just a classic 20 something person really but it showed in my skin.
Im glad i dont have to worry about this type of thing any more.
Thankfully pimples have never been a problem for me.
I’ve experience 2, 5 and 6 the most. My skin used to be perfect and then when I reached my mid 20’s it got bad and I still haven’t managed to fix it =(
Oh ya. Acids and retinol keep my whiteheads at bay. My skin is nuts. If I was just washing face and using basic moisturizer, every pore on my face just gets clogged. Still get a hormonal/cycle one here and there, but not too bad or often, goes away fast.
Luckily I’ve never had too many issues but of course there’s always the odd one that pops up, usually at the worst time.
I usually get cystic pimples alone my jaw due to hormones. I’ve found Payot Pate Grise has been a really game changer for me, at night I apply on my problem areas and it helps them to reduce in size or heal much quicker below or above skins surface.
During my pregnancy, I had clear skin.
Now, I have pimples along my jaw again.
I think they are papule, there is no pus.
If anyone has the need, the Mecca brand pimple/spot dots are absolutely fantastic! Pimples have never been an issue for me, but the very occasional one that does pop up, I pop one of these on and it works wonders in no time. Highly recommended!
Even though I am in my 60’s I still get the occasional pimple or pimples especially around my nose area, and chin. Using the Sukin Blemish Control Spot Banishing Gel.
There are so many Products out to deal with Pimples.
Great article. I think retinol is great for keeping pimples at bay. I’ve got a mother of a pimple coming on the bridge of my nose. I get a lot of whiteheads.
Great article but I think photos rather than diagrams of the different types would make it easier to determine each type. So glad to not get the hormonal pimples anymore, I just get pustules associated with Rosacea.
Had terrible acne as a teen but now just get the odd hormonal pimple.
Sounds great
The hormonal ones take me a while to clear. I thankfully don’t get the rest except blackheads if I have been lazy with my routine.
I’m zit-prone & I get types 1-4. I’ve had a couple of cysts, but fortunately, they’re rare. I don’t think I’ve ever had a nodule. I’ve always got Clearasil on hand – it works.
Very interesting article BH.Well done.
I used to have cystic breakouts but was able to clear it up with medical intervention.
I have always been pretty lucky and only have had the odd breakout.
I have had 1 – 4 before, now even though I’m well past my teenage years I still suffer from 1 -3. At least my skin has improved somewhat.
Quite educational. I’ve definitely had a few of these before – my skin seems to be more zit-prone the older I’ve become. I suspect it’s due to rosacea, which I believe I do suffer from.
I had to go on medication as I was getting cysts. Not fun.
Thanks for the tip Rose, I will need to try these out 🙂
They all look revolting and terrible to suffer with
very interesting article, just very hard to find the right product to tackle them all
I have experienced most of them. I always do double cleansing my face at night.
Not a problem for me, thankfully.
It’s not something I’ve ever had to worry about, even in my youth.
Who knew there were different types??? I always thought a pimple was a pimple… Thankfully not a problem for me!!!
The only time I experience pimples is on rare occasions when my skin doesn’t like a synthetic ingredient such as synthetic SPF, dyes and fragrance in skin care.
Still get pimples, so annoying
The only upside to pimples is squeezing them!
I still get pimples. Interesting article. Did not know there are 6 types of pimples
I did not know the terminology. I am constantly battling cysts and nodules it seems. Nothing helps. Sucks!
I went through a time of bad acne but fortunately those days are behind me. Nowadays I still get a few blackheads, on my back
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An interesting article on a terrible subject we have all experienced some time or another in our lifetime.
Yes! I rarely get pimples but when I do, they are so sore!
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So which kne ares the painful bumps under the skin and no matter how much you squeeze nothing comes out.
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I have a nodule on my chin.
What an informative article!