Different Types of Acne

Whiteheads result when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface.

Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is not caused by dirt. Rather, it is a reactionof the skin's own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air.

Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head.

Nodules--large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin, cysts--deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring.