16/09/2026
Not all spots are the same… so knowing what you’re dealing with can make understanding your skin a whole lot easier.
From clogged pores to deeper breakouts, here’s a quick guide to some of the most common types of acne:
1️⃣ Blackheads (open comedones) -clogged pores that remain open at the surface. The dark colour isn’t dirt; it happens when the contents of the pore are exposed to air.
2️⃣ Whiteheads (closed comedones) - clogged pores that are closed at the surface, creating small white or skin-coloured bumps.
3️⃣ Papules - small, red or inflamed bumps that can feel tender or sore, without a visible white or yellow head.
4️⃣ Pustules - the classic ‘pimple’: an inflamed spot with a visible white or yellow head caused by a build-up of pus.
5️⃣ Nodules - larger, firm and often painful lumps that develop deeper beneath the skin. These aren’t spots to squeeze or pick.
6️⃣ Cysts - deep, painful, pus-filled breakouts beneath the skin. Cystic acne carries a greater risk of scarring and may require medical treatment.
Your skin doesn’t need to be “perfect” - but understanding what’s happening beneath the surface is a great place to start.
Save this post for the next time you’re wondering “what actually IS that spot?” 👀
-
[beam & beauty, acne, acne types, blackheads, whiteheads, closed comedones, open comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cystic acne, skincare, skin health, beauty treatments, perthshire]
