Types Of Pimples On The Face And How To Treat Each

We understand that dealing with breakouts can feel overwhelming and affect your confidence. You're not alone in this journey, and the good news is that with the right resources and gentle care, clearer skin is absolutely achievable. Understanding the different types of pimples on your face is the first empowering step toward healing your skin naturally and effectively. At CodeSkin, we're here to support you with compassionate, science-backed solutions that target the root causes while being gentle on your skin.

What Are Pimples And How Are They Different From Acne?

Not all breakouts are the same. Knowing if it’s an occasional spot or acne helps you care for your skin properly.

• Individual Pimple Basics:

A pimple is a blocked hair follicle filled with oil, dead skin, and sometimes bacteria that can appear anywhere without indicating serious skin problems.

• Acne as a Condition:

The difference between acne and pimples is that acne means you regularly get multiple spots over months or years. It's a medical condition affecting larger areas of your face, not just random breakouts.

• Treatment Differences:

Single pimples respond to spot treatments, whilst acne needs complete skincare routines, helping you choose between targeted products or comprehensive systems.

• When to See a Doctor:

Persistent breakouts covering large facial areas, deep painful lumps, or scarring typically mean you need professional acne treatment rather than over-the-counter pimple products.

Types of Pimples On The Face And Their Treatments

From whiteheads to cysts, each pimple type needs targeted treatment to heal effectively and prevent marks. The following are the types of pimples on the face that you should know about:

• Blackheads and Whiteheads:

These are the mildest among the different types of pimples on the face. Blackheads have open tops that turn dark from air exposure, whilst whiteheads stay closed with white centres. You can treat both with salicylic acid.

• Red Bumps (Papules):

These inflamed spots feel tender but don't have visible pus. They need anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide rather than harsh drying treatments that can make redness worse.

• Pus-filled Spots (Pustules):

When red bumps develop white or yellow centres, they've become infected. These types of pimples on the face respond well to benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria causing the infection.

• Deep, Painful Lumps:

Nodules and cysts form deep under your skin and can be extremely painful. Never try squeezing these, they need professional treatment to prevent permanent scarring.

• Post-Pimple Marks:

Dark spots or red marks left after pimples heal aren't technically pimples but need addressing. CodeSkin's CLARIFI BC (Blemish Control) Serum contains azelaic acid exosomes and turmeric extract to fade these marks faster.

What Causes Different Types Of Pimples On The Face?

Breakouts have several triggers, and knowing them helps prevent flare-ups. Here is a quick run-down on the different causes:

• Hormonal Changes:

Types of pimples on the face and reasons often link back to hormone fluctuations. Teenage years, monthly periods, and pregnancy increase oil production, particularly around your chin and jawline.

• Bacteria Growth:

When pores get blocked, bacteria multiply in trapped oil, causing infection and inflammation. This makes some pimples painful and pus-filled, whilst others remain simple blackheads.

• Family Genetics:

The patterns of different types of pimples on the face often run in families. If your parents had oily skin or acne, you're more likely to experience similar issues throughout your life.

• External Factors:

Touching your face, using heavy cosmetics, or environmental pollution can worsen existing pimples. Stress, poor sleep, and certain foods might also trigger breakouts in sensitive people.

How To Identify And Treat The Right Type Of Pimple?

Identifying the pimple correctly ensures treatment is effective, gentle, and reduces the risk of scarring. Learn how to identify each kind correctly:

• Visual Assessment:

Look at your pimples in good lighting to determine if they're surface-level (blackheads/whiteheads), inflamed (red and tender), or deep (painful lumps). This guides your treatment choice.

• Surface Treatments:

Many different types of pimples on the face that you can see clearly usually respond to topical treatments. CodeSkin's CLARIFI AC (Acne Control) Serum  treats individual blemishes with targeted ingredients that won't over-dry surrounding skin.

• Anti-inflammatory Approach:

Red, inflamed pimples need calming rather than aggressive drying. Look for ingredients like azelaic acid, which reduces inflammation whilst gently clearing blockages without irritation.

• Professional Help Timing:

Deep, painful pimples or widespread breakouts that don't respond to gentle treatments within 6-8 weeks need a dermatologist's attention. This is often followed by prescribed treatments.

• Building a Routine:

Combination approaches work best for mixed breakouts. Use different products for different pimple types rather than applying the same treatment everywhere on your face.

Shop CodeSkin Products For Acne-Prone Skin Online

Transform your breakout care with CodeSkin’s solutions, crafted in-house with 30+ years of expertise. No outsourcing, no white labelling, just perfection from lab to skin, made with the safest ingredients, strict standards, and eco-friendly FSC packaging. Shop our acne-prone collection for clear, confident skin today!