Acne and pimples, though often used interchangeably, are not synonymous. Acne is a dermatological condition affecting hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Beneath the skin lies a network of pores connected to glands that secrete sebum, an oily substance. When sebum combines with dead skin cells, it can obstruct the follicles, leading to the formation of acne. Introducing bacteria into these clogged follicles causes inflammation, making red pimples visible on the skin's surface.
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What Is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition triggered by excess oil-blocking pores. The most common types of acne are whiteheads, cysts, blackheads, and nodules. Nodules and cysts are the most painful types, as they impact deeper layers of the skin.
What Are Pimples?
Pimples appear as swollen bumps filled with pus. They form when pores get clogged with dust and dead skin cells, letting bacteria grow inside. Pimples on the face are caused by swelling that pushes oils to the skin's surface, which leads to inflammation.
At What Age Does Acne Go Away?
Teenagers are prone to acne because they are going through puberty. Hormonal changes follow, and they might lead to an increase in sebum production on the skin. Sebum traps debris and other pore particles, causing acne and inflammation.
As a result, as people age, acne should lessen. The average person has a notable reduction in teenage acne by the time they are in their early 20s. Teenage acne typically lasts for five to ten years.
Not everyone experiences things like this, though. Even as adults, some people continue to get acne regularly. Having said that, there are some tried and tested treatment routines that you can consider to combat acne.
Key Differences Between Acne And Pimples
1. Scope
Acne: Chronic condition involving multiple lesion types
Acne is a long-lasting skin problem with many types of blemishes. It happens because your skin produces excess oil, called sebum, to keep it from getting dry. This oil mixes with dead skin cells in your pores and makes spots or pimples. The severity and size of these spots may vary.
Pimples: Individual inflamed lesions
Pimples are single swollen spots caused by infected pores. Unlike acne, which involves numerous pus-filled breakouts, pimples occur individually when pores infect. The bump you see results from a buildup of bacteria, which gives rise to a lone pimple on your skin.
2. Duration
Acne: Long-term, may require ongoing management
Acne is a long-lasting skin problem with many types of blemishes. It happens because your skin produces excess oil, called sebum, to keep it from getting dry. This oil mixes with dead skin cells in your pores and makes spots or pimples. The severity and size of these spots may vary.
Pimples: Short-term, individual occurrences
Pimples are single swollen spots caused by infected pores. Unlike acne, which involves numerous pus-filled breakouts, pimples occur individually when pores infect. The bump you see results from a buildup of bacteria, which gives rise to a lone pimple on your skin.
3. Severity
Acne: Can range from mild to severe and can cause scarring
Acne on the face varies in severity, from mild to severe. It can also cause scarring. Scarring occurs due to the skin's inflammatory response to severe acne lesions. When the skin tissue undergoes damage during the healing process, it may form scars. It can persist long after the acne has cleared.
Pimple: Generally less severe but can be uncomfortable
Pimples are usually less severe compared to acne but can still be uncomfortable. They are considered less intense acne and typically do not result in long-term scarring. They usually affect the skin's surface and don't penetrate as deeply as severe acne lesions.
Skincare Recommendation For Both Acne And Pimples
In case of both acne and pimples, a systematic skincare routine needs to be followed:
1. Cleanser
Use a mild cleanser with ingredients that help you curb acne. Consider our Facewash with Salicylic acid and Thymol T-essence. It's a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser created with Thymol T-essence and Salicylic Acid. It is clinically proven to reduce acne-causing bacteria and soothe acne in three days. It restores moisture, leaving skin hydrated with Pentavitin molecules.
2. Serum
For active acne, use our Serum for Active Acne with Thymol T-essence. It's a powerful serum created to terminate acne breakouts by reducing sebum production rate within a week and increasing hydration within two weeks using a unique Thymol T-essence and Salicylic Acid blend.
3. Spot Correctors
Consider using our Spot Corrector for Active Acne with Salicylic Acid to take it a step further. Using potent and targeted ingredients, this spot corrector eliminates 99.9% of acne-causing bacteria, lightens dark spots, and heals blemishes. Infused with a unique blend of Salicylic Acid, Shatavari, Niacinamide, and Zinc Sebum, its keratolytic property helps unclog pores and anti-bacterial efficacy fights off acne-causing bacteria.
Takeaway
Understanding your skin type is crucial before signing up for any treatment for pimples or acne. Oily skin increases the likelihood of developing acne and pimples, whether you are a teen or an adult, but anyone can be affected regardless of age or skin type. Treatments should start with determining whether you have acne or pimples. Then, identify your skin type and find skincare products with safe and toxin-free ingredients that can treat your condition. Incorporating positive lifestyle habits can also improve results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:1 How do you know if you have acne or pimples?
A. You can identify pimples as small growths on your skin that might become inflamed or change colour. Acne usually leads to developing pimples, commonly appearing on the face, chest, shoulders, and upper back.
Q:2 What does acne look like?
A. Acne presents various symptoms. These can include crusty skin bumps, red papules, cysts, pustules filled with pus, scarring, skin redness, whiteheads, and blackheads.
Q:3 Which is painful, acne or pimples?
A. Acne is an inflammatory type. Hence, it tends to be more painful than a single pimple. Pimples that are closer to the skin's surface are generally less painful.
