ACNE. What is important to know about this skin disease?

Acne (commonly known as pimples) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition and one of the most common skin concerns affecting not only teenagers but also people of all ages. Acne can appear not only on the face but also on areas like the back, chest, shoulders, and buttocks.

To treat and care for acne-prone skin effectively, it’s essential to recognize the different types of acne, as each has unique characteristics and symptoms.

What Are the Main Types of Acne?

Open Comedones (Blackheads) The most common form of acne. They appear as small bumps with a dark tip. This color is not dirt but a mix of dead skin cells, sebum, melanin, and keratin exposed to air.

Closed Comedones (Whiteheads) These appear as small bumps with a white tip. They form when the outer skin layer thickens due to slow shedding of dead cells, trapping oil and debris inside the pore.

Papules Red, inflamed bumps that are not filled with pus. They can be tender and painful to the touch. nėra užpildytos pūliais, gali būti jautrios ir skausmingos.

Pustules Similar to papules but contain pus. They appear as inflamed red bumps with a yellowish or white center.

Nodules (Deep Acne) Large, firm, and painful lumps that develop under the skin. Unlike pustules, nodules do not contain pus and require professional treatment due to their depth and severity.

Cysts Severe, inflamed acne lesions filled with pus. They form deep beneath the skin due to serious infection and often leave scars if untreated

What Causes Acne?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, and it develops due to four main factors:

1. Seborrhea (Excess Oil Production)

Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil, which can clog hair follicles. Hormonal fluctuations—common during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or when taking hormonal medications—often trigger this process.

2. Hyperkeratosis (Thickened Outer Skin Layer)

When dead skin cells do not shed properly, they build up and block sebaceous gland ducts, forming a plug inside the follicle. This blockage leads to comedones:

• Open comedones (blackheads) – dark tips due to oxidation.

• Closed comedones (whiteheads) – white tops caused by trapped oil and dead cells.

3. Microbial Colonization

Bacteria multiply in clogged follicles, causing inflammation. This leads to the formation of pustules, papules, nodules, or cysts.

4. Inflammation

When pores are blocked with oil, dead cells, and bacteria, an inflammatory reaction occurs—resulting in redness, swelling, and sometimes painful breakouts.

Additional Triggers

• Genetics

• Unbalanced diet

• Stress (doesn’t directly cause acne but can worsen it)

• Wrong skincare products

• Environmental and lifestyle factors

Body Acne

Just like facial acne, body acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This can lead to blackheads, pimples, and sometimes cysts or nodules.

Effective Ways to Manage Acne

For Facial Acne

• Wash with lukewarm water and use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t over-dry.

• Avoid popping pimples—this worsens inflammation, increases infection risk, and can cause scarring.

• Choose non-comedogenic skincare products that won’t clog pores.

• Follow a consistent skincare routine: cleanse, hydrate, and protect.

For Body Acne

• Use a gentle body wash with salicylic acid.

• Exfoliate regularly to prevent clogged pores.

• Wear loose clothing to minimize friction.

• Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.

• Practice good body hygiene.

Is There a Single Solution for Acne?

There is no universal cure for acne because every skin type is different. However, specific active ingredients in skincare products effectively target different acne-related issues.

ODA PRO, backed by dermatologists, biochemistry, and biotechnology experts, develops and tests advanced formulas and ingredient combinations to ensure visible results at home—without complicated routines.