Are all pimples acne? How do I know if mine is acne?

Most people use the terms pimples and acne interchangeably when talking about their skin breakouts.  However, having a pimple does not always mean you have acne.  There are many potential causes of pimples other than acne.  This guide will share some useful information about pimples to help you determine if you have acne.

What are pimples?

Pimples are the unsightly lumps and bumps that sometimes appear on your face and body.  They are caused by the skin’s hair follicles becoming blocked with dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil.  Pimples can be separated into three categories:

1) Blackheads and whiteheads

Blackheads and whiteheads are small pimples that occur shortly after a skin pore is blocked.  If the skin pore is closed, the top of the pimple will look white, forming what is called a whitehead.  If the pore is open, the material causing the blockage will turn black, forming a blackhead.  These types of pimples are usually fairly easy to treat with over-the-counter medications and skin cleansers.

2) Papules and pustules

Papules and pustules are larger than whiteheads and blackheads.  They occur when the pore is so irritated that its walls break, causing the pimple to grow in size.  Papules are hard to the touch and can feel sore.  Pustules look similar to a blister and usually contain a yellowish pus.

3) Nodules and cysts

Blocked pores can sometimes penetrate deeper into the skin, forming nodules or cysts.  They can be quite painful and difficult to deal with.  Nodules are quite hard while cysts are soft and contain pus.  Professional medical help, lifestyle changes, and medications may be required to deal with nodules and cysts.

It is important to understand that having pimples does not mean you have acne.  Your pimples may be triggered by medication you are taking, exposure to chemicals, or poor hygiene.  You can even develop pimples by simply touching your face too much as it leads to a buildup of oil and blocked pores.

What is acne?

Acne (Acne vulgaris) is a chronic skin condition.  It causes the skin’s pores to become blocked, which subsequently causes pimples to appear.  Acne can be responsible for all types of pimples — blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

The severity of acne is categorized as mild, moderate or severe.  Mild acne is the presence of clogged skin pores that result in whiteheads and blackheads.  Moderate acne results in more inflammation of the skin and the presence of papules or pustules.  Severe acne can result in nodules and cysts.  The severe form of acne is also called cystic acne.

Acne always has an underlying cause, which is usually:

• Genetics - Genetics is responsible for an estimated 80% of all acne cases.  In most cases, people with a genetic predisposition to acne have more severe breakouts when other factors are involved, like hormones or poor hygiene.  Researchers have already identified multiple genes that are linked to acne.
• Hormones - Hormonal activity can also cause acne to form.  Sex hormones called androgens are mostly responsible as they cause the skin follicle glands to produce more sebum — an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair.  Unfortunately, excessive levels of sebum can result in blocked pores, causing pimples.
• Infections  - Certain types of bacteria can contribute to the development of acne.
• Diet - Some researchers believe that diet can contribute to the severity of acne and frequency of breakouts.  They believe that a diet containing foods with a high-glycemic-index can cause inflammation, dramatically worsening acne.  However, the link between diet and acne is still being debated.

How to tell if your pimples mean you have acne?

So, how can you tell if your pimples are caused by acne?  Here are a few tell-tale signs:

• You often have breakouts that affect sections of skin - If your breakouts involve a cluster of pimples appearing at the same time and for no obvious reason — it may be acne.  It is normal to have one or two pimples on your face, but if six or seven pop up overnight, acne is probably the culprit.
• Breakouts continue for an extended period - If your skin has had pimples for more than a month, acne may be responsible.
• Breakouts are linked to hormonal fluctuations - If you have particularly bad breakouts when your hormones are fluctuating, it may be acne.  Many women find that their breakouts are worse during certain parts of their menstrual cycle.
• Acne is common in your family - If your mom or dad had to deal with acne, it is very likely that your pimples are being caused by Acne Vulgaris.
• Changing your skin care routine doesn’t help - If you have tried many types of soaps and moisturizers but your pimples keep re-appearing, it is probably acne.  That’s because acne can occur even if your skin is very clean.  You may need to attack the problem from more angles, including dietary changes and supplements.
• Breakouts continue into adulthood - Most people deal with pimples regularly when they teenagers.  That’s because of the high levels of sex hormones being produced by their body during puberty will also create excessive amounts of sebum.  However, if you continue having breakouts in your 20s and 30s, it is probably acne.

How AcnEase can help you beat acne

AcnEase is an all-natural acne treatment that dramatically reduces the number and severity of acne breakouts.  It is a dietary supplement made from a proprietary blend of natural ingredients.

AcnEase actively reduces the amount of sebum that your skin produces, which prevents your pores from becoming clogged — stopping pimples before they start!  For more information about AcnEase, visit ourproducts page.