Acne vs. Pimple: What’s the Real Difference?

In the skin care world, acne and pimples are hot topics all the time and are used interchangeably. It seems like they look like small, red and annoying bumps on your skin, but they are not identical, there are important distinctions between the two. Acne is characterized by mars like papules, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, pustules and pimples. Pimples are a symptom of acne which appears to be red, inflamed mainly caused by clogged pores and bacteria. One must understand the difference between acne and pimples to find the right skincare products and treatment.

What Is Acne?

Acne fires when hair follicles under the skin are obstructed by excess oil and dead skin cells. It is a seditious condition that affects the epidermis and the layers beneath it, where pores are linked to sebaceous glands that release sebum. The glands and the pores are connected through a passage known as follicle, that grows up onto skin surface. When sebum and dead skin cells cluster together, it forms bump in the follicle. The bacterium in this region causes inflammation, causing red pimples from acne.

In general, acne is found majorly in areas with oil glands like face, chest, shoulders and back. They can range from mild to painful cysts, pimples depending on inflammation.

What Is a Pimple?

A blemish that occurs on the skin when a hair follicle is clogged with oil(sebum), dead skin cells and bacteria is a pimple. The blockage in the skin pore tends to inflammation with the appearance of a red, swollen bump.

Types Of Acne

Acne occurs in different forms like
·       Whiteheads: characterized with congested pores located under the skin face
·       Blackheads: clogged pores that seem dark
·       Papules: Tend to look small with red, tender bumps
·       Pustules: Pimples with pus
·       Nodules or cysts: Larger, painful lumps under the skin surface

Usually, pimples are isolated and occur occasionally, during the hormonal drifts, stress and after usage of comedogenic skincare products.

Causes Of Acne

Research suggests that the following causes could lead to acne
·       Excess oil production in the pores
·       Collection of dead skin cells in the pore
·       Growth of bacteria in the pores

Few more additions for acne cause
·       Hormones – Hormones: Males and females have hormonal changes during puberty that cause the sebaceous glands to grow and produce more sebum. Pregnancy causes multiple hormonal fluctuations that contributes acne.
·       Genetics – Family history, if parents had acne, its likely children get them
·       Medications –medications like inducing hormones, corticosteroids, lithium arises to acne
·       Age – Acne can be seen in all ages but its severe during the teens

Preventive measures and diet can prevent acne or manage them easily, while certain reasons can worsen the condition.
·       Certain foods cause acne
·       Stress
·       Tight clothing, backpacks
·       Pollution and humidity
·       Squeezing and picking blemishes
·       Scrubbing the skin harshly
·       Using oil-based cosmetics
·       Avoid touching face

How To Treat Acne

The acne treatment depends on severity and symptoms. Over the counter creams help manage mild and moderate acne. Using face wash, following a proper diet and simple skincare routine can help manage it.

For severe skin conditions, combination treatments are suggested. They may include antibiotics, laser and light therapies, and chemical peels.
·       Cleanse regularly: Use a non-comedogenic cleanser twice daily.
·       Moisturize properly: Use oil free non-comedogenic moisturizers even people with oily skin.
·       Don’t pop pimples: This leads to scarring and infection
·       Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids ingredients are known to handle acne

Difference Between Acne And Pimple

Final Thoughts

In summary, a pimple is a temporary skin blemish, while acne is a more persistent skin condition. Knowing the difference can help you take the right steps in managing your skin and choosing the right treatment. If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with occasional pimples or full-blown acne, speaking to a skincare professional.