Many people, especially during puberty, become familiar with acne, those inflamed red spots or sore bumps that commonly appear on the 1 face, neck, chest, and shoulders. Also known as acne vulgaris, this is a frequent inflammatory skin issue that impacts about 85% of Australians, with roughly 5% dealing with severe forms2. Although acne is often linked to hormonal fluctuations like puberty, other influences such as family history, stress, andpoor diet 3 can also trigger breakouts. Besides being physically uncomfortable, acne can seriously impact confidence and, in some cases, result in lasting scars. Thankfully, there are several options to treat acne, but not all are equally effective or safe. That’s why getting support from a health professional is essential when managing acne or any persistent skin condition.
How Does Acne Form?
The skin has countless small pores, each linked to a hair follicle 4. Acne starts when these pores get clogged with too much sebum, an oily substance produced to protect the skin. When sebum combines with dead skin cells, it can plug the pore, allowing bacteria to grow underneath and causing swelling, redness, andpus 3, resulting in a visible spot.
Types of Acne Lesions
Acne symptoms vary in appearance and severity. You may notice any of the following2:
Cystic Acne
This severe form involves large, painful lumps beneath the skin. These pus-filled cysts develop deep within the skin and are typically found in people with very oily skin5. OTC treatments usually don’t work for this type, so consulting a GP or dermatologist is recommended.
Whiteheads
These appear when sebum builds up behind a clogged pore. They have a white-tipped bump and usually lack redness or inflammation.
Blackheads
These occur when a blocked pore is open at the surface. The dark spot isn’t dirt, it’s simply oxidized material.
Papules
Small, pink bumps that form when a pore becomes inflamed. The area may be sensitive and red.
Pustules
Papules can fill with pus over a few days, turning into a classic pimple with a white or yellow center.
Cysts or Nodules
These are larger, painful lumps beneath the skin, caused by deeper infections and hardened tissue.
Scarring
While many acne cases heal without leaving marks, severe acne can leave indentations or dark spots that may be permanent.
What Can Trigger Acne?
There’s no single cause, but several risk factors are known to make acne worse6:
- Hormonal shifts like puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy
- Certain medications (e.g. birth control or steroids)
- Diets rich in sugar, fat, or refined carbs
- Family history of acne
- Skin trauma such as squeezing or harsh scrubbing
- Hot, humid weather
- Use of oily cosmetics, sunscreens, or hair products
Why You Shouldn’t Pop Pimples
It may feel satisfying, but popping pimples can make things worse. Breaking the skin allows bacteria to spread, potentially deepening the infection and leading to more inflammation 4. It can also cause scabs and scarring, or even turn into boils, painful bumps beneath the surface.
How to Treat or Prevent Acne
Many treatments are available, some over-the-counter, others requiring a prescription3,6:
- Topical creams or gels (e.g. benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur) to reduce bacteria and unblock pores
- Oral or topical antibiotics for short-term relief from bacteria and inflammation
- Retinoids or prescription-strength creams and tablets
- For women with hormonal acne, certain birth control pills or spironolactone can help balance hormones
Other helpful home-care steps:
- Avoid touching your face or popping pimples
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water daily
- Opt for a low-GI diet, and cut back on dairy or sugary foods
- Shampoo regularly and keep hair off your face
- Choose non-comedogenic (non-pore-blocking), oil-free, and fragrance-free products
- For acne scars, treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion can help exfoliate and refresh the skin7
How Long Does Acne Take to Clear ?
Acne may eventually go away on its own, but it can take years. Most people using treatment notice improvement within 6–8 weeks. Finding the right method may require patience and trial-and-error, but results are usually achievable. Your pharmacist can help guide you through the options.
When to Seek Help
If your breakouts are frequent or harming your confidence, consult your GP or dermatologist. Acne is a medical issue, and it’s best addressed by healthcare professionals rather than beauty services.