Everyone agrees that skin concerns like acne and pimples can be very frustrating, but a lot of people usually struggle to understand the difference between acne and pimples. Are acne and pimples the same? Well, they’re not quite the same. Although they are related, they aren’t identical conditions. This blog will help understand acne vs pimples, their causes, and how to manage them in an effective way. NIH
What is Acne?
Acne is a persistent skin condition that usually occurs when hair follicles get clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This is mostly triggered by hormonal changes, stress, poor diet, or even genetics. Medline Plus
Types of Acne
Acne comes in different forms, those include:
• Blackheads & Whiteheads – occur because of clogged pores
• Papules & Pustules – these are small red bumps and can be even pus-filled
• Nodules & Cysts – these breakouts are painful, deep, and usually inflamed.
Acne usually appears on the face, chest, back, and shoulders which can range from mild to severe.
What Are Pimples?
A specific type of acne lesion called a pimple usually occurs by clogged pores that get irritated as a result of bacterial growth. In simpler words, pimples are symptoms of acne, but not everyone who gets them has acne.
Types of Pimples
• Papules – are bumps on the skin that are small, red and tender
• Pustules – are pimples that have pus inside them
• Cystic Pimples – are large, painful pimples that are deep in the skin
If you get pimples on an occasional basis, you might not have acne. However, frequent breakouts could show an acne condition.
How to Overcome Acne and Pimples
Managing acne vs pimples requires the right skincare routine and lifestyle changes.
Here’s what can be done to manage them PMC :
1. Have and Follow a Proper Skincare Routine
• Wash your face to remove excess oil, dirt and impurities with a gentle cleanser.
• Then follow up by applying a lightweight, gentle moisturizer on your face to keep your skin hydrated.
• For pimples use OTC treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for faster results.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
• In order to follow a healthy diet, try avoiding foods that are high in sugar and dairy products as they might be triggers for breakouts.
• Try including foods that are rich in antioxidants like berries and green tea.
• Staying hydrated helps to flush out the harmful toxins.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face
• When you constantly touch your face, bacteria get transferred, hence leading to clogged pores.
• Popping pimples is a BIG NO! As it can cause scarring and even further infection.
4. Consider Medical Treatments
• Topical Retinoids – These are used to help unclog pores and prevent future breakouts.
• Oral Medications – You can consider using antibiotics or hormonal therapy if you have severe acne issues.
• Chemical Peels or Laser Therapy – These are advanced treatments for treating acne scars.
If acne still continues, then consult a dermatologist to get a tailor-made treatment.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between acne and pimples is essential to managing breakouts which are visible. If you have occasional pimples or chronic acne, the right skincare routine, lifestyle changes and proper treatment can help.
FAQs:
1. Is acne the same as pimples?
No, Acne is a chronic skin condition, whereas pimples are one of the symptoms of acne. So, acne and pimples are not the same.
2. How do you come to know if you have acne or pimples?
If your breakouts are more frequent with multiple types of lesions (blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, etc.), it’s likely you have acne. If you only get red bumps on your face occasionally, then it's just pimples.
3. Which is more painful: acne or a pimple?
Because it develops far beneath the skin and creates inflammation, cystic acne is much more painful than a regular pimple.
4. How many pimples are considered acne?
It could be considered acne if you usually have more than 10-15 pimples, along with blackheads or irritation.