Difference Between Acne and Pimples

While the exact causes of acne haven't been identified, it's been determined that certain things can trigger acne or make it worse, such as:

• hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle
• squeezing or picking at existing pimples
• cleaning or scrubbing your skin too vigorously
• pressure, such as from collars, hats, helmets, and backpack straps
• high humidity
• cosmetics, such oil-based products, sunscreen, and hair products
• medications, such as corticosteroids and anabolic steroids

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, common beliefs that suggest stress and dirty skin cause acne aren't true.

Also, greasy foods and chocolate don't cause acne in the majority of people.

Different symptoms can indicate different types of acne and include:

• blackheads: plugged pores on the skin's surface, open
• whiteheads: plugged pores, under the skin's surface, closed
• papules: small, tender red or pink bumps
• pustules: papules with pus on top
• nodules: large, painful lumps deep under the skin's surface
• cysts: painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin's surface

Dermatologists typically prescribe a topical retinoid for your acne, such as topical tretinoin or adapalene.

Learn more about the benefits of retinoids for skin.

Any other prescriptions or recommendations may depend on the type of acne being treated. Sometimes, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are recommended as well.

Recommended OTC acne medications commonly include active ingredients, such as

• differin (adapalene 0.1 percent), which is an OTC topical retinol
• benzoyl peroxide
• salicylic acid, though this isn't commonly recommended in an acne regimen

In addition to topical retinoids, prescription topical medications commonly used to treat acne include:

• antibiotics, such as topical clindamycin
• azelaic acid

Prescription oral medications commonly used to treat acne include:

• anti-androgen agents, such as off-label use of spironolactone
• antibiotics, such as off-label use of doxycycline
• combined oral contraceptives
• isotretinoin

Your dermatologist might also recommend therapy in combination with medication or on its own. Therapies for acne include:

• chemical peel
• light therapy, such as photodynamic therapy or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy

There are many self-care steps you can take to help prevent acne or to help heal and keep acne manageable. Here are a few to try:

• Wash your face with warm water and a mild facial cleanser.
• Use noncomedogenic hair products, sunscreen, and makeup.
• Avoid squeezing or picking at blemishes.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands, your phone, and your hair.
• Maintain a healthy diet, and avoid skim milk and food products with high glycemic load.

Acne is a common skin disorder, and pimples are a symptom of that condition.

While the exact causes of acne haven't been determined, there are a number of self-care, OTC, and prescription options to help you reduce or eliminate acne and the pimples that accompany it.