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COMPLETE ACNE GUIDE

Acne & Pimples: Causes, Types, Care & Skincare Routine

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns. Learn what causes pimples, how different types of acne develop, which skincare ingredients are commonly used, how to build a simple daily routine and how to care for acne-prone skin without overdoing it.

Acne & Pimples Acne-Prone Skin Oily Skin Clogged Pores Acne Marks
ACNE EXPLAINED

What Is Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Inflammation can then contribute to pimples, spots and other visible changes on the skin.

Acne can appear on the face, chest, shoulders, back and other areas where sebaceous glands are active. It can affect teenagers and adults, and the severity and pattern can vary significantly from person to person.

Acne-prone skin can also experience different types of blemishes at the same time. For example, someone may have blackheads and whiteheads alongside inflamed pimples.

Acne is not simply a cleanliness problem.

Washing your face more aggressively does not necessarily prevent breakouts. Excessive cleansing and scrubbing can irritate the skin, so a consistent and appropriately gentle routine is generally a better starting point.

WHY BREAKOUTS HAPPEN

What Causes Acne & Pimples?

Acne usually involves several interacting factors rather than one single cause. Excess oil, buildup of dead skin cells, blocked follicles, inflammation, hormones and individual susceptibility can all play a role.

Excess Sebum

Sebum is an oily substance produced by the skin. Increased sebum production can contribute to an environment where pores become more easily congested.

Clogged Hair Follicles

Oil and dead skin cells can accumulate within hair follicles, creating comedones such as blackheads and whiteheads.

Inflammation

Inflammatory processes can cause blemishes to become red, swollen and tender.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can influence oil production and may contribute to acne for some people.

If clogged pores are one of your main concerns, you can also read our detailed guide on Blackheads & Clogged Pores for more information about comedones and pore congestion.

TYPES OF ACNE

Different Types of Acne & Pimples

Not every blemish looks or behaves the same way. Understanding the basic differences can help you describe your skin concerns more accurately and choose a more appropriate skincare approach.

01

Blackheads

Open comedones where the follicular opening remains exposed. The material inside can appear dark because of oxidation.

02

Whiteheads

Closed comedones where the follicular opening is covered by a thin layer of skin.

03

Papules

Small raised inflammatory blemishes that can appear red or irritated.

04

Pustules

Inflamed blemishes that can contain visible pus and may appear as white or yellowish spots surrounded by redness.

05

Nodules

Larger, deeper and often painful inflammatory lesions that can require professional assessment.

06

Cysts

Deep inflammatory lesions that can be painful and may carry a higher risk of scarring.

HORMONAL FACTORS

What Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal fluctuations can affect oil production and may contribute to breakouts. Some people notice acne during particular stages of hormonal change, including puberty, menstrual cycles or other hormonal transitions.

The pattern and cause of acne are individual, so the location of a breakout alone cannot establish that it is hormonal acne. Persistent or recurring acne may be worth discussing with a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional.

Skincare can support acne management, but it is not always the whole picture.

If breakouts are persistent, painful, widespread or leaving scars, professional evaluation can help determine what type of treatment may be appropriate.

INGREDIENT EDUCATION

Skincare Ingredients Commonly Used for Acne-Prone Skin

Different active ingredients have different purposes. Using more actives at the same time does not automatically produce better results, and combining too many irritating ingredients can make a routine difficult to tolerate.

Salicylic Acid

A beta hydroxy acid commonly used for oily, blemish-prone and congested skin. It helps exfoliate and is frequently included in products designed to address clogged pores.

Niacinamide

A form of vitamin B3 commonly used in skincare to support the skin barrier and help improve the appearance of oiliness and uneven-looking skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide

An established acne-treatment ingredient that can be used in appropriate formulations for inflammatory acne. It can cause dryness or irritation, so product directions matter.

Adapalene

A topical retinoid used for acne treatment. It is a medication rather than simply a cosmetic ingredient and should be used according to appropriate medical guidance and product directions.

Zinc PCA

An ingredient used in some formulations for oily and blemish-prone skin, particularly where sebum management is a formulation goal.

Panthenol

A provitamin B5 ingredient commonly used to condition skin and support comfortable-feeling formulations.

Want to understand ingredients individually? Explore the NDERMI Skincare Ingredients Guide for additional ingredient education.

SIMPLE DAILY ROUTINE

A Simple Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

An effective acne-prone skincare routine does not have to be complicated. Start with a few basic steps and introduce active ingredients gradually according to your skin's tolerance.

01

Gentle Cleansing

Cleanse the face to remove excess oil, sweat, sunscreen, makeup and everyday impurities without aggressive scrubbing.

02

Choose One Main Active

Depending on your concern and product formulation, an ingredient such as salicylic acid or another appropriate acne treatment may be incorporated into the routine.

03

Moisturise

Acne-prone skin can still benefit from moisturisation. Choose a moisturiser that feels comfortable and suits your skin.

04

Sunscreen During the Day

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen during daytime exposure. Sun protection is particularly useful when dealing with visible post-acne marks.

ROUTINE EXAMPLE

Morning & Night Acne Skincare Routine

The exact products and active ingredients you need depend on your skin and the severity of your acne. The following is a simple framework rather than a universal prescription.

☀ Morning

  1. Gentle facial cleanser.
  2. Optional treatment product appropriate for your skin.
  3. Lightweight moisturiser if needed.
  4. Broad-spectrum sunscreen.

◐ Evening

  1. Cleanse away sunscreen, makeup, oil and impurities.
  2. Use your selected acne treatment according to directions.
  3. Apply moisturiser.
  4. Keep the routine consistent rather than adding multiple new actives at once.
ACNE + OILY SKIN

Does Oily Skin Cause Acne?

Oily skin and acne can occur together because excess sebum can contribute to clogged follicles. However, oiliness alone does not explain every breakout and people with different skin types can experience acne.

If excess shine and oil are among your main concerns, our detailed Oily Skin Guide covers sebum, cleansing, moisturisation and practical routine considerations in more detail.

Avoid Over-Cleansing

Washing repeatedly throughout the day can leave some skin feeling dry or irritated. A consistent cleansing schedule is generally easier to maintain.

Don't Skip Moisturiser

Oily skin can still benefit from moisturisation. Look for a texture that feels comfortable and fits your routine.

WHAT TO AVOID

Common Acne Skincare Mistakes

Acne can be frustrating, which can make it tempting to use several products at once or aggressively treat individual spots. Some common habits can increase irritation instead.

  • Over-washing: Cleansing too frequently can leave skin feeling dry or irritated.
  • Aggressive scrubbing: Physical scrubbing can irritate inflamed skin.
  • Squeezing pimples: Repeated picking can increase irritation and may contribute to marks.
  • Using too many actives: Combining several strong ingredients can make it difficult to determine what your skin tolerates.
  • Changing products constantly: Switching products every few days makes it difficult to evaluate whether a routine is suitable.
  • Ignoring sunscreen: Sun protection is an important part of daytime skincare, particularly when visible marks are a concern.
Keep the routine simple enough to follow.

Consistency is easier when your routine has a manageable number of steps. Introduce changes gradually instead of changing everything at once.

AFTER A BREAKOUT

Acne Marks & Dark Spots After Pimples

A pimple can disappear while a visible mark remains behind. Post-acne marks can gradually change in appearance over time, and sun exposure can make uneven pigmentation more noticeable.

Avoiding unnecessary irritation is important. Aggressively scrubbing or picking at blemishes can make the skin more irritated and may contribute to additional marks.

Dark Spots & Acne Marks →

Learn more about post-acne marks, pigmentation and consistent skincare.

Sensitive Skin Guide →

Learn how to keep your routine gentle when your skin is easily irritated.

LONG-TERM CARE

How to Prevent Acne Breakouts

There is no single routine that prevents every breakout. Acne can be influenced by biology, hormones, genetics and other factors. However, a consistent skincare routine can help manage common contributing factors.

Cleanse Consistently

Remove daily oil, sweat, sunscreen and other buildup using a cleanser appropriate for your skin.

Avoid Picking

Try not to repeatedly touch, squeeze or pick active blemishes.

Use Suitable Products

Choose skincare according to your skin's needs instead of selecting products solely because they are marketed for acne.

Introduce Changes Slowly

Add new active ingredients one at a time where practical, particularly if your skin is sensitive.

PROFESSIONAL CARE

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Mild occasional breakouts may be manageable with an appropriate skincare routine, but some forms of acne benefit from professional assessment and treatment.

  • Acne is painful, deep or widespread.
  • Breakouts are persistent or repeatedly returning.
  • Acne is leaving scars or significant marks.
  • Over-the-counter skincare is not helping.
  • Acne is significantly affecting your daily life or wellbeing.
  • You are unsure whether a skin lesion is actually acne.
Professional advice matters for persistent or severe acne.

A dermatologist can assess the type and severity of acne and determine whether prescription treatment or another medical approach is appropriate.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Acne & Pimples FAQs

What causes acne?

Acne can involve clogged hair follicles, excess sebum, inflammation, hormonal factors and individual susceptibility. Multiple factors can contribute to breakouts at the same time.

How can I get rid of pimples?

Acne treatment depends on the type and severity of the breakouts. A consistent routine with appropriate cleansing and suitable acne-focused ingredients can help manage some forms of acne. Persistent or severe acne may require professional assessment.

Is salicylic acid good for acne?

Salicylic acid is commonly used in skincare for oily, congested and acne-prone skin because it helps exfoliate dead skin cells and address pore buildup.

Is oily skin more likely to get acne?

Higher sebum production can contribute to clogged follicles, which can be one factor associated with acne. However, acne can occur in people with different skin types.

Should I pop a pimple?

Repeatedly squeezing or picking at a pimple can irritate the skin and may increase the risk of marks or other complications. Avoiding unnecessary manipulation is generally preferable.

Can acne go away on its own?

Some mild breakouts can settle over time, while persistent or more severe acne may continue without treatment. The course varies between individuals.

Can adults get acne?

Yes. Acne can affect adults as well as teenagers. Hormonal changes, oil production and other individual factors can contribute to adult acne.

What skincare routine is best for acne-prone skin?

A simple routine commonly includes cleansing, an appropriate acne treatment where needed, moisturisation and daytime sunscreen. The specific active ingredients should suit the individual's skin and tolerance.

Can moisturiser make acne worse?

Moisturiser itself does not automatically cause acne. Acne-prone skin can still benefit from moisturisation. Choose a product that feels comfortable and is suitable for your skin.

How often should I wash acne-prone skin?

Many people cleanse once or twice daily depending on their skin, environment and routine. Excessive cleansing can cause dryness or irritation for some people.

How do I prevent acne marks?

Avoiding unnecessary picking and irritation can help. Consistent sunscreen use is also important when dealing with visible post-acne pigmentation.

When should I see a dermatologist for acne?

Consider professional assessment for persistent, painful, deep or widespread acne, acne that is scarring, or breakouts that are not improving with appropriate over-the-counter skincare.

Start Your Routine With a Simple Daily Cleanser.

NDERMI Anti-Acne & Oil Control Face Wash is designed as a daily facial cleanser for oily, acne-prone and combination skin. Build a simple routine around consistent cleansing, suitable treatment products and daytime sun protection.

Explore NDERMI Face Wash →