General Acne FAQ

Common questions about acne, myths, facts and reality.

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that is often inherited. It occurs when pores in the skin become clogged with dead skin cells at a much faster rate than normal. Normally, healthy pores shed one layer of dead skin cells per day. However, for those prone to acne, up to five layers of dead skin cells are shed per day, leading to a condition called “retention hyperkeratosis.” This means that dead skin cells are shed more quickly than the pore can expel them. Hormonal changes can also cause an increase in oil production, which normally isn’t an issue because dead skin cells don’t become trapped. However, with acne-prone skin, the excess dead skin cells can form blockages, creating the perfect environment for P. Acnes bacteria to thrive. The bacteria feed on the oil, causing it to multiply rapidly.

Bacteria is not the “cause” of acne; it is the effect of too many dead skin cells. This is an important distinction to remember.

The ideal solution should be one that can swiftly absorb excess oil, restrict oil production, and unclog your pores without any irritation. Exfoliators and antibacterials like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, azelaic acid, and others can only treat acne temporarily; there is no acne drug that can cure acne. This is why many dermatologists and acne specialists leave drugs behind and prefer to use LEROSETT® Spot Treatment & Clay Mask for their acne patients. Because LEROSETT® infuses zinc into the skin, it reduces oil production and can absorb almost as much oil & impurities as your skin can create. When used daily as a thin mask, your skin will eventually clear; it’s only a matter of time. You can use LEROSETT® as long as you like because there are no chemical or drug side effects.

 

I'm an adult, why acne now?

Acne can be a frustrating and demotivating skin condition, but there are ways to manage and prevent it. It’s worth noting that young women aged 30 to 35 who had no acne problems during their teenage years are increasingly experiencing acne. One significant reason is the use of birth control pills, which contain synthetic hormones that have strong (male hormone) side effects on the skin, resulting in acne and oily skin.

Hormonal adjustments after pregnancy, nursing a child, or experiencing a stressful lifestyle could also trigger acne at age 30. Men may also have acne symptoms at age 30, but they are less likely to develop acne for the first time. Although everyone is susceptible to stress, men may neglect proper facial cleansing after sports, leading to acne problems.

Dealing with acne can be challenging, but it’s important to keep in mind that opting for the cheapest treatment option often leads to disappointment. Water is a bigger problem in acne products than people know; it dries the skin, doesn’t penetrate, and has no nutrients. Most acne products use either Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur, and they vary in price from $4 to $40, yet it’s the same thing, especially when water is the #1 main ingredient.  Instead, investing in quality plant-based professional-grade acne treatments can bring about a positive change. With patience and persistence, LEROSETT® can manage acne and provide long-term relief. Remember, taking care of your skin is an investment in yourself that can lead to long-term clear skin.

LEROSETT® is a long-famous brand among acne specialists because it offers a different approach than traditional acne medications. LEROSETT® products are easy to use, and you apply one clay mask a day until you start to clear, then 2-3 marks per week to stay clear, without any chemicals used. Its LEROSETT® Clay Treatment is clinically proven to remove skin without the use of drugs or chemicals. In a double-masked placebo-controlled trial, over 40 acne subjects saw significant improvement in their skin within four weeks of using LEROSETT® Clay Treatment.

Before you consider taking antibiotics prescribed by a dermatologist, which can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, try the LEROSETT® 3-part Organic Acne Kit. Unlike most other acne products that contain water as their primary ingredient, LEROSETT® is plant-based and provides essential nutrients to your skin without being harsh or drying.

By practicing gentle cleansing and using chemical-free clay masks and spot treatments with oil-free hydration, you can take control of your skin’s health with the LEROSETT® Organic Acne Kit. Rather than relying on harsh skincare products or acne drugs, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help you keep your skin clear. Remember, acne is not as common as problem skin, and a few pimples a month could be a hormonal problem rather than acne. With the right approach, you can manage and prevent acne, a chronic condition that can cause deep scarring. Take charge of your skin’s health, and embrace a brighter tomorrow.

Do men and women differ in how they get acne?

Both men and women can overcome acne, despite certain gender differences in how it can be expressed. Women can be empowered to manage hormonal acne flare-ups related to their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or oral contraceptive use. Men, on the other hand, can take heart in knowing that severe and long-lasting forms of acne can be overcome with the right treatment. Let’s all stay positive and hopeful in our journey towards clear, healthy skin.

Does the sun help acne?

Many patients feel that sunlight improves their acne lesions and goes to great lengths to find ultraviolet light sources. There is no proven effect of the sun on acne. Also, ultraviolet light in sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. Therefore, it is not recommended acne management, especially since there are many other proven forms of acne treatment. Moreover, many acne treatments increase the skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet light, making ultraviolet light exposure risk all the worse.

How Should People with Acne Care for Their Skin?

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it deserves the best care. At Gunilla of Sweden®, we recognize this fact and use only the finest ingredients in our LEROSETT® products. Our hydroponically grown aloe provides your skin with all the essential amino acids and nutrients it needs to thrive. With over a hundred vitamins and mineral co-factors, our nutrient-rich aloe helps to heal mature and environmentally damaged skin. We believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful in their skin, and that’s why we’re committed to providing you with the best possible skincare products.

The Ideal Solution to Acne:  The ideal solution should be one that can swiftly absorb excess oil, restrict oil production, and unclog your pores without any irritation. Exfoliators and antibacterials like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, azelaic acid, and others can only treat acne temporarily; there is no acne drug that can cure acne, and all drugs have side effects. This is why many dermatologists and acne specialists have started to leave acne drugs behind and prefer to use LEROSETT® Spot Treatment & Clay Mask for their acne patients. Because LEROSETT® infuses zinc into the skin, it reduces oil production and can absorb almost as much oil & impurities as your skin can create. When used daily as a thin mask, your skin will eventually clear; it’s only a matter of time. You can use LEROSETT® as long as you like because there are no chemical or drug side effects.

Clean Skin Gently: Rough cleansing can aggravate acne. It would help if you washed your face twice daily with a mild cleanser, as well as after heavy exercise. Make sure to spend at least 2 minutes gently rubbing the cleanser onto the skin in a circular motion. This will give the skin time to absorb the ingredients of the cleanser.

Moisturize: Make sure that you are using an oil-free moisturizer to replenish your skin. Acne treatments almost always have a drying effect, and the sebaceous glands can produce extra sebum to try to compensate for the dryness. That is a significant contributor to breakouts because people with acne-prone or oily skin are usually hesitant to use a moisturizer.

Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin: Avoid rubbing or touching skin lesions. Squeezing, picking, or popping pimples before they are ready to be extracted can lead to scarring and dark blotches.

Avoid Sun Damage: Many people believe that being in the sun can help clear up acne. The truth is that it only makes the skin appear darker. Therefore the redness of acne lesions is less visible. Acne medications can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Sun damage can increase your risk of skin cancer and also cause premature aging.

Choose Cosmetics Carefully: Cosmetics such as foundation, blush, eyeshadow, and hair care products can easily contribute to acne breakouts. You must read the ingredients and make sure there are no pore-clogging elements in what you are putting on your skin. Look for non-comedogenic and oil-free products.

Are There Fake Acne Reviews Sites on the Web?

A staggering 99% of website review sites are nothing but bogus. These reviews are often based on what’s trending on Amazon or are affiliate or commission-based review site.

There are a significant number of acne review sites on the web. A simple search shows that almost everyone self-identifies as an affiliate or commission-based review site. If any of the brand names they are reviewing are in the URL address themselves, then you can be sure their acne product recommendations will be for their brand. Yet there will be no documentation or information on how they decided which product was best. This is primarily because it costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to prove your product works better. However, if your product has the same ingredients as a competitor, then you only proved your competitor is just as effective, and it’s probably cheaper, too.

Genuine product review sites will show clinical trial comparison images and evidence that they really tested the products, with credible sources to explain why the brand rates five stars. Few “acne review” sites do this. Usually, there isn’t any named physician or Ph.D. involved in double-masked placebo-controlled research studies, no photographic evidence, and no data to prove how one brand worked better (which is concerning because another simple search will show you that the brands reviewed have almost identical ingredients).

Please click here for a genuine double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of LEROSETT® Spot Treatment & Clearing Clay Mask.

100% of trial participants using LEROSETT achieved clearer skin.

If an acne product review site doesn’t provide any proof of testing, the winning top-rated product is likely the people who created by the review site itself.

Can I squeeze my pimples or extract them?

An infected pimple is your body’s way of getting rid of infection or puss. There is nothing wrong with you speeding up the process by squeezing out the infection. Some say not to pop a pimple because most people are too aggressive and don’t know how to extract it correctly. They can easily damage your skin, usually causing a scar, so statistically, it’s better to tell everyone not to touch their pimples and let their doctors do it. However, if you have LEROSETT®, take your time and wait for a pimple to come to a head, then pop it, but not before. That is where LEROSETT® comes in. LEROSETT® can pull that infection to the surface. After the initial extraction, use a cotton ball to absorb any extra fluids that may come out. Then, after removal, you apply LEROSETT® several times and overnight.

As the clay dries, it can absorb the remaining infection and tighten the opening, eliminating most of the scarring potential. Spot treatments may need to be repeated 5-10 times over the next 24-48 hours before the fluid is absorbed and the opening closes. A pimple is ready for extraction when it comes to a head. At this point, it must be extracted carefully to avoid scarring or infection. Please follow the steps below to extract a pimple safely. If you are having difficulty, seek a licensed skincare professional to assist you.

Here is what you’ve been waiting for: Permission to engage in extraction, as it is called in the doctor’s office. Picking is a double-edged sword. If you pick a new, developing lesion, you may drive it more in-depth and cause more significant inflammation and potentially deeper scarring. On the other hand, if a lesion is a mature pustule with a head, as mentioned above, proper extraction can speed healing, stop tissue digestion, and reduce scarring. It’s all a matter of doing it right.

How to pop a pimple the right way

Pimples vs. Acne: What's the difference?

Acne and pimples may seem like a common struggle, but it’s important to understand the difference between the two. While pimples may not be a major cause for concern, acne is a chronic skin disease that has no known cure, requires treatment, and can potentially lead to scarring. Although acne may not be curable, it can be managed with proper care. Remember, occasional pimples do not define you and are just a small part of your journey towards healthy, glowing skin.

Do I Have Real Acne? Probably not, and if you do, you would know it.

Acne is a skin condition that is caused by the clogging of pores with dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil. It creates an environment for bacteria to breed, which leads to inflammation and infection. While only a doctor can diagnose acne, you can usually tell if you have it. If you are experiencing a few pimples a few times per month, it is likely just a breakout and not acne. Acne Vulgaris is an inflammatory disease that affects your oil glands. Multiple breakouts on the skin characterize it and can be triggered by factors such as genetics, hormones, diet, and stress. There are different types and severities of acne, and many skin conditions can mimic acne, which is why it is essential to consult a dermatologist to confirm whether you have acne.

Is Acne Curable?

There is no cure for acne; in reality, there are very few cures for most human diseases, there are only treatments, and acne is classified as a real skin disease. However, 80% of people who believe they have acne do not; they have hormonal problems with their skin. Most teenagers get pimples, but this does not mean all teenagers have an incurable skin disease. Acne must be chronic, it causes scarring and acne doesn’t go away for weeks at a time. Acne is constant.

However, acne can be controlled and prevented through treatment and a proper skincare routine. When looking for acne treatment, it is best to look for nutrient-rich products, and those acne products will not use water as the main ingredient because water has no healing benefits; it’s used because it’s cheap. Suppose you consider that your skin can only absorb a small percentage of what you put on it. In that case, you want to make sure that the products you use are high quality and loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that the skin will absorb, like high-content organic aloe vera.

This is where plant-based acne treatments like LEROSETT® come in; they are much gentler, have the nutrients to help heal your skin, are anti-inflammatory, and reduce irritation. If your acne treatments are based on water or use water as the main ingredient, water does not penetrate your skin like Aloe vera does, and water dries out the skin. That’s why LEROSETT® has over 60% Aloe vera to help heal and kill bacteria as well.

What causes acne and who gets it?

Acne can affect anyone, which includes race, ethnicity, gender, and age. Acne can be caused by a backup of oil and dead skin cells in the pore. However, genetics, stress, diet, and products you put on your skin, like makeup, can increase breakouts.

How can you improve your skin?

Eliminating stress in our lives is easier said than done, but finding ways to relax will help your skin and your overall health in the long run. Limiting the amount of sugary/processed foods and dairy from your diet can also improve breakouts, as many of these types of foods can cause inflammation and aggravate acne. When choosing cosmetics, look for products that are considered non-comedogenic. You can also check the ingredients in the product. Common pore-clogging elements are Hexadecyl Alcohol, Isocetyl Stearate, Myristyl Myristate, Sodium Chloride, and Wheat Germ Oil.

Avoid acne treatments containing oils, sulfur or, tea tree oils.
Believe in yourself and work towards making your dreams come true. Avoid acne products containing oil, even tea tree oil, and trust the power of LEROSETT® Spot Treatment, which can provide over 650 pimple spot treatments at only $0.03 each. In less than an hour, you can flatten your pimple and feel confident in your own skin.

What is the Earliest Age someone could Start Using LEROSETT® Products?

The earliest age we recommend for anyone using our LEROSETT® products is age twelve. LEROSETT® Spot Treatment & Clay Mask can be used on very young. For any younger, we recommend consulting your doctor before purchasing.

Does makeup cause acne?

No, makeup can increase the number of pimples, but it cannot cause the disease. That is because the makeup is clogging the follicles/pores. Using non-comedogenic makeup might help to stop the clogs, but it’s not 100% sure.

Why do some acne products stop working?

Like any drug, your body becomes acclimated, and you need more of it to continue. Your body knows the difference between natural and synthetic ingredients, so the more natural the ingredients, the less likely your skin will become acclimated. 

Do only teenagers get acne? No. Most teens don’t have acne; they have androgen-related problems with skin. Remember, acne is a chronic skin disease. Keep in mind there is a difference between acne and hormonal skin problems, and most teens do not have a chronic skin disease. They mostly have pimples that come and go. 

LEROSETT® does not stop working because you’re not using acne drugs; only the LEROSETT® Acne Cleanser has 2% salicylic acid in a base of aloe vera to make it very gentle. The main product for clearing problem skin is the LEROSETT® Clay Clearing Mask, which has no chemicals and is drug-free; it not only doesn’t stop working, but it works better over time.

All 40 active participants in a third-party double-blind reversible controlled trial achieved clear skin. In the placebo group, 90% did not get clear skin.

Can Changing My Diet Help Prevent Acne?

Maintaining a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can help you keep clear skin. Several nutrients and vitamins are known to improve the skin. With sufficient amounts of these vitamins in your day-to-day diet, your skin will be equipped to fight off acne and inhibit the overproduction of oil. Vitamin A: Retinol is the naturally occurring form of Vitamin A. It is found in fish oils, liver, and dairy products. Vitamin A in plants is found in yellow/orange fruits and vegetables like carrots, yams, apricots, cantaloupe, and vegetables such as parsley, kale, and spinach. Retinol is known to help with cell turnover and can improve skin to stay smooth and acne-free. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It protects your cells against free radicals, which are cell-damaging by-products of our metabolism. Vitamin E also helps the immune system and skin repair process. Natural sources of Vitamin E can be found in almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, broccoli, wheat germ, and vegetable oils.

Vitamin B-2 helps alleviate stress, which in many cases, can contribute to acne. Foods with B-2 include whole grains, fish, milk, eggs, meat, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin B-3: Vitamin B-3 improves blood circulation, which can, in turn, promote cell turnover and healthy skin. Resources of Vitamin B-3 include peanuts, eggs, avocado, liver, and meats. Zinc: People with acne have been shown to have lower systemic levels of Zinc than those without acne. Zinc is an antioxidant that can boost the immune system. Zinc can help remove damaged tissue caused by acne, so the healing and repair of acne require Zinc. Zinc is vital for the skin’s repair functions; it also inhibits oil production. Zinc can be found in eggs, whole grains, nuts, mushrooms, and especially LEROSETT ®.  

Zinc is an essential nutrient, and it is also found in LEROSETT® Acne Supplements, which have a success rate of over 98% in clearing skin.

Why does Benzoyl Peroxide have such a negative reputation ?

Once acne pimples are gone, they often leave dark spots. That is what is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While these spots can eventually fade, their presence can be very frustrating.

The American Academy of Dermatology states that benzoyl peroxide prolongs acne-induced hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Since it does reduce bacteria in the pores, Benzole Peroxide has been linked to dehydration and premature aging of the skin. The dryer the surface of the skin is, the older it appears. Here is what a few acne specialists have to say.

Linked to Tumors in hamsters

Benzoyl peroxide is an acne treatment that has been around for more than 50 years. Some don’t mind Benzoyl peroxide, but why use it when LEROSETT® Clay is also effective with no added chemicals? LEROSETT® products make your skin healthier and fight off pimples, too. If you feel parabens are a terrible thing, then Benzoyl peroxide should definitely concern you.

In the 1980s, research shows that tumors grew in lab rats that had UV rays go through benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide should not be used around the eyes, nose, mouth, mucous membranes, and open skin. If benzoyl peroxide gets into your eyes or mucous membranes, rinse the area with water for at least 15 minutes.

 

My sister and I are both estheticians and business owners, and we have each been doing professional skincare for 9 years. We chose Gunilla of Sweden® for our clients because we wanted a result-oriented product for acne without using benzoyl peroxide. The reason for no benzoyl peroxide is that clients who had used it were now experiencing hyperpigmentation and thinning skin, so we felt strongly about weaning them off. When switching them over to LEROSETT®, our clients and we have found great success in their battle against acne, even the troublesome Adult cystic acne, which has helped build a strong trust between our clients and us. Thank you, Gunilla of Sweden®.

Sincerely, Heather Ramsey and Jennifer Neves, Sacramento, Ca.

 

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all side effects may occur, if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

  1. Pain, burning, blistering, changes in color, dryness, itching, peeling, redness, scaling, stinging, or swelling of the skin where the medicine is applied

Incidence not known

  1. Chest tightness
  2. cough
  3. difficulty swallowing
  4. dizziness
  5. fainting
  6. fast heartbeat
  7. hives, itching, or skin rash
  8. increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
  9. large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  10. redness or other discoloration of the skin
  11. severe sunburn
  12. swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  13. tightness in the throat
  14. trouble breathing
  15. unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your healthcare professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

  1. Dryness or peeling of the skin (may occur after a few days)
  2. feeling of warmth, mild stinging, and redness of the skin
Does Poor Hygiene Contribute to Acne?

No. Dirt and surface oils cannot cause acne. This misunderstanding comes from the fact that blackheads look like dirt stuck in the pore opening. The black color is merely oxidized keratin, not dirt. The blockages of keratin that cause acne occur deep within the narrow follicle channel, where it is nearly impossible to wash them away. These plugs are formed by the cells’ failure to separate and flow to the surface in the oil created there by the body. So, regular washing of the face could wash off old oil and help unblock the pores. However, scrubbing your skin hard and frequently can make your acne worse. It can irritate the skin and can cause your acne to be more inflamed. The best approach to hygiene and acne is to use a gentle face wash twice a day and be consistent with your skincare routine and acne treatment.

 

Aloe-based acne cleansers can help heal the skin better than cleansers with water as the first and main ingredient. Bar soap should not be used with acne; it is too alkaline and causes oils to be stripped away; this causes the oil glands to make more oil and more pimples. Either a non-medicated aloe-based cleanser for problem skin or a maximum strength medicated cleanser.

Who Gets Acne?

Anyone can get acne. While it is most common in adolescents and young adults, an estimated 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have had an acne outbreak at some point in their lives. Most people outgrow their acne by the time they reach their 30’s, but many struggles with it for their entire lives or don’t have problems at all until they are older. Women who are pregnant or menstruating are more susceptible to breakouts due to hormone fluctuations. Studies have shown that genetics may play a part in whether one person is more acne-prone than another. If your parents had acne, then there is a higher risk that you will struggle with it as well.

What Do I Need To Know About Prescription Acne Medications?

With acne, the medicine is often worse than the acne itself.

LEROSETT® is the only chemical-free acne treatment that is proven to clear skin yet has no side effects from drugs, chemicals, or added irritants.

Oral or topical antibiotics are the most popular treatments for acne among Dermatologists. Two reasons should make you wary of these treatments. One, the overuse of antibiotics is a common worry these days because of the creation of resistant strains of bacteria and long-term health risks. These risks range from increased frequency of common colds to a dramatic increase in breast cancer risk. 

The second reason is that it is mostly ineffective. Even if we had an antibiotic that could kill 100% of the bacteria, we would still have an acne problem. The condition that causes pimples is caused by pores clogged with dead skin cells. The typical action of bacteria in the pores does have something to do with acne, but not as much as most people think. 

There are many risks to using antibiotics to treat acne. Side effects include recurring nausea, heartburn, interference with the useful bacteria in the digestive system, frequent vaginal yeast infections for women, possible permanent staining of the teeth, an increase in colds, and possibly a link to breast cancer. 

A frequently used oral prescription is isotreti__n or Accut__ne FDA warnings about congenital disabilities, liver damage, skeletal damage, and severe depression are well warranted. It is a potentially dangerous drug that its manufacturer has recalled due to the drug causing Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, congenital disabilities, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

 

If you are going to take an oral medication for acne, first try an all-natural vegetarian acne supplement with a history of success like ClearPoint® All-Natural Clear Skin Supplements

Do all ethnic groups battle acne?

People in every ethnic group may have acne. The genetic component is still in effect. Each parent’s family tree will have some impact on a specific person’s acne. Significant factors include whether or not the skin is oily and the thickness of the skin. Other factors, such as sun exposure, makeup, and skincare products used, may influence breakouts as well. Blue-eyed, lighter complexion persons usually have thinner and drier skin as a rule. That group probably has fewer acne problems than some other groups.

Why are there so many acne brands?

The main reason is that there is no cure, so people keep buying different acne products, looking for a remedy that doesn’t exist. There is very little difference between most acne brands. If you look at the active ingredients, most of them use the same two drugs, and the main ingredient is almost always water. The more nutrients in your skincare, the healthier your skin can be. We recommend using a nutrient-rich organic aloe-based acne product or products for better health and results.

Does stress cause acne?

Yes.

Stress can increase the hormones that cause problems for the sebaceous glands. This can cause pimples, but we do not know if stress can cause acne.  So far, ClearPoint®  Clear Skin Supplements work on a hormonal level and are very helpful in controlling stress-related acne.

Common Acne-Related Terms

  • Acid Mantle –  Our skin’s natural protective barrier that defends us against bacteria, viruses, and pollutants. A compromised barrier can lead to premature aging, infection, dehydration, irritation, sensitivity, and acne. The Acid Mantle is very delicate and can be damaged by the sun, harsh soaps, Benzoyl Peroxide, and overall aggressive skincare regimens.
  • Blackhead– A non-inflamed buildup of cells, sebum, and other debris inside the follicle. The pore is open at the surface and exposed to air, which keeps bacteria at bay.
  • Whitehead – A non-inflamed buildup of cells, sebum, and other debris inside the follicle. The pore has a tiny opening blocking oxygen, but no infection has set in.
  • Papule – Occurs when the impaction has become large enough to tear the follicle wall, causing an immune reaction (inflammation) and redness. Papules do not have a whitehead. Soreness is associated with papules because the deeper impaction affects the nerve endings. Papules can clear on their own by our body’s immune response.
  • Pustule – Occurs when a clump of white blood cells pushes the impaction of a papule to the surface of the skin, relieving the pressure on nerve endings by expanding the follicle wall. Pustules are less painful than papules and will have a puss-filled whitehead.
  • Cyst/Nodule – Deeply infected, puss-filled, large papule that has been invaded by white blood cells. Very painful with a high potential for scaring.