When it comes to acne, there are three major types of acne. There are a number of very rare forms that one might get at one point or another throughout their life, but the experts divide the others into these three: comedonal acne, acne vulgaris, and cystic acne. If you have acne, chances are, you have one of these forms.

The first type of acne that you should familiarize yourself with is comedonal acne. This type of acne consists of whiteheads and blackheads. If you have either of these without the presence of any other form of skin lesions, you have comedonal acne. This is the mildest form of acne and most people throughout their lives experience this type of acne. If you have had comedonal acne, chances are, you will develop the next type of acne that I want to discuss and that is acne vulgaris.

If you have a mix of comedones (white and blackheads), papules, and pustules, you have acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is also known as common acne. You know you have acne vulgaris if you have blackheads, whiteheads, bumpy red pimples, and big pus pimples all over your face and sometimes your body.

Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne known to man. It actually affects about 90% of all people who suffer from acne. This form of acne can be mild, moderate, or very severe, depending on the number of lesions you have or how inflamed those lesions are on your face and body.

The third type of acne that you should know about is called cystic acne. This is by far the most severe form of acne that a person can get during their life. You will know you have this form if you have comedones, pauples, pustules, and lots of cysts. Because cysts are caused by sever inflammation and possible infection, cystic acne will be very painful for those who happen to have it.

This worse part about this form of acne is if it is left untreated, the inflammation and infection can damage the surrounding skin tissue. Most times, these cysts can leave people with permanent scaring in the area where the cysts were.

As you can clearly see, acne is no laughing matter. Those who suffer from it, suffer from a constant battle in keeping their skin clear of these blemishes. With proper facial care, you can keep your acne under control and prevent painful cysts and possible scaring.