The Four Main Types of Acne
Driven by androgen fluctuations that increase sebum production. Typically appears on the lower face, jaw, and chin. Common in adults, especially women in their 20s–40s.
Severe inflammatory acne where infection develops deep within the follicle. The most painful type, with the highest risk of permanent scarring. Often requires prescription treatment.
Non-inflammatory acne caused by clogged pores — blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones). Common in teens and responds well to topical retinoids.
Elevated cortisol increases sebum production and promotes inflammatory responses in the skin. Stress acne typically flares during high-pressure periods and often appears across the T-zone.
Common Triggers: What's Causing Your Breakouts?
Diet
High-glycaemic foods (refined sugars, white bread, processed carbohydrates) spike insulin and IGF-1, which directly stimulate sebaceous glands. Dairy — particularly skimmed milk — has a strong association with acne in clinical literature, likely due to IGF-1 content and whey proteins.
Skincare Products
Many moisturisers, sunscreens, and makeup products contain comedogenic ingredients that block pores. Silicones (dimethicone), certain oils (coconut, wheat germ), and occlusive waxes are common culprits. AI analysis can identify whether your congestion pattern matches product-induced acne.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Androgens — particularly testosterone and DHT — bind to receptors in sebaceous glands, directly increasing oil production. This explains why acne flares before menstruation, during pregnancy, and at perimenopause, and why hormonal acne persists into adulthood despite teenage acne clearing.
Over-Cleansing
Aggressive cleansing strips the skin's acid mantle, disrupting the microbiome and triggering a compensatory surge in sebum production. The skin produces more oil in response to being dried out — paradoxically worsening oily, acne-prone skin.
Why generic acne advice fails: "Wash your face, use salicylic acid, don't touch your skin" is advice designed for comedonal teen acne. If you have hormonal or cystic acne, these steps may be irrelevant or actively unhelpful. The type determines the treatment.
Evidence-Backed Acne Ingredients
Increase cellular turnover and prevent dead skin cells from blocking follicles. Prescription tretinoin is the gold standard for comedonal and inflammatory acne.
Oil-soluble BHA that penetrates follicles, dissolving debris and sebum. Most effective for blackheads and surface congestion.
Kills C. acnes bacteria directly and reduces inflammation. Most effective for inflammatory papules and pustules.
Reduces sebum production, calms inflammation, and fades post-acne hyperpigmentation. Well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and inhibits melanin production. Effective for acne and the dark marks it leaves behind. Safe in pregnancy.
Both topical and oral zinc reduce C. acnes populations and inflammatory response. Particularly useful for hormonal acne.
How AI Analysis Helps With Acne
SKINN AI analyses the distribution pattern, type, and severity of congestion across your face. Jaw and chin clustering strongly indicates hormonal acne. T-zone roughness with blackheads points to comedonal type. Scattered inflammatory lesions suggest bacterial or diet-driven acne.
Your personalised report maps these patterns and recommends ingredients and routine adjustments specific to your type — rather than the generic advice that works for some people and makes others significantly worse.