Different Types of Pimples and How to Treat Them (2025)

“Why does this zit keep coming back?”
If this question has crossed your mind more than once, you're not alone. Zits or pimples are one of the most common (and obviously most vexing) skin concerns. From white bumps to painful cysts, not all pimples are the same. Therefore, you need to employ different products to treat these eruptions the right way.

To streamline efforts for clear skin, one needs an unerring understanding of the different types of pimples and their triggers. Only then can you build a skincare routine that actually works for you!

This blog decodes the different types of pimples and ways to treat them with effective skincare. Moreover, we help you with some expert-approved tips to double down on pimple-free skin/

Understanding Pimples and Breakouts

What is a Pimple?

A pimple is a small or big inflamed bump on your skin, often caused by clogged pores due to sebum production, lifeless skin cells or even bacteria. These typically appear on the face, chest or upper back or anywhere your oil glands are active. Most people casually use the terms pimples & acne interchangeably, while pimples are just a common symptom. Acne is a broader skin condition that includes various types of pimples. Understanding what type of pimple you're dealing with helps you treat it better and avoid scarring.

Why Do Pimples Occur?

Pimples can occur due to one (or more) of the following triggers

• Excess oil (sebum) production

• The pores of skin get clogged.

• Bacterial growth, especially C. acnes, a bacteria linked to acne.

• Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstrual cycles or due to stress.

• Poor skincare habits like using the wrong products or skipping key steps.

• Pollution and environmental aggressors that disrupt your skin barrier causing acne

Different Types of Pimples on Face

Knowing the kind of pimple you have can help you treat it more effectively. Let’s break down the different forms of pimples:

1. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

They occur when pores are blocked by dirt, oil and dead skin cells, forming a flesh-colored bump under the skin. They are not inflamed and should not be popped, as this can lead to scarring.

2. Blackheads (Open Comedones)

They are small, dark bumps on the skin caused by clogged pores where the pore remains open. The black appearance is not due to dirt but a chemical reaction called oxidation, where melanin in the sebum reacts with oxygen in the air. Like whiteheads, avoid squeezing blackheads to prevent further irritation.

3. Papules

Papules are small, red, tender bumps caused when clogged pores become infected and inflamed. They don’t contain pus and often feel sore to the touch.

4. Pustules

When papules fill with pus, they become pustules. These are what most people think of as classic pimples that are red with a white or yellow tip.

5. Nodules

Nodules are large, hard, painful lumps deep within the skin. They result from severe inflammation and do not contain pus. Nodules can lead to permanent scars if not treated properly.

6. Cysts

Cystic acne is the most severe type. These are pus-filled lesions that go deep into the skin, are painful, and often lead to scarring. Professional dermatological help is recommended here.

Pimple Treatment for Oily Skin

Choosing the Right Skincare Routine

The key to managing breakouts is a consistent, tailored routine. Here’s a skincare regimen for oily, acne-prone skin:

1. Cleanse with a Mild Face Wash

Start with a salicylic acid face wash to unclog pores and reduce oil buildup without stripping your skin. Look for formulas that are pH-balanced and soap-free like Foxtale’s Salicylic Acid Face Wash which is gentle & can be used daily.

2. Treat with Targeted Serum

Incorporate a Niacinamide serum to calm inflammation, regulate oil and shrink the appearance of pores. Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum is the hero product for this concern. Star ingredient Niacinamide reduces redness and oil while Cica in the formula calms inflammation. The serum is extremely lightweight, absorbs fast and doesn’t clog pores.

3. Moisturize Daily

Oily skin still needs moisturizer. Without it, your skin compensates by producing more oil. Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer, one with Azelaic Acid that helps unclog pores gently over time. Enter ourOil Balancing Moisturizer with all-day hydration and 8+ hours of oil control. The best suited for oily acne-prone skin with a hydrating base and brightening serum pearls of Azelaic Acid.

4. Spot-Treat Active Acne

Target individual pimples using an effective acne spot corrector that reduces inflammation and speeds up healing. Use a fast-acting corrector like our super-effective Acne Spot Corrector to treat the pimple without damaging the surrounding skin.

5. Apply Sunscreen Every Morning

Don’t skip sunscreen,as sun damage worsens acne scars. Even if you’re indoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen in your morning routine. Go for gel-based, non-greasy formulas that won’t clog pores.

Recommended Products for Different Types of Pimples

Do’s and Don’ts for Treating Pimples

Here's what works and what doesn’t:

- Cleanse your face twice dailyto kill bacteria and oil that leads to pimples.

- Stay consistent with your skincare routine as it takes time to see effective results.

- Eat antioxidant-rich foods like spinach, berries and walnuts are good for skin health and may help with acne.

- Drink enough water to help your body detox naturally.

- See a dermatologist for severe acne conditions.

Try Avoiding this:

- When you pop pimples, the bacteria spread into the skin, giving more pimples surrounding the area.

- Scrubbing or over-washing damages your skin barrier. It strips away your skin’s natural oils, leading to more oiliness and pimples.

- Thick makeup foundation or skipping makeup removal can produce more oil. Also, the makeup residue leads to pimples.

- Some sunscreens can trap oil and sweat causing acne to develop. Go for the right type of sunscreen: lightweight, non-greasy and non-comedogenic.

- Experimenting with random home remedies without understanding your skin.

Expert Tips for Clearer Skin

1. Pillowcases should be clean and washed weekly, as they can harbor bacteria and oil
2. Wipe your phone screen regularly to prevent diry and bacterial transfer
3. Don’t switch products too frequently, as they require time to show results
4. Opt for non-comedogenic, cruelty-free products for your skin
5. Start double cleansing, if you wear sunscreen or makeup

Conclusion

For some, pimples might seem a never-ending occurrence, but they are solvable. Once you understand what kind of pimple you are dealing with, you are almost there towards clearer, radiant skin. With advancements in recognizing skin problems and finding a solution for it, Healthy or poreless skin isn’t a myth. But it’s just a few skincare steps away. The essence lies in knowing your skin type, choosing targeted serums or treatments and staying consistent with the right skincare products. Healthy skin doesn’t happen overnight but it definitely happens with better habits and a smarter skincare routine.

FAQs

What are the reasons for pimples on face?

Pimples are caused when pores are clogged, typically with oil, dead skin cells & bacteria. This clogging leads to inflammation & the development of pimples. Several other factors also contribute, including excess sebum production, hormonal changes & lifestyle.

How to remove pimple marks?

A proper routine with exfoliants like salicylic acid, brightening serums like niacinamide and using sunscreen daily can help fade pimple marks.

Does Niacinamide help with acne?

Niacinamide is star ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties. It also heps reduce inflammation and swelling associated with acne. By regulating oil & reducing inflammation, it can prevent new acne causing the risk of scarring.

Is Salicylic Acid good for face?

Salicylic acid is best suited for oily & acne prone skin types. It helps exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, reduce inflammation & even improve skin texture.