Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, but not all acne is the same.
Some people experience tiny clogged bumps that never get red or painful, while others deal with deep, inflamed cysts that leave marks behind.
To treat acne correctly, you first need to understand which type of acne you have. According to Mayo Clinic, acne can appear in many clinical forms — from mild comedones to deep, cystic breakouts — each requiring a different care approach.
In this guide, we’ll explain all major acne types, how to identify them, and what makes each one unique.
1. The Two Main Categories of Acne
Dermatologists classify acne into two major groups: non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. Both can occur together, but their appearance, causes, and treatment approaches differ.
Non-Inflammatory Acne
Non-inflammatory acne includes:
- Comedones (clogged pores)
- Whiteheads (closed comedones)
- Blackheads (open comedones)
These are caused by oil (sebum) and dead skin cells becoming trapped inside pores.
Since there’s no bacterial infection or inflammation, these bumps don’t turn red or hurt.
How to identify it:
- Skin feels rough or textured
- Tiny bumps under the skin that aren’t red
- Black dots (open comedones) mostly on nose or chin
People often confuse closed comedones with fungal acne, but they’re not the same.
Fungal acne is caused by yeast, not oil — and it needs a different treatment approach. Non-inflammatory acne is the mildest type and often the starting point for many people before more inflamed acne develops. Read about the treatment of non-inflammatory acne.
Inflammatory Acne
Inflammatory acne is more visible, painful, and often red or swollen.
It includes:
- Papules (red bumps without pus)
- Pustules (red pimples with white or yellow pus)
- Red, painful pimples
These form when bacteria invade clogged pores, causing the body’s immune response to trigger inflammation.
How to identify it:
- Red or tender pimples that hurt when touched
- Swelling or pus-filled bumps
- Clusters of pimples on cheeks, chin, or forehead
Inflammatory acne requires soothing, anti-inflammatory skincare and consistency to prevent scarring.
2. Cystic and Nodular Acne (Deep Acne)
Cystic and nodular acne are the most severe forms of acne.
They develop deep under the skin and can take weeks to heal.
Nodular acne forms as large, hard lumps beneath the skin’s surface.
Cystic acne forms deeper pockets filled with pus, making them painful and slow to recover.
How to identify it:
- Deep, painful lumps that never come to a head
- Last for weeks or months
- Often occur on the jawline, chin, and back
- May leave dark marks or scars after healing
3. Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels that increase oil production.
It often overlaps with adult acne, which affects people even after their teenage years.
How to identify it:
- Deep, cystic pimples around the jawline, chin, and mouth
- Breakouts that flare before periods
- May coincide with oily skin, mood changes, or irregular cycles
Unlike teenage acne, hormonal and adult acne tend to appear in cycles and are more resistant to over-the-counter products. Hormonal breakouts often appear in the same spots — especially around your chin, jawline, and cheeks. If you notice consistent acne in these areas, you can learn more about what each location means in our guide: Guide to Acne on Your Forehead, Cheeks, and Chin
4. Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)
Despite the name, fungal acne isn’t true acne — it’s a skin condition caused by yeast overgrowth (Malassezia) inside hair follicles.
It often gets mistaken for closed comedones or small pimples, which can lead to using the wrong products and making it worse.
How to identify it:
- Small, itchy, uniform bumps — often all the same size
- Usually appear on forehead, upper back, chest, or shoulders
- Feels more like a rash than typical acne
- Worsens with heavy oils or occlusive products
Fungal acne requires a different treatment approach focused on restoring the skin’s balance, not typical acne products.
5. Body Acne
Acne doesn’t just affect the face — it can appear anywhere with oil glands, including the back, shoulders, and chest.
How to identify it:
- Small to large pimples across shoulders, upper back, or chest
- Can be red, itchy, or painful
- Sometimes worsens with sweat or friction
Body acne may include both non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions. To manage it effectively, our complete guide to getting rid of back and body acne covers everything from the right cleansers to lifestyle changes that can help reduce breakouts.
6. How to Tell Which Type You Have
If you’re unsure which acne type you’re dealing with, look at both appearance and symptoms:
| Acne Type | Appearance | Pain/Inflammation | Common Area |
| Whiteheads / Blackheads | Tiny bumps or dark dots | None | Nose, chin, forehead |
| Papules / Pustules | Red, inflamed pimples | Mild to moderate | Cheeks, chin |
| Cystic / Nodular Acne | Large, deep lumps | Painful | Jawline, back |
| Hormonal Acne | Deep pimples near chin & jaw | Often cyclical | Lower face |
| Fungal Acne | Small, itchy bumps | Itchy, uniform | Forehead, chest, back |
| Body Acne | Pimples on body areas | Variable | Shoulders, back, chest |
Knowing which category your acne falls into helps you choose the right care strategy — whether it’s balancing oil production, reducing inflammation, or maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
7. Key Takeaway
Acne isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Each type has its own triggers, appearance, and management needs.
Understanding the difference between non-inflammatory acne, inflammatory acne, cystic acne, hormonal acne, fungal acne, and body acne gives you the power to treat your skin intelligently — not aggressively.
Learning to identify your acne type is the foundation of clearer, calmer, and healthier skin.