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Home / Blog / Dermatology / Acne: Types, Causes, Acne Treatment, and Scar Removal

Acne: Types, Causes, Acne Treatment, and Scar Removal

Fact checked by: lek. Gabriela Tokarska

Update date: 27 July 2026
Publish date: 16 June 2025

Read in: 17 min

Acne vulgaris is the most commonly diagnosed inflammatory skin condition in patients between the ages of 11 and 30, affecting as many as 80% of people in this age group. Skin lesions most often appear on the face and torso. Due to the high visibility of pimples and the chronic nature of the condition, acne often becomes a problem that also affects a patient’s mental well-being. Another significant issue is the scarring and hyperpigmentation left behind by long-term acne. Can they be effectively treated?

Table of Contents

What Is Acne?
Where does acne come from? Causes of acne
Stages of acne development
The most common types of acne
Acne Vulgaris (Common Acne)
Hormonal Acne
Rosacea Acne
Comedonal Acne
Papulopustular Acne
Phlegmonous Acne
Excoriated Acne
Fungal Acne
Cosmetic Acne
Neonatal Acne vs. Infantile Acne
Less Common Types of Acne
How Is Acne Treated?
How to Care for Acne-Prone Skin?
Acne Treatments
Laser Acne Treatment
Various Peels for Acne Treatment
Acne Scars – What Contributes to Their Formation?
Laser Acne Scar Removal
What Helps with Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation?

What Is Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that primarily affects teenagers, although it can occur at any age. It develops as a result of excessive sebum (skin oil) production, which clogs the pores and creates an environment that promotes bacterial growth. Acne most commonly appears as breakouts, pimples, blackheads, pustules, and papules, which may occur on the face, back, chest, and shoulders.

Where does acne come from? Causes of acne

The causes of excessive sebum production — the natural oily substance produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands — and, consequently, the development of acne can vary. The overactivity of the pilosebaceous unit is primarily regulated by sex hormones, which stimulate both the size of the sebaceous glands and sebum production. During puberty, the body produces higher levels of sex hormones, including androgens and estrogens, which can disrupt the normal function of these glands.

In addition to sex hormones, acne can also be triggered by hormone-like lipids and androgens found in certain foods. Genetic predisposition may also play a role, increasing the likelihood of developing acne-prone skin.

Additional factors that can contribute to acne include environmental and lifestyle triggers such as:

climate and environmental pollution,
foods with a high glycemic index,
dairy products and highly processed foods,
cigarette smoking,
improper skin care,
lack of sleep, stress, and fatigue.

Stages of acne development

Acne begins with a tiny change inside the skin pore that is invisible to the naked eye, known as a microcomedone. It may develop as a result of factors such as a deficiency of linolenic acid, excessive androgen production, or an excess of fatty acids on the skin. Linolenic acid is an omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties that is essential for the body and must be supplied through the daily diet.

Dead skin cells and the skin’s natural oil (sebum) block the opening of the sebaceous gland, causing the pore to become clogged. As a result, the pore can no longer cleanse itself naturally, leading to the formation of a comedone.

The excessive production and buildup of sebum, combined with the blocked pore opening, create ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply. Bacteria, including anaerobic rods, aerobic cocci, and yeasts, break down sebum into simpler compounds such as free fatty acids. These substances are irritating and pro-inflammatory, and they further disrupt the natural exfoliation process within the hair follicles.

Inflammation then develops inside the clogged follicle. If the lesion ruptures or is squeezed in non-sterile conditions, infection can occur and the inflammation may spread.

The most common types of acne

There are many different types of acne. They vary in appearance, cause, location, and treatment methods. The first step toward effective acne treatment is identifying which type of acne is present. An accurate diagnosis also makes it possible to choose the right skincare routine for acne-prone skin. For this reason, it is important to understand what acne looks like and how its different forms present. It is also essential to consult a dermatologist and seek professional advice. Below are the most common types of acne seen in both teenagers and adults.

Acne Vulgaris (Common Acne)

Acne vulgaris is the most common type of acne. It is characterized by blackheads, papules, and pustules that typically appear on the face, back, and chest. Acne vulgaris develops as a result of excessive sebum production, abnormal keratinization of the sebaceous gland openings, the proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, and the influence of androgen hormones. This type of acne occurs most frequently in teenagers during puberty, which is why it is also referred to as adolescent acne. However, it is increasingly affecting adults as well, especially in cases of ongoing hormonal imbalances or genetic predisposition.

Hormonal Acne

This type of acne mainly appears on the lower part of the face — the chin, jawline, and neck — and tends to recur. It develops as a result of hormonal imbalances. Hormonal acne most commonly affects adult women, particularly during periods of hormonal fluctuation, in cases of PCOS, chronic stress, or during perimenopause.

Rosacea Acne

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by persistent redness, telangiectasia (visible enlarged blood vessels), and papules and pustules without the presence of blackheads. The development of rosacea is associated with overreactive blood vessels, impaired skin immunity, and environmental triggers such as UV exposure, alcohol, and spicy foods. This condition most commonly occurs in people over the age of 30, particularly in fair-skinned women with sensitive, redness-prone skin.

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Comedonal Acne

It is a mild form of acne characterized primarily by open and closed comedones, without significant signs of inflammation. It develops as a result of excessive sebum production and abnormal skin cell shedding, which leads to the mechanical blockage of skin pores. Comedonal acne occurs most often in adolescents and in adults with oily or combination skin, and it may be the first stage in the development of acne vulgaris.

Papulopustular Acne

It is an inflammatory form of acne characterized by the presence of painful papules and pustules on reddened skin. It develops as a result of bacterial growth within clogged hair follicles and an active inflammatory response from the immune system. It most commonly affects teenagers and young adults. It often develops when earlier, milder forms of acne have not been treated properly.

Phlegmonous Acne

It is characterized by the presence of numerous pustules filled with purulent content, often painful and surrounded by erythema. It develops as a result of advanced inflammation within the hair follicles, caused by bacterial proliferation and a strong immune response in the skin. It occurs relatively frequently as a moderate to severe form of acne vulgaris, mainly in adolescents and young adults.

Excoriated Acne

In this form of acne, the skin lesions are minor or mild; however, intense scratching, picking, or squeezing leads to erosions, scabs, and scarring. The key underlying cause is psychogenic in nature—emotional tension, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors. It most commonly occurs in adult women and is often mistaken for a severe form of inflammatory acne.

Fungal Acne

It presents as small, uniform papules and pustules and is often accompanied by itching. It is caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast within the hair follicles rather than by the bacteria typically associated with acne vulgaris. It occurs relatively frequently, especially in young, physically active individuals, those with excessive sweating, or after prolonged antibiotic use.

Cosmetic Acne

It develops as a result of using comedogenic cosmetics that clog the openings of the sebaceous glands. It manifests primarily as comedones and small papules that appear in the areas where these products are applied. It most commonly occurs in people who frequently use makeup or heavy skincare products.

Neonatal Acne vs. Infantile Acne

Acne can occur not only in teenagers and adults, but also in very young children. If the skin condition appears as small papules and pustules, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and nose, and develops within the first days or weeks of a baby’s life, it is neonatal acne. It is caused by the temporary influence of maternal hormones and is often accompanied by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. The lesions are mild and resolve spontaneously within a few weeks, require no treatment, and do not leave scars.

In the case of infantile acne, the lesions appear later—between 3 and 6 months of age, and sometimes as late as 12 months. This type of acne usually has a more severe course and may include papules, pustules, and comedones. It is caused by increased androgen activity in the child’s body. It occurs more frequently in boys and may require a dermatological consultation because, in more severe cases, there is a risk of scarring.

Less Common Types of Acne

As you can see, there are many different types of acne. In addition to those listed above, there are also forms of this condition such as acne conglobata, acne fulminans, neuropathic acne, occupational acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa—although these still do not represent every possible form of the disorder. Therefore, if you are experiencing unwanted skin lesions, consult a dermatologist to properly identify their nature and, as a result, choose the right skincare routine and begin effective treatment.

How Is Acne Treated?

Acne is a medical condition, so treatment should begin with a visit to a dermatologist, who will recommend the appropriate course of action. Possible acne treatment methods include topical treatment, systemic therapy, or a combination of both.

Topical treatment uses a variety of anti-sebum, comedolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agents. Therefore, a prescribed acne cream may contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinoids, azelaic acid, erythromycin, or tetracycline. Systemic acne treatment most commonly involves hormonal medications, retinoids, antibiotics, or corticosteroids. It is also worth mentioning vitamin supplements, which may support the primary treatment. These mainly include vitamins PP, A, B2, B1, B6, and C.

In women, managing this condition often also requires a consultation with a gynecologist or endocrinologist, as acne lesions can sometimes be a symptom of female hormonal disorders. A balanced diet, regular sleep, and reducing stress and other factors that contribute to the development of acne—such as picking at lesions—can also play an important role.

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How to Care for Acne-Prone Skin?

It is important not to overlook the basic principles of proper skincare for acne-prone skin.

These include:

cleansing acne-prone skin regularly (twice a day—morning and evening) using gentle, alcohol-free products designed for sensitive skin;
keeping the skin well moisturized, for example with lightweight creams containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, or panthenol;
drying the face with disposable paper towels or tissues;
washing makeup tools regularly;
changing bed linen frequently;
using high-level sun protection, as UV radiation can worsen inflammation and make post-acne discoloration more persistent.

Acne Treatments

Acne treatments are an excellent complement to dermatological therapy for troublesome skin lesions. They offer benefits that are difficult to achieve through home skincare alone or even with medication. Despite their advantages, it is important to remember that cosmetic procedures are not suitable at every stage of the condition and should always be tailored to the specific type of acne. That is why consultation with an experienced specialist and choosing a clinic that takes an individual approach to each patient are so important.

Laser Acne Treatment

Laser acne treatment using a CPL light-based device is a non-invasive and safe method for reducing even active acne—both acne vulgaris and rosacea. The procedure delivers highly satisfactory results, including the partial or complete removal of unwanted lesions, reduced pore size, decreased sebum production, and improved skin tone.

Various Peels for Acne Treatment

A chemical peel for acne causes controlled exfoliation of the epidermis, helping to unclog pores, reduce the number of comedones, and even limit the formation of new lesions. The acids used in the treatment have anti-inflammatory properties, while the procedure itself helps regulate sebaceous gland activity and accelerates skin regeneration.

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Acne Scars – What Contributes to Their Formation?

Not every type of acne leaves scars, but many patients struggle with this problem. Acne scars are the result of skin damage during ongoing inflammation and improper healing.

During acne, deep inflammation develops within the hair follicle, damaging collagen and elastin fibers. The body attempts to repair this damage by producing new tissue; however, when the healing process is disrupted, scars form.

Factors that increase the risk of post-acne scarring include:

deep and prolonged inflammation during acne;
squeezing and picking at lesions;
delaying or avoiding treatment for acne lesions;
a genetic predisposition;
improper skincare during the healing process.

Laser Acne Scar Removal

The use of a fractional CO2 laser is one of the most effective methods for treating acne scars. The device stimulates and regenerates both the skin and connective tissue.

During the procedure, the skin is heated and subjected to controlled micro-injuries, which stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibers. These fibers increase the density of the skin tissue and promote renewal. As a result, even deep scars can be effectively reduced.

At Klinika Anti-Aging INIVCTA, we use a medical-grade fractional laser—known as an ablative laser—for acne scar removal. Its effects are significantly stronger than those of standard fractional devices. Our laser stimulates skin renewal and, through the ablation process, also provides intensive exfoliation. This not only helps make scars less visible, but also regenerates and rejuvenates the skin. Thanks to the power of the ablative laser, the desired results can be achieved with fewer treatments than would be required with a non-ablative laser.

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What Helps with Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation?

Many types of acne are associated with inflammation. When inflammation occurs, the skin activates its defense mechanisms, one of which is the overproduction of melanin—the skin’s natural pigment. This is how post-acne hyperpigmentation develops. The stronger and longer-lasting the inflammation, or the more often lesions are scratched, squeezed, or irritated, the greater the risk of discoloration. In addition, sun exposure without SPF protection can make pigmentation changes more persistent and pronounced, causing them to last for months—or even years without treatment.

An effective way to get rid of this unwanted reminder of acne is a chemical peel for hyperpigmentation, which delivers excellent results in reducing this type of discoloration. The treatment causes controlled exfoliation of the skin and regulates the processes responsible for excessive melanin production, helping to fade dark spots while also regenerating the skin.

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lek. Gabriela Tokarska

A physician currently completing her specialization in dermatology and venereology, Dr. Gabriela Tokarska graduated from the Medical University of Łódź (Military Medical Faculty, 2017). She gained her clinical experience at the Copernicus Hospital in Gdańsk and through extensive training in dermoscopy and aesthetic medicine, and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in aesthetic medicine in Katowice. Her areas of expertise include dermoscopy, treatment of skin lesions, and laser removal of moles, alongside botulinum toxin and mesotherapy treatments. She is a member of the Polish Dermatological Society and the Polish Dermoscopy Society, and her practice is guided by an individualized approach and visible, measurable treatment outcomes.

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