Types Of Pimples & What They Say About Your Skin

One forehead bump before an event? Classic.
A cluster on the chin during your period? Predictable.
But ever wondered why your breakouts show up in specific ways and specific spots?

It turns out, your skin isn’t just breaking out — it’s breaking the silence. From angry cysts to tiny blackheads, the types of pimples popping up on your face say a lot more than you think. Each one is a little red flag waving at you… literally.

Let’s decode what those bumps really mean and how to deal with them like a skincare pro.

What Are Pimples?

Pimples happen when your pores get blocked. Usually, it’s a mix of oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria that gets trapped inside. Your body sees this as a problem and responds with inflammation. And that’s when you get redness, swelling, and that familiar bump.¹

They’re most common on your face, back, and chest, basically anywhere your skin produces more oil. And while they all fall under the “pimple” label, not every pimple is the same. Some are small and go away quickly, while others stick around, hurt, or keep coming back to the same spot.¹

How Common Are They?

Pimples are one of the most prevalent skin issues out there. Nearly everyone experiences them at some point, particularly when they're teenagers.  But adults get them too—typically because of stress, hormones, or skincare habits.¹

Understanding what type of pimple you’re dealing with is the first step to treating it right. But before that, let’s learn about the differences between acne & pimples.

Acne Vs Pimples

In simple words, acne is a skin condition. And pimples are the symptoms of that condition. If you see acne as the larger issue, pimples are just one of the ways it shows up on your skin.¹

Here is a quick summary to make it even more clearer to you:^{1 2}

Having learnt this now, let’s take a closer look at the different types of pimples and what they reveal about your skin.

6 Types Of Pimples: Explained

Each type of pimple forms differently and points to a different cause. Let’s look at what they are and what they tell you about your skin.

1. Blackheads

Also called open comedones. Blackheads form when a pore gets clogged with oil and dead skin cells but stays open. When the buildup is exposed to air, it oxidises and turns dark. They usually appear as small dark spots on your nose, chin, and forehead. To treat blackheads, it's recommended to use gentle exfoliants like salicylic acid, which can help clear out the pores.^{1 3}

2. Whiteheads

Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, can be a bit pesky! They form when a pore gets clogged with oil and dead skin cells. But unlike blackheads, the top of a whitehead has a closed surface, so it appears as a flesh-colored or white bump.^{1 4}

You will usually find them popping up on your forehead, cheeks, and chin. They are not really painful, but can be quite stubborn to deal with.⁴

To treat whiteheads, you should always stick to a gentle cleanser and steer clear of heavy or greasy products. And most importantly you must avoid trying to pop them! Doing so can push the buildup deeper into your skin and worsen the condition.⁴

3. Papules 

Papules are small, red bumps that form when a clogged pore becomes inflamed. Unlike other types, they do not have visible pus and often feel tender or sore when touched. They appear on the cheeks, forehead, or jawline.^{1 5}

To prevent them, use mild anti-inflammatory products containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Also, never touch or squeeze papules, as that will further lead to inflammation and scarring.⁵

4. Nodules

Nodules are large, hard pimples that form deep under the skin. They don’t have a white head and usually don’t appear on the surface of the skin. They form when a pore gets clogged and inflamed. You may notice them on the face, back, or even chest. Not just that, they also tend to stick around longer than regular breakouts and are painful.¹ 

To deal with them, over-the-counter products aren’t usually strong enough. They often need dermatologist-recommended treatments.⁶

5. Pustules

Pustules are red pimples with a white or yellowish centre. They occur when a clogged pore gets inflamed and fills with pus. Unlike papules, these do have a visible head, which makes them super tempting to pop (but don’t!). You’ll often see them on the face, shoulders, and chest. They’re soft, a little painful, and look swollen around the centre. To prevent them from further worsening, always avoid picking or squeezing them.^{1 7}

6. Cysts 

They’re usually red, swollen, filled with pus and feel soft to the touch. If you pop them, they can lead to dark spots or scarring, so it’s best not to mess with them. If they don’t settle on their own, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist for proper treatment.^{1 8}

Together, these six types of pimples—blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts—are what make up Acne Vulgaris, the most common form of acne.⁹ 

Understanding Types Of Acne

Acne vulgaris doesn’t look the same for everyone. It’s usually divided into different types based on its intensity, like ⁹

Mild

This one’s on the lighter side. You’ll mostly see blackheads and whiteheads, without much redness or swelling.

Moderate

In this case, the breakouts are pretty noticeable and spread out on your face, with whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules.

Severe

This is the more painful type, forming nodules or cysts. Also if left untreated, they can leave behind dark spots.

Now that you have a better understanding of pimples and acne, let’s explore the symptoms and what causes them.

Common Symptoms Of Pimples

Before a pimple fully shows up, your skin usually gives a few hints. You might notice:¹

• Redness or slight swelling in one spot
• A tiny bump or raised patch on your skin
• Soreness or sensitivity, especially with deeper breakouts
• A hard lump under the surface of the skin
• A white or yellow tip

Causes Of Pimples

The following factors contribute to pimple formation: ¹

• Excess oil production in the skin
• Accumulation of dead skin cells
• Bacteria trapped inside the pores 
• Hormonal changes
• Use of skincare that clog pores or irritate the skin 
• Formation of too much keratin in the skin (a protein found in your hair, skin, and nails). It can build up in your skin and block the pores.

All these elements, when accumulated within a pore, can lead to swelling, infection, and the formation of a more severe form of pimple or acne.¹

6 Tips To Treat & Manage Pimples

Pimples can be annoying for everyone, but a few small changes in a skincare routine can really help keep them in check. This includes:

1.A gentle skincare routine

Wash your face twice a day with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser. ^{10 11}

2.Avoid Overwashing Your Face

Washing too often or scrubbing too hard can strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it irritated and more prone to breakouts.¹¹

3.Use products with safe ingredients

Look for salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide to help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. If you're pregnant or have sensitive skin, always double-check the label. Gentler options like hyaluronic acid and Canadian Willowherb can hydrate and calm the skin without causing irritation.^{12 13}

One option worth considering is our Skin Clarifying Serum. It's formulated with >98% natural ingredients and is non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog pores). And that’s not all! It also helps reduce redness in as little as 30 minutes while keeping your skin hydrated for up to 72 hours. Moreover, it is tested on lab-grown human skin cells for safety and efficacy.

4.Moisturise

Even if your skin is oily, keep moisturising it. Opt for an oil-free or gel-based moisturiser.¹¹

5.Don't Pop or Pick 

We know it's tempting. But popping a pimple will drive bacteria deeper into the skin and lead to more inflammation, scarring, or new breakouts. That is why it's always best to let it recover naturally.¹¹

6.Keep The Essentials Clean 

The things you use every day—like your phone, pillowcases, and makeup brushes—can easily collect dirt, oil, and bacteria. If you don’t clean them regularly, that bacteria can transfer to your skin and lead to breakouts.¹¹

Other Treatments Include:

If the pimples are persistent or severe and if over-the-counter treatments don't help, consult your dermatologists. They may recommend:¹

• Chemical Peels – A mild chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layer, which helps unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
• Laser Skin Resurfacing – This uses concentrated beams of light to reduce oil production and target acne-causing bacteria.
• Microdermabrasion – A special tool gently exfoliates the top layers of your skin, removing dead skin cells and clearing blocked pores.

Wrapping Up..

The different types of pimples may seem confusing at first, but once you get to know them, it’s easier to handle breakouts with confidence. Your skin doesn’t need a perfect routine—it just needs one that works for you. Follow the right skincare routine and get the real results.

FAQs

1.Is It Okay To Pop Pimples?

Absolutely not! Popping or squeezing pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin which can lead to more breakouts or even scarring.

2.Are There Foods I Should Avoid If I Get Pimples?

It usually depends on person to person. Studies suggest that high-sugar foods and dairy may trigger or worsen breakouts for some people. That’s why it’s a good idea to pay attention to how your skin reacts and adjust your diet based on what works for you.