Skin Care Tips Updated November 2025

A Guide to Different Types of Acne

Acne is a prevalent skin issue that can impact individuals of all ages, skin types and genders. Triggered by multiple factors, including excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation, symptoms can range from unsightly blackheads and whiteheads to painful pimples and cysts. And if you suffer from acne-prone skin, you'll know that not all breakouts are created equal.

From cystic acne to hormonal acne, knowing what type of acne you have can help you address your concerns and achieve clearer, healthier skin. In this guide, we’ll discuss the various types of acne, their causes, the treatments that work best for each and how New York Skin Solutions can help you treat your acne-prone skin.

1. Fungal Acne

Fungal acne is caused by a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia yeast that grows in hair follicles. It often appears as tiny red, itchy bumps that are similar in appearance to acne but are nothing alike. Fungal acne is also more common in hot and humid weather and can be exacerbated by certain skincare products.

2. Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is one of the severe types of inflammatory acne and is characterised by large, painful, and deep-seated cysts under the skin, often leaving scars. This type of acne tends to develop when sebum and dead skin cells build up within hair follicles, leading to inflammation and infection. It can also be triggered by a combination of factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as stress.

3. Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne happens in adulthood because of hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. It often appears as deep, painful cysts around the chin and jawline and is more common in women than men. And while some may believe that hormonal acne is a lifelong struggle, the truth is that it can be managed with effective treatments that can help prevent future breakouts from forming.

4. Nodular Acne

Nodular acne is characterised by large, painful, and deep-seated nodules under the skin, which can lead to scarring. It can be caused by a combination of factors, including excess oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation. They can also result from genetics, hormonal changes, medications, comedogenic skincare products and lifestyle factors such as stress and diet. In addition, it is often accompanied by cystic acne, making it relatively difficult to treat.

How to Know What Type of Acne You Have

A good way to identify the type of acne you have is by whether or not your breakouts leave scars, the size, the location of the breakout, and if the acne itches. For example, cystic acne will appear as large red cysts with pus on the face and neck and even the back, chest, and arms. And they are more likely to leave textural scarring, dents, and pits. This is not to be confused with nodular acne that remains deep under the skin and appears skin-toned without producing any pus.

When it comes to hormonal acne, you will notice that pimples tend to pop up around your chin and jawline. Fungal acne, on the other hand, will appear as uniform small red bumps on the chest, back, and upper arms but rarely on the face. They will also be itchy but never painful.

However, it is also crucial to keep in mind an individual may experience more than one type of acne at the same time, and breakouts can change over time.

Acne Treatment Options

The best acne treatment should be able to clear up existing acne, prevent new breakouts, and minimise scarring. At New York Skin Solutions, we understand that acne is a common skin problem among men and women. As such, we provide facial acne treatment options in Singapore, including the Cica Acne treatment. Forget the painful extraction processes — at New York Skin Solutions, we offer a different kind of treatment that delivers clearer, glowing skin without any discomfort. Our Hydra-Vortex and Galvanic technology gently exfoliates and soothes inflammation while also repairing and healing skin cells in the dermis layer. With this acne treatment, you can achieve brighter, smoother-looking skin with reduced pore size, all without compromising hydration.

Have stubborn pimples and acne scarring, and not sure how to get rid of acne scars while restoring your oily, acne-prone skin to a healthy state? Then the Activ-Clear treatment is another facial acne treatment option that does three main things — soothe, treat, and balance. Using advanced techniques and a blend of natural, skin-boosting ingredients like papain extract, chamomile, witch hazel, and neem tree extract, this facial treatment provides a deep cleanse to unclog pores, reveal a more radiant visage, and balance the skin’s pH level to control oil production and prevent future breakouts.

Treat Your Acne-Prone Skin with New York Skin Solutions

Acne is a common skin concern that can affect people of all ages. It can be frustrating and challenging to deal with, especially if you’ve tried numerous over-the-counter remedies with little success. Fortunately, facial acne treatments such as those offered here at New York Skin Solutions can be an effective way to treat acne-prone skin and achieve a clearer complexion. Our experienced and highly trained aestheticians will work with you to develop a customised treatment plan that addresses your unique skin concerns. So, if you’re tired of dealing with stubborn acne and are looking for a comprehensive solution, book a consultation with us today and experience the transformative power of our facial acne treatments.

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