4 stages of Acne and how to treat them

Most people think of acne as a problem that only affects teenagers. But the reality is that acne can affect us at any age, and the chances are you've probably dealt with acne at some point in your life. Understanding the types of acne, and how it progresses, can be important in determining the best way back to clear, confident skin.

There are four stages of acne, and each stage requires different treatments. In this blog we’ll tell you how to identify which type of acne you might have, and how to treat it with professional help.

Pre-acne indicators

Before we explore the grades of acne in detail, it’s important that we cover two common pre-acne indicators; blackheads and sebaceous filaments.

Blackheads form when sebum and dead skin cells become trapped in pores under the skin. When this happens, the pore becomes clogged and the area around the pore may turn black. Sebaceous filaments are similar to blackheads, but they are much smaller and do not typically cause blackening of the skin. Instead, sebaceous filaments appear as small, white or yellowish bumps on the skin. Although they are not acne, they can sometimes be mistaken for blackheads.

Blackheads and sebaceous filaments can usually be treated with the daily use of a quality cleanser containing salicylic acid which helps shed dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores.

What are the 4 Grades of acne?

Grade 1: Non-inflammatory Acne

Grade 1 acne is the mildest form of acne and is characterised by the occasional appearance of blackheads or whiteheads. Blackheads are small, dark-colored bumps that appear when a clog forms in the opening of a hair follicle. Whiteheads are similar to blackheads, but they are covered by a thin layer of skin.

Grade 1 acne is the most common type of acne and affects millions of people worldwide. While it is usually not painful or visible, Grade 1 acne can be cosmetically bothersome and can lead to feelings of insecurity. Grade 1 acne requires mild treatments, such as a herbal Green Power peel, microdermabrasion and LED Light therapy, that focus on rebuilding and re-strengthening the skin. These work by cleansing layers of dead skin cells, reducing oil production, and decreasing pore size to even out skin tone. A great skincare routine, using quality dermatologically formulated ingredients to control oil production, cleanse the skin, will prevent inflammation from developing and reduce recurring breakouts.

Grade 2: Inflammatory Acne (papules and pustules)

Grade 2 acne is more severe, and is characterised by the presence of papules and pustules. Papules are small, red, inflamed bumps that do not contain pus. Pustules are larger, inflamed bumps that contain pus. Inflammatory acne is most often found on the face, but can also occur on the chest, back, and shoulders. Acne is more than just cosmetic; it can lead to lasting physical and emotional scars. That’s why knowing how to treat and look after your acne-prone skin can be beneficial.

First, it's important to clean your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh chemicals, as this can irritate the skin and make inflammation worse. Products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid will help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Finally, be sure to follow up with a light-weight, anti-inflammatory moisturising lotion to help soothe and protect the skin. Inflammatory acne can benefit from medical grade-skin peels chosen according to your skin and acne type, such as Lira Clinical’s Probiotic Power Peel or Vitabrite Peel. These gentle peels are non-irritating, restore balance and repair the skin’s microbiome.

Grade 3: Progressive/Persistent Inflammation (larger, sore, harder to control)

Grade 3 acne, also known as progressive or persistent inflammatory acne, is a type of acne that is characterised by inflamed pimples and cysts. These are often larger than the papules and pustules experienced in Grade 2 acne, and can be very painful as a result. This type of acne can be difficult to treat, and harder to control, which often leads to acne scarring.

Grade 4: Long-term acne

When not treated effectively, Grade 3 acne can become a more severe and persistent form of long-term acne, categorised as Grade 4 acne. This type of acne can last for years, and can be extremely difficult to treat. Grade 4 acne is characterised by deep, inflamed pimples and cysts that are often painful. Due to the amount of inflammation at the site of the cyst or pimple, long-term acne can often lead to scarring.

Acne, and the scarring that can result from it, can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life and confidence levels. That’s why, we have developed an innovative new treatment protocol called Acne Clear Rx that has been shown to help clear up acne – for good. This highly effective protocol, is unique to The Skin Manifesto and is designed to treat persistent, long-term acne.

Introducing Acne Clear Rx

Acne Clear Rx is an acne treatment journey which combines a preconditioning skin care routine, sebaceous gland ablation, LED light therapy and skin peels, tailored to your personal needs, skin goals and budget. Through a series of treatment cycles, you’ll notice fewer pimples, clearer skin and leave feeling more confident in your own skin.

Acne can be a frustrating condition to deal with and, unfortunately, it’s not just limited to the teenage years. Many adults are still dealing with acne long after their school days have ended. Whether you are noticing any of the pre-acne indicators, or have been suffering from long-term, persistent and painful acne, our skin clinic located in Miranda, Sydney is here to help! Acne Clear Rx has been proven to be an effective and fast-acting acne treatment protocol, helping people achieve clear skin, and we want to help you too. Learn more about our signature acne treatment protocol - Acne Clear Rx, or book in for an advanced skin analysis to determine the best course of treatment for your acne today.

Having acne is no-one’s wish. Join Andrea in her mission to wipe out acne from the face. FOREVER. Let your life, face and world change because a life without acne can be your future.