Acne occurs when the hair follicles becomes blocked with oil and dead skin cells, causing inflammation. While there are a variety of treatments for breakouts, clearing acne can be complicated by problem skin. Problem skin can be excessively oily and prone to breaking out, dry or overly sensitive.
Types of Acne
Acne.org, a website published by Daniel Kern, who has his own line of skin-care products, says the different types of acne can range from severe to mild. Mild acne vulgaris is the most common kind of acne, affecting at some point an estimated 80 percent of Americans ages 11 to 30. This type of acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, nodules and cysts.
Severe acne vulgaris is more likely to occur with problem skin. Kern says severe acne vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts. Severe acne can flare repeatedly and cause scarring.
Rosacea
The American Academy of Dermatologists defines rosacea as a skin disease characterized by redness and swelling primarily on the face. It can also occur on the scalp, neck, ears, chest, back, and eyes. Although often mistaken for a rash, rosacea is a type of acne.
Severe Acne
Acne conglobata and acne fulminans are severe forms of acne that are difficult to treat, are disfiguring, often cause scarring and can greatly diminish your quality of life. These forms of acne typically affect men. Conglobata and fulminans are characterized by patches of lesions that can cover entire areas of the face, back, chest, buttocks, upper arms and thighs.
Problem Skin
Dry skin, oily skin and sensitive skin can exacerbate acne. Breakouts under the skin are common in those with dry skin, according to the Acne Resource Center website. Indoor heating and cold weather contribute to skin dryness and and can make treatment difficult.
The Acne Resource Center reports that people with oily skin are more prone to breakouts than those with other types of problem skin. Treating oily skin requires nonstop, aggressive treatment.
Sensitive skin with acne is also difficult to treat, because medications and soaps can cause irritation. People with sensitive skin typically have problems tolerating even over-the-counter acne medications, and mild soaps may not be strong enough to clear breakouts.
Treatment
The most commonly used acne medications, according to Acne.org, are benzoyl peroxide, which kills the bacteria that cause acne, and salicylic acid, which slows skin-cell shedding. Cleansing your skin with soap and water twice a day removes sebum and help keep pores clean.
These products can be problematic, though, if your skin is dry or sensitive. Talk with your doctor about a regimen that's most effective for your particular skin.
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