What is the Difference Between Clogged Pores & Acne?

Knowing the difference between clogged pores and acne will enable you to fully examine treatment options and choose the appropriate skin care regime to suite your needs. Clogged pores may lead to inflammation that causes acne, and different treatment options are available for both conditions.

Identification

Pores are small openings in the skin that can be found everywhere on the skin except for the palms and the soles of the feet. Pores contain cells called keratinocytes. These cells live for a short period of time in normal pores, and get replaced by new cells on a regular basis.

Types

Acne-prone pores or clogged pores do not have the advantage of regular cell regeneration. The lining of clogged pores is generally more sticky, and generally cannot be shed at one time, but instead clumps up in the hair follicle or pore. This clogged pore is the beginning of acne.

Significance

A clogged hair follicle, otherwise known as a clogged pore, will then present itself as either a whitehead or blackhead, depending on whether or not it is exposed to oxygen. A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes is the culprit, and is often found in clogged pores.

Types

Most dermatologists categorize acne as either inflammatory (red, with tender bumps) or noninflammatory (whiteheads and blackheads).

Prevention/Solution

If the skin is oily, use a mild toner, astringent or clarifier on a regular basis. You can also use a mild cleanser, one that is gentle and noncomedogenic.