Acne-Prone Versus Blemish-Prone Skin: Differences, Explained
When tackling problematic skin and persistent breakouts, the solution is never one size fits all. Acne is a difficult condition to treat, and finding the balance between skin-clearing ingredients and skin-soothing products is also difficult. Have you ever considered, though, that the reason you’re struggling to treat your acne-prone skin is because it isn’t acne-prone after all?
Nowadays, the skin-care aisle at your local beauty retailer or drugstore will have products for clearing breakouts. Some display solutions for “acne-prone skin” and others for “blemish-prone skin.” So, what’s the difference? Is there a difference? To get all the info and help guide your clear skin journey, we tapped the experts.
Featured Experts
The Difference Between Acne-Prone and Blemish-Prone Skin
While acne-prone skin and blemish-prone skin are often used interchangeably, there are slight yet significant differences. As Dr. Daniel Schlessinger points out, one key distinction is that acne-prone skin typically refers to an array of acne types like blackheads, pustules and cysts. Blemish-prone skin can include “discoloration on the skin, such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.“
As Dr. Mitchell explains, another important difference between those prone to acne and those prone to blemishes is frequency and severity. “Acne-prone skin is more than just the occasional breakout—it is characterized by a chronic tendency to develop comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), pustules, papules and sometimes cysts due to excess oil production, clogged pores, inflammation and bacterial overgrowth.” Dr. Mitchell also notes that acne-prone skin is most often linked to hormonal changes, genetics and lifestyle factors. Blemish-prone skin is more likely a result of sensitivity, environmental factors, irritation from other products or minor clogging of the pores. “Blemish-prone skin is not consistently affected by the deeper, more persistent lesions associated with acne,” she says.
How do you know if you have blemish-prone or acne-prone skin?
Knowing the difference between acne and blemishes is one thing, but determining where your skin falls on that spectrum can prove more difficult. “A simple way to determine which category your skin falls under is by assessing frequency and severity,” says Dr. Mitchell. “If you have recurrent breakouts, deep or painful pimples and struggle with congestion regardless of your skin-care routine, you likely have acne-prone skin. If you only get the occasional pimple due to stress, diet or product reactions, your skin is more blemish-prone.”
How to Treat Acne-Prone Skin
“The best treatment for acne and blemishes largely depends on what kind of acne or blemishes are present and the cause of each,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “For instance, if you struggle with blackheads, whiteheads and pimples, products specifically geared toward acne treatment will be most effective. These will often include ingredients such as salicylic acid, which is proven to treat and prevent acne.” Dr. Mitchell agrees, emphasizing the importance of ingredients like salicylic acid in treating acne and acne-prone skin. “I always recommend daily application and reapplication of a broad-spectrum sunscreen like the EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen ($44) for skin struggling with acne and discoloration,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “It’s especially important if you’re concerned about the appearance of hyperpigmentation.”
“Since acne-prone skin is more persistent and often more inflamed, treatment focuses on long-term management with targeted ingredients that help control oil production, reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores,” Dr. Mitchell explains. “Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, is commonly used to exfoliate and unclog pores, while benzoyl peroxide helps eliminate acne-causing bacteria.” Dr. Mitchell also flags retinoids like adapalene or tretinoin as great options for treating acne-prone skin. These retinoids help regulate cell turnover and prevent future breakouts. “Niacinamide also helps to calm inflammation and control excess oil,” she adds. “For moderate to severe cases, prescription treatments like antibiotics, hormonal therapies or isotretinoin may be necessary to manage persistent acne.”
“LovelySkin LUXE Acne Care Gel 9% ($54) helps treat existing breakouts while preventing future ones with a blend of amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, called afaLUXE,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “It keeps pores clear of dead skin cells and oil to lessen breakouts while improving skin’s ability to retain moisture.”
How to Treat Blemish-Prone Skin
Since blemish-prone skin can also include non-breakout-related hyperpigmentation and discoloration, the treatment for blemish-prone skin differs greatly. “If your skin has dark spots, melasma or other forms of sun damage, skin-lightening and brightening ingredients, like hydroquinone, arbutin and glycolic acid, can help improve their appearance,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
“In contrast to acne-prone skin, blemish-prone skin benefits from a gentler approach that focuses on maintaining skin balance and preventing minor breakouts,” says Dr. Mitchell. She suggests “gentle cleansers and moisturizers that balance the skin and its oil production or light exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or mild beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs)” as opposed to more intense, prescription treatments. Dr. Mitchell also emphasizes the importance of hydration and barrier repair with ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides. These ingredients “strengthen the skin and reduce irritation-induced breakouts” when treating blemishes. “The key difference in treatment is that acne-prone skin requires a consistent, long-term regimen with active ingredients, while blemish-prone skin benefits from occasional spot treatments and a focus on overall skin health and hydration,” she says. She recommends the No7 Daily Detox Cleanser ($28) for cleansing gently while maintaining the skin barrier.
