Papulopustular Acne

Papulopustular acne is the second stage of acne where you develop multiple, papules (red bumps) and pustules (pus-filled red bumps).

Look for red, raised bumps on the skin. These can be small or larger in size and may have a white or yellowish centre. Inflammation is a common characteristic of papulopustular acne.

Treatment tips that can help with papulopustular acne

Prescription

• Oral antibiotics such as tetracyclines
• Cautious use of topical retinoids
• Oral contraceptive pill

(Check with your medical professional)

Non-Prescription

1. Avoid squeezing breakouts
2. Use a foaming gel cleanser
3. Use topical products that contain ingredients like Azelaic acid, Tree tea oil, and Salicylic acid
4. Benzoyl Peroxide as a spot treatment
5. To treat the congestion, blackheads & whiteheads use a topical retinol at night
6. Use a lightweight broad-spectrum sunscreen that does not clog the pores
7. Acleara/Theraclear Acne Clearing System (energy-based device)

Skincare ingredients that can help with papulopustular acne

• Azelaic acid
• Tree tea oil
• Salicylic acid
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Mandelic Acid
• Retinol

Skincare products that can help with papulopustular acne

People with more severe oily, acne-prone skin tend to want to ‘scrub’ away the acne making it worse. Gentle cleansing is the key to reducing inflammation and redness in acne skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• MartiDerm Acniover Purifying Gel
• Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Blemish Cleanser Treatment

Targeted treatments contain active ingredients which target the basic causes of acne. These ingredients are usually anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial and help to reduce blemishes, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. They inhibit bacteria that cause acne and help remove dead skin cells, preventing pores from clogging up. Dr Webster recommends:

• SkinCeuticals 0.3 Retinol
• pHformula MD AC Active Recovery

Lightweight daily moisturisers containing specialised ingredients provide anti-inflammatory and hydration benefits making them ideal for acne-prone skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• FEEV Hyper-Hydro Cream
• Kiehl’s Ultra-Facial Oil-Free Lotion

Consider using an oil-free or non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t clog pores and which can lead to further breakouts and pigmentation. Dr Webster recommends:

• Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50+
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Gel Cream SPF 50+