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Types of Pimples With Pictures

Compare four common types of acne with pictures, from blackheads and whiteheads to inflamed pimples. Then see how red marks and dark spots left after acne differ.

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Common pimple types and post-acne marks

Blackheads and whiteheads are clogged pores. Papules and pustules are inflamed pimples. Tap a photo to compare them.

Reference photos only, not results from products sold by Haven. Photos cannot diagnose your skin. Sources and credits are below.

Active breakouts

1

Blackheads

Open comedones

Dark plugs in open pores, often on your nose or chin.

Salicylic acid (BHA)

Helps clear clogged pores. Avoid harsh scrubs.

Shop pore care
2

Whiteheads

Closed comedones

Small white or skin-colored bumps with a closed pore opening.

Salicylic acid (BHA)

Helps clear clogged pores. Avoid squeezing.

Shop pore care
3
Mixed blemishes

Inflamed bumps

Papules

Raised, tender bumps without a white or yellow center.

Benzoyl peroxide

An acne-medicine option. Keep other skincare gentle.

Shop breakout support
4
Chest example

White-tipped pimples

Pustules

Swollen pimples with a white or yellow pus center.

Benzoyl peroxide

Avoid popping. Patches can cover some surface pimples.

Shop breakout support

PIE vs PIH: post-acne marks

Flat color changes, rather than new pimples.

5
Mixed blemishes

Red or pink marks

PIE

Flat red, pink or purple marks after a pimple settles.

Gentle care + sunscreen

Keep skin moisturized and avoid irritation.

Shop calming skincare
6
Cheek example

Dark spots after acne

PIH

Flat brown, gray or darker spots after a breakout heals.

Niacinamide, TXA or vitamin C

Choose one dark-spot product. Use daily sunscreen.

Shop dark-spot care

More than one type can appear at once. Start with the concern that bothers you most.

Shop skincare by concern

Find your main concern, then choose the step missing from your routine. Start with one new product and follow its directions.

For blackheads and whiteheads

For clogged pores, look for salicylic acid (BHA). For rough surface texture, compare AHA/BHA formulas. Pick one format: pads, toner or serum.

For inflamed pimples and spot care

Choose an azelaic acid serum for blemish-prone skin, a gel moisturizer for light hydration, or patches to cover a surface pimple. These picks do not contain benzoyl peroxide.

For red marks and skin comfort

Keep this part of your routine simple: moisturizer for dry-feeling skin, a light hydrating layer if needed, and daily sunscreen. These products do not directly treat PIE.

For dark spots after acne

For dark spots, choose one leave-on option: niacinamide with tranexamic acid (TXA), or vitamin C. Use sunscreen daily alongside it.

How to tell pimple types apart

Open a concern for the key differences and a few care tips. Follow the linked guide for a full routine.

BlackheadsOpen comedones
How to tell

Blackheads have a dark center. Tiny, even dots that keep returning may be normal sebaceous filaments.

Care tips

Use one salicylic acid product as directed, whether you prefer pads, toner or serum. Avoid adding several exfoliants at once. Scrubbing harder will not clear pores faster.

Read the blackheads guide
WhiteheadsClosed comedones
How to tell

Whiteheads are closed bumps. A swollen pimple with a white or yellow pus center is a pustule.

Care tips

Salicylic acid can help with whiteheads as well as blackheads. Introduce one product gradually and follow its directions. Avoid squeezing or layering several exfoliants.

Read the clogged-pores guide
Inflamed bumpsPapules
How to tell

The bump is raised. Its color may look red, pink or purple, or be less obvious on deeper skin tones.

Care tips

Keep the rest of your routine gentle if you use acne medicine. Follow the medicine’s directions, and ask a pharmacist or dermatologist about recurring inflamed breakouts.

Build an acne-prone skincare routine
White-tipped pimplesPustules
How to tell

Pustules have a pus center and an inflamed base. They can appear on the face or body.

Care tips

A hydrocolloid patch can cover a suitable surface pimple and help you leave it alone. It does not treat every type of acne. For recurring or widespread pimples, ask a pharmacist or dermatologist about treatment.

Read the pimple-patch guide
Red or pink marksPost-inflammatory erythema · PIE
How to tell

The color remains, but the spot is no longer raised. Redness can be harder to see on deeper skin tones.

Care tips

Keep skin moisturized and use sunscreen daily. Stronger exfoliants are not always the answer. If a red mark persists or you are unsure what it is, get professional advice.

Learn about post-acne color changes
Dark spots after acnePost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation · PIH
How to tell

The mark changes your skin color rather than creating a new bump. A dent or raised area is scar texture.

Care tips

Niacinamide, tranexamic acid (TXA), vitamin C and azelaic acid are ingredients to compare for uneven tone. Start with one product that suits your skin. Daily sunscreen belongs in the routine too.

Read the dark-spots guide

See how to use your skincare choice, which ingredients do what, and where each step fits.

Korean skincare routine for acne-prone skin

Use our acne routine guide to plan cleansing, treatment and moisture steps.

Compare skincare ingredients

Learn what AHA, BHA, niacinamide, vitamin C and tranexamic acid do.

Find your skincare routine order

Find the right order for toner, serum, moisturizer and morning SPF.

Pimple types and acne marks: common questions

Blackheads vs whiteheads: what is the difference?

Blackheads are clogged pores with an open, dark center. Whiteheads are closed clogged pores that form small white or skin-colored bumps. The dark center of a blackhead is not dirt, so scrubbing harder will not remove it.

Whiteheads vs pustules: how can you tell?

A whitehead is a closed clogged pore. A pustule is an inflamed pimple with a white or yellow pus center. Pictures can help you compare them, but cannot confirm a diagnosis.

Papules vs pustules: what is the difference?

Papules are raised, inflamed bumps without a pus center. Pustules have a visible white or yellow pus center. Both can appear alongside blackheads, whiteheads and older marks.

PIE vs PIH: are these acne scars?

Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is a flat red, pink or purple mark. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a flat brown, gray or darker mark. Scars change skin texture, leaving a dent or raised area. Read our dark-spots and post-acne marks guide for routine advice.

What skincare should I buy for my main concern?

For clogged pores, start with one salicylic acid or AHA/BHA product. For dark spots, consider niacinamide, tranexamic acid or vitamin C, alongside daily sunscreen. For inflamed breakouts, follow your acne treatment directions and keep other skincare gentle. You do not need a product from every group.

How do I print or save this guide as a PDF?

Choose “Print / Save as PDF” to open your browser’s print options. Select a printer or Save as PDF. On iPhone, use the print preview and sharing options to save to Files. The print layout includes the care notes automatically.

Sources & photo credits

Image sources and any stated photo licenses are listed below. These examples do not imply endorsement by their creators.

Care references: American Academy of Dermatology: acne types · AAD: acne ingredients and treatment · DermNet: acne and post-acne changes.

  1. Blackheads. Healthline · Blackheads reference image. Look for dark centers in open pores.
  2. Whiteheads. Dr. Thomas Brinkmeier / WIKIDERM · CC BY 4.0 · Shown cropped. Look for small closed bumps, rather than an inflamed white-tipped spot.
  3. Inflamed bumps. Dr. Gandikota Raghurama Rao · CC BY 4.0 · Shown cropped. Mixed acne can include raised bumps and flat marks in the same area.
  4. White-tipped pimples. Dr. Thomas Brinkmeier / WIKIDERM · CC BY 4.0 · Shown cropped. Clinical chest photo showing several blemish types, including pustules.
  5. Red or pink marks. The Clifford Clinic · PIE reference image. Pink-red marks appear alongside other blemishes.
  6. Dark spots after acne. Medical Aesthetics · PIH reference image. Brown marks on the cheek.

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