Smoking is bad for you. There is no question about that. It harms you and others around you in many ways.

Our skin breathes through pores. The sebaceous glands in the skin produce oil called sebum which helps to keep our skin soft and smooth. The production of sebum is controlled by the hormones that are produced in the body. When there is an imbalance in the hormones, the glands start producing more oil. This excess oil gets mixed with the dead cells of the skin clogging the pores, resulting in pimples.

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In dealing with acne, it is important to distinguish the different types. Below you will find a list of the 4 common types of acne.Blackheads

Blackheads are the blockage of partial pores by sebum and dead skin cells. Because they are partially blocked, oil is still able to get to the skin from the glands beneath. Contrary to what many people believe, blackheads are not ‘black’ because of dirt, but because of the pigment from the dead skin cells. These dead skin cells upon reaching the pore opening into the air, discolor and from the black color.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are the full blockage of the pore by the sebum and the dead skin cells. As the sebum collects under the skin, it turns to the ‘white’ substance, and is basically a small collection of pus around the hair follicle.

Nodules and Pustules

Pustules are what is commonly referred to as pimples. These are pus-filled legions that are red at the base. Nodules are the large solid legions that are usually located deeper under the skin and can be quite painful to touch. When the pore gets clogged, an enzyme is produced to break down the sebum into a ‘fatty acid’. It is this substance that causes the pain, swelling, and redness.

Cysts

This is the more serious form of acne caused by a deep inflammation under the skin. If the pimples are squeezed and the pus is pushed under the skin swelling will begin. The body sends white blood cells to its defense and a cystic formation may occur. This type of acne holds the biggest threat of scarring the skin. Even after the acne has healed, permanent scars can remain on the skin.