Dealing With Painful, Red Breakouts? That’s Inflammatory Acne
When you think of acne, you might picture red, swollen pimples that seem to appear overnight and stick around far too long. That’s inflammatory acne—a type of acne that goes deeper than just clogged pores. It’s painful, persistent, and can leave behind long-lasting scars if not treated properly.
At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we see firsthand how frustrating inflammatory acne can be. It’s more than just a cosmetic issue—it’s something that can affect your confidence, your social life, and your daily comfort. The good news? There are effective ways to treat it, even if you’ve already tried what feels like everything.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what inflammatory acne actually is, what causes it, how it differs from other types of acne, and the treatment options that can finally bring you lasting relief.
WHAT IS INFLAMMATORY ACNE?
Inflammatory acne refers to red, swollen, and often painful blemishes caused by inflammation under the skin. Unlike non-inflammatory acne—such as blackheads and whiteheads—these breakouts go beyond surface-level congestion.
The most common types of inflammatory acne include:
Papules: Small red bumps that are tender to the touch.
Pustules: Red bumps with a white or yellow center (often called “zits”).
Nodules: Large, painful bumps deep under the skin.
Cysts: Deep, fluid-filled lesions that can feel soft and swollen.
These lesions occur when clogged pores become inflamed and infected, triggering an immune response. That immune response is what causes the redness, swelling, and pain.
WHAT CAUSES INFLAMMATORY ACNE?
All acne is technically hormonal at its root—meaning it begins when androgens (hormones like testosterone) stimulate your oil glands to produce excess sebum. But inflammatory acne happens when that excess oil and dead skin become trapped in the pore and trigger an inflammatory reaction. Here’s how the process unfolds:
STEP 1: PORES GET CLOGGED
Hormonal fluctuations—whether from puberty, stress, menstruation, or medication—cause an increase in oil production. When that oil mixes with dead skin cells, it forms a plug that blocks the pore.
STEP 2: BACTERIA GETS INVOLVED
The blocked pore becomes a breeding ground for Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), a bacteria that naturally lives on the skin. When this bacteria multiplies inside a clogged pore, your immune system jumps in to fight it off.
STEP 3: INFLAMMATION ERUPTS
As your body tries to fight the infection, it sends white blood cells to the area, triggering redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes pus. That’s inflammation in action—and it’s what turns a blocked pore into a painful, red pimple.
Some people are more prone to this type of immune response than others. Genetics, skin type, lifestyle, and even your gut health can play a role in how aggressively your body reacts to acne-causing bacteria.
IS IT INFLAMMATORY ACNE OR SOMETHING ELSE?
Knowing what type of acne you have is key to treating it correctly. Many people with persistent breakouts don’t realize they’re dealing with inflammatory acne—so they continue using products meant for blackheads or clogged pores, which aren’t strong enough to target deep inflammation.
Here are a few signs that you’re likely dealing with inflammatory acne:
Your breakouts are red, swollen, or painful
Pimples linger for more than a few days
You get deeper bumps under the skin (especially along the jawline, chin, and cheeks)
You’re seeing acne scars or dark marks left behind after pimples heal
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to guess your way through treatment.
HOW TO TREAT INFLAMMATORY ACNE
Inflammatory acne doesn’t always respond to basic over-the-counter options. Because it’s deeper and more severe, it typically requires a more targeted and consistent approach. Here’s how we tackle it at CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers.
1. CALM THE INFLAMMATION
The first step is to reduce the swelling and redness. Anti-inflammatory ingredients can help soothe the skin while preventing further damage. Some ingredients to look for:
Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Adapalene (Differin®): A gentle, over-the-counter retinoid that helps prevent clogged pores and calms the skin.
Niacinamide: A calming antioxidant that strengthens the skin barrier and reduces redness.
That said, inflammatory acne often needs more than just topical relief.
2. CONTROL THE OIL GLANDS
Since oil overproduction is the root cause, targeting the sebaceous glands themselves is key. This is where AviClear® comes in—a groundbreaking FDA-cleared laser treatment designed to safely and permanently shrink the oil glands. It’s the first and only laser to do this without medication or downtime.
AviClear® is especially helpful for:
People who’ve tried everything from antibiotics to Accutane®
Those who want long-term results without harsh side effects
Teens and adults with recurring inflammatory breakouts
Because it treats the source of acne (not just the symptoms), many clients see clearer skin with fewer flare-ups within months of starting treatment.
3. AVOID TRIGGERS THAT WORSEN INFLAMMATION
While hormones and genetics play a major role, certain lifestyle habits can make inflammatory acne worse. At CLEAR, we help clients identify and eliminate common acne triggers such as:
Comedogenic ingredients in skincare and makeup (even ones labeled “non-comedogenic” can sometimes contain pore-cloggers)
High-glycemic foods that spike insulin and increase oil production
Rough exfoliation that disrupts the skin barrier
Stress and sleep disruption, both of which can increase inflammation
Learning to read your skin and adjust your routine accordingly is a big part of long-term acne management.
4.STICK TO A SIMPLE, NON-IRRITATING ROUTINE
Inflammatory acne can make you feel like you need to scrub, spot-treat, and “dry out” every blemish. But too much aggression can backfire. What your skin really needs is consistency, gentleness, and time.
We recommend:
A mild, fragrance-free cleanser
A gel moisturizer (yes, even oily skin needs hydration)
A barrier-friendly sunscreen
One or two targeted treatments (like benzoyl peroxide or adapalene)
And most importantly—patience. Healing takes time, especially with deeper types of acne.
WHY INFLAMMATORY ACNE NEEDS EXPERT CARE
Trying to manage inflammatory acne on your own can be overwhelming. It’s not just about picking the right products—it’s about knowing when to escalate care and what treatments will actually work for your skin.
That’s why CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers exist: to help people just like you finally get answers and relief. Our focus is on long-term solutions that don’t rely on endless prescriptions or short-term fixes.
With our experience, technology, and supportive care, we can help you:
Reduce current breakouts
Prevent future ones
Heal without harsh medications
Build a routine that works for your skin’s unique needs
READY TO TREAT THE ROOT OF YOUR ACNE?
Inflammatory acne can feel relentless—but it’s absolutely treatable. If you’ve been struggling with painful breakouts that just won’t go away, it’s time to stop guessing and start healing.
AviClear® may be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for—and the team at CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers is here to help you every step of the way.
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