$5 off your first order!
FREE SHIPPING OVER $49
90 day money back guarantee
Contact Us

Acne Vulgaris: Diagnoses, Causes & Treatment!

Health Articles > Acne > Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is the medical term for common acne. The most common acne vulgaris causes include excess oil and dead skin cells clogging the pores. Care can start with gentle cleansing, however depending on the severity of the acne a dermatologist can guide the next steps in terms of best care.

Key Takeaways

  • Acne vulgaris is the common form of acne
  • This happens when pores become clogged with oil, and dead skin cells, then become inflamed. 
  • The main triggers are excess sebum, hormonal changes, genetics, and bacteria
  • Care for acne vulgaris typically starts with gentle cleansing and depending on the severity of it, this will determine what other care may be needed. 
  • A gentle at home option for acne is H-Acne Formula, a homeopathic formula that can be used alongside a broader acne care routine.

In this article:

What is Acne Vulgaris?

Acne vulgaris is the medical term for common acne. This happens when the skin produces too much oil, pores become blocked by dead skin cells and bacteria builds up, and this can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, papules, nodules or cysts. It most commonly appears on the face, chest, upper back, neck and shoulders, as these areas have the highest concentration of sebaceous glands on the body. Most cases of acne are mild and temporary, however more severe cases of acne, if not cared for early enough, can lead to potential scarring and marks.

How is Acne Vulgaris Diagnosed?

Acne vulgaris is usually diagnosed through a physical examination of the skin. This is done by a healthcare professional or dermatologist. During this exam they’ll look at the type of lesions that are present, what area of the body they appear on, how widespread it is, and how mild or severe the case may be. 

This is for the dermatologist to determine whether the acne is: 

  • Non-inflammatory spots being: blackheads, whiteheads, or 
  • Inflammatory spots being: papules (red bumps), pustules (pus-filled bumps), or nodules and cysts (deep lumps).

If acne is painful, spreading, or causing scarring, a dermatologist can help confirm the diagnosis and guide the right next steps.

Causes of Acne Vulgaris

Hormone changes that cause an excess of oil in the skin are the leading cause of acne vulgaris and this is why the inflammatory skin condition is most likely in the teens when breakouts can be attributed to the levels of the hormone testosterone in varying degrees in males and females. In females, acne outbreaks are often linked to the different days in their menstrual cycle because of hormonal changes.

Acne Vulgaris Care Options

Treatment

Best For

What to expect

Gentle cleansing 

Mild acne and daily maintenance

Helps remove excess oil and reduce pore buildup

Over-the-counter products

Mild to moderate acne

Often includes ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid

Retinoids

Mild to moderate acne, texture and scarring concerns

Increases cell turnover, often introduced gradually due to initial irritation

Prescription 

Moderate, severe, or persistent acne

May be recommended when acne is inflamed or unresponsive to other options

Dermatology procedures

Nodules cysts, or stubborn acne

In-office procedures such as extractions, injections, or laser therapy for selected cases

H-Acne Formula by Healing Natural Oils

Mild acne or as an addition to an existing routine

A natural formula that fits into a broader acne routine

Caring for acne-prone skin looks different for everyone, whether it’s mild, moderate, or severe acne. A healthcare provider can guide you on the best next steps, depending on factors such as acne severity, skin sensitivity, and whether the goal is daily maintenance, faster control of breakouts, or a gentler addition to an existing routine.

Balanced Recommendation: H-Acne Formula

H-Acne Formula is a gentle formula that combines a blend of homeopathic remedies and plant-based ingredients as a natural approach to acne care. The formula offers a simple way to support your routine as a complementary addition to your existing skincare. Made to be used on areas prone to acne such as the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders to help support a soft and healthy-looking appearance. 

H-Acne Formula

H-Acne Formula is best positioned as part of a broader routine, not as a replacement for medical care when acne is severe, painful, or scarring.

A Gentle, Complementary Approach

Homeopathy offers a range of natural ingredients that some people choose to include in their skincare routines alongside other acne care approaches. Common ingredients used in homeopathic formulations include Sulphur, Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum, Silicea, Kali Bromatum, Natrum Muriaticum, Belladonna, and Arnica Montana.

H-Acne Formula by Haling Natural Oils is a gentle topical formula that brings together several of these homeopathic ingredients. Designed to complement an existing routine rather than replace it. 

Ingredients in Healing Natural Oils H-Acne Formula

H-Acne Formula contains a blend of natural homeopathic ingredients and essential oils. The key ingredients include:

  • Calendula officinalis 12C
  • Silicea 12C

Essential Oils:

  • Melaleuca alternifolia Leaf Oil (Tea Tree Oil)
  • Citrus limon Peel Oil (Lemon Oil)
  • Corylus avellana Seed Oil (Hazelnut Oil)
  • Lavandula angustifolia Oil (Lavender Oil)

When To See a Doctor

If you are experiencing any of the following it is advised that you speak to a healthcare provider or dermatologist:

  • Painful lumps 
  • Marks or scarring 
  • The breakout has begun to spread 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes acne vulgaris?

Acne vulgaris is when hair follicles on the skin clog up with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. This then causes blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, papules, nodes and cysts on areas such as the face, shoulders, chest, and upper back.

Is acne vulgaris the same as regular acne?

Yes, acne vulgaris is the medical term for common acne.

What is the best care for acne vulgaris?

The best care for acne vulgaris can be determined by a healthcare professional, who can assess the severity and other symptoms and will be able to guide you on the next best steps. 

Can natural products support acne-prone skin?

Homeopathic and plant-based formulas such as H-Acne Formula can be used alongside a skincare routine to support a soft, healthy-looking appearance.

When should I see a dermatologist?

You should see a dermatologist if your acne leaves marks, painful bumps appear, there are signs of leftover marks or scarring, the breakout spreads, or if there is a sudden flare-up.

Sources

  1. MSD Manual Professional Version. Acne Vulgaris.
  2. Medscape. Acne Vulgaris Clinical Presentation

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.