Acne Classification

discover your acne severity and treatment plan

Understanding Acne Lesions and Grading Severity

Acne severity is determined by the type and number of lesions present on your skin. To help you accurately identify your acne grade and choose the best treatment plan, it’s important to first understand the different types of acne lesions. Below, we explain the most common lesion types and their characteristics so you can confidently assess your skin.

Non-Inflammatory Lesions

Whiteheads

Small, skin-colored, or white bumps that form when clogged pores remain closed at the surface of the skin.

Blackheads

Small, dark, or black-colored bumps caused by clogged hair follicles filled with oil and dead skin cells. The dark color results from oxidation, not dirt.

Inflammatory Lesions

Papules

Papules are inflamed, red bumps on the skin that may feel sensitive or tender to the touch. They do not contain visible pus and are usually smaller in size.

Pustules

Red, inflamed bumps with a white or yellow center filled with pus. Pustules are often tender and are a more severe form of inflammatory acne.

Nodules

Large, hard, and painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin caused by clogged and infected pores. Nodules can persist for weeks and may result in scarring.

Cysts

Deep, large, and painful lumps filled with pus. Cysts are the most severe form of acne lesions and are likely to cause scarring if untreated.

Self-Assessment Tool

Acne Severity Grading

Now that you’re familiar with the types of acne lesions, it’s time to determine your acne severity grade. Use this simple self-assessment tool to evaluate the type and number of lesions on your skin. This will help you choose the most effective treatment plan.

Please note that this tool is for guidance only and does not replace a professional diagnosis by a dermatologist.

Grade 1: Mild Acne

Lesions present

Fewer than 20 comedones (blackheads and/or whiteheads)
Fewer than 15 inflammatory lesions (papules or pustules)
Total lesion count less than 30

Mild acne primarily consists of non-inflammatory lesions with occasional papules or pustules. Scarring is rare.

Profile and Treatment plan

Grade 1: Mild Acne

Lesions present

Fewer than 20 comedones (blackheads and/or whiteheads)
Fewer than 15 inflammatory lesions (papules or pustules)
Total lesion count less than 30

Mild acne primarily consists of non-inflammatory lesions with occasional papules or pustules. Scarring is rare.

Profile and Treatment plan

Grade 2: Moderate Acne

Lesions present

20–100 comedones (blackheads and/or whiteheads)
15–50 inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules)
Total lesion count between 30 and 125

Moderate acne features a mix of comedones and inflammatory lesions. There may be some risk of mild scarring.

Profile & Treatment Plan

Grade 2: Moderate Acne

Lesions present

20–100 comedones (blackheads and/or whiteheads)
15–50 inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules)
Total lesion count between 30 and 125

Moderate acne features a mix of comedones and inflammatory lesions. There may be some risk of mild scarring.

Profile & Treatment Plan

Grade 3: Severe Acne

Lesions present

Numerous comedones (blackheads and/or whiteheads) and inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules)
Few nodules (up to 5)
Total lesion count greater than 125

Severe acne includes widespread inflammatory lesions, with nodules potentially present. Scarring is more likely and treatment should be prioritized.

Profile & Treatment Plan

Grade 3: Severe Acne

Lesions present

Numerous comedones (blackheads and/or whiteheads) and inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules)
Few nodules (up to 5)
Total lesion count greater than 125

Severe acne includes widespread inflammatory lesions, with nodules potentially present. Scarring is more likely and treatment should be prioritized.

Profile & Treatment Plan

Grade 4: Very Severe Acne

Lesions present:

Widespread comedones (blackheads and/or whiteheads) and inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules)
Many large, painful nodules and cysts
Total lesion count is significantly high

Very severe acne involves extensive nodules, cysts, and inflammation. Scarring is common, and immediate medical treatment is advised.

Profile & Treatment Plan

Grade 4: Very Severe Acne

Lesions present:

Widespread comedones (blackheads and/or whiteheads) and inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules)
Many large, painful nodules and cysts
Total lesion count is significantly high

Very severe acne involves extensive nodules, cysts, and inflammation. Scarring is common, and immediate medical treatment is advised.

Profile & Treatment Plan