5 Uncommon Acne Types You Might Be Overlooking—and How to Treat Them

When it comes to breakouts, most of us think of whiteheads, blackheads, or hormonal cysts. But at Allana Davis Studio, we’ve seen clients struggle with acne forms that rarely make headlines. These uncommon acne types demand specialized approaches—treating them like “regular” acne can leave you stuck in a cycle of inflammation and frustration. Below, we’ll demystify five often-overlooked acne varieties and show you exactly which in-studio treatments and at-home products from our shelves can help you break free. Ready to get clear? Follow along—and don’t forget to snag extra tips on our Instagram feed.

1. Acne Mechanica: Friction’s Hidden Fallout

What it is: Breakouts triggered by heat, pressure, or friction—think helmet straps, tight masks, or your phone pressed against the cheek.

Why it matters: Traditional spot treatments miss the root cause. You need barrier repair plus soothing to prevent new lesions.

Key signs: Small, evenly spaced bumps following the pattern of straps or gear.

Targeted solution: Our signature HydraFacial with lymphatic drainage calms irritation, clears debris, and rebuilds your skin’s barrier.

2. Acne Cosmetica: When Beauty Products Backfire

What it is: Pore-clogging ingredients in makeup, haircare, or skincare that fuel stubborn congestion.

Why it matters: You reach for stronger topicals, but the culprit stays in your routine—perpetuating the cycle.

Key signs: Persistent tiny bumps, often around the hairline or jaw, that resist typical acne regimens.

Targeted solution: Swap to our ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser followed by the iS Clinical Pure Clarity Collection Kit for a dual-action pore reset.

3. Chloracne: The Environmental Alert

What it is: A reaction to certain chemicals (e.g., industrial chlorinated compounds) that shows up as blackheads or cyst-like lesions.

Why it matters: It can signal workplace or environmental hazards—ignoring it risks deeper health concerns.

Key signs: Oil-filled bumps on cheeks, behind the ears, or in areas rich in oil glands.

Targeted solution: While you address exposure, add our LED Therapy facial add-on for powerful skin-healing wavelengths—learn more on our Acne Treatments page.

4. Acne Excoriée: The Picking Predicament

What it is: Breakouts worsened by compulsive picking, leading to raw, inflamed lesions and scars.

Why it matters: It’s both skin deep and habit deep—true healing requires a two-fold approach.

Key signs: Excoriated bumps and scabs primarily on easy-to-reach areas like cheeks and décolleté.

Targeted solution: Combine our energy-infused facial (ask us about DMK’s signature Enzyme Therapy) with behavioral strategies—plus a light barrier ointment to make picking less satisfying.

5. Pomade Acne: Haircare Gone Rogue

What it is: Breakouts along the hairline and temples from heavy pomades, waxes, or oils.

Why it matters: Hormonal or oral meds won’t clear product-driven congestion—you need both scalp and skin care.

Key signs: Bumps tracing the hairline, often flaring after styling sessions.

Targeted solution: Book our deep-cleansing scalp service (ask for the HydraFacial Keravive add-on) and follow up with a non-comedogenic hair serum.

Myth-Busting Section

• Myth: “All acne is the same.”
  Truth: Each type has a unique trigger—mismatched treatments keep you stuck.
• Myth: “You can’t prevent Chloracne.”
  Truth: Protective measures and early intervention—including targeted LED Therapy—minimize risk.
• Myth: “Picking speeds up healing.”
  Truth: It disrupts the barrier, invites infection, and deepens scarring.
• Myth: “Natural oils are always safe.”
  Truth: Even “natural” can clog pores—always patch-test and opt for proven non-comedogenic formulas.

In-Studio Recommendations

• HydraFacial: Calming, hydrating, and barrier-building—ideal for Acne Mechanica.
• LED Therapy: Anti-inflammatory wavelengths for Chloracne and comedonal acne.
• DMK Enzyme Therapy: Botanical enzymes to detox and firm—ask us about this signature treatment.
• iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50+: Broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic protection to prevent post-acne marks.
• ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser: Gentle exfoliation for Acne Cosmetica.

Ready for a custom breakout breakdown and tailored plan? Book your personalized consultation today at Allana Davis Studio—and follow us on Instagram for daily skincare tips and behind-the-scenes.