Blog Post

What's Your Grade?

Maxine Dean • June 17, 2017

How to Identify the Different Types & Grades of Acne

Dermatologists and skin care professionals diagnose acne type and severity with a grading scale. Acne grades are determined by the amount of blemishes, the type of blemishes, the location of the blemishes and the amount of inflammation present. Acne grades can help you and your doctor determine the best treatment plan for your skin.

Acne treatment for face

Grade 1


  • Grade 1 acne is characterized by a few blackheads, whiteheads and the occasional papule.
  • Skin is not inflamed and blemishes are confined to the face.
  • The nose and forehead are the areas most commonly affected.
  • Grade 1 acne is common among both adolescents and adults.
  • This is the mildest form of acne and typically treated successfully with over the counter acne products.
  • The 30 Day Acne Package is designed to clear up Grade 1 Acne. This package contains a series of acne facials, microdermabrasion and an acne clearing cleanser for home use.

A close up of a woman 's face with freckles.

Grade 2


  • Grade 2 acne is considered moderate acne.
  • With Grade 2 acne there are a good deal of blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules with some inflammation.
  • Larger, more obvious pustules with some inflammation become more common.
  • Breakouts can be found on the cheeks, chin and jaw in addition to the nose and forehead.
  • Grade 2 Acne can turn into Grade 3 if left untreated, or if picking or squeezing of pimples occurs.
  • Moderate acne can be managed with over the counter topical treatments and specialized products. Facials, chemical peels, laser and IPL treatments are beneficial at this stage, but not always necessary.
  • The 60 Day Acne Package is designed to clear up Grade 2 Acne. This package includes a series of laser facial treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, along with a skin clearing cleanser and serum for home use.

A close up of a woman 's face with acne on it.

Grade 3

  • Grade 3 is considered severe acne.
  • This grade is characterized by the addition of cysts, nodules and more inflammation and irritation as well as an increased number of pustules.
  • Grade 3 acne is spread from the face, down the neck and shoulders, the chest and upper back.
  • Grade 3 acne should be treated by a dermatologist or skin care professional. Left untreated this stage could turn into Grade 4 acne.
  • The 90 Day Acne Package is designed to clear and heal skin with Grade 3 & 4 Acne.This package contains a series laser facial treatments, chemical peels, microneedling and skin specific products for home use.

A close up of a man 's face with acne on it.

Grade 4


  • Grade 4 acne is very severe and will need to be treated by a dermatologist or a skin care professional.
  • Grade 4 acne marks an increased amount of painful cysts and nodules- this stage is sometimes referred to as cystic or nodulocystic acne, and inflammation.
  • This grade is characterized as an extreme amount of pustules, cysts, nodules and edema/swelling.
  • Breakouts are widespread, covering the face, chest, shoulders, the entire back and upper arms.
  • Grade 3 and Grade 4 acne needs to be handled aggressively and systematically to reduce the pain and discomfort related to cystic acne and the accompanying inflammation.
  • Treatment for severe acne may include systemic treatments such as laser, chemical peels, antibiotics, oral isotrentotin, or hormonal therapy, and topical treatments like retinoids, topical antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide.
  • The 90 Day Acne Package is designed to clear and heal skin with Grade 3 & 4 Acne. This package contains a series laser facial treatments, chemical peels, microneedling and skin specific products for home use.

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