Key Difference: Acne is a disease of the skin that occurs due to excessive oil clogging in the pores of skin and is characterized by presence of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. A pimple is a common form of acne and is characterized by an inflamed pus filled lesion that is generally red at the base.  

One of the common problems with the youngsters is related to acne. Everyone wants to have a clear and a radiating skin. A good skin is all that you need to look beautiful. However, these acne and pimples are hated, as they create numerous problems apart from being ugly in appearance. Many people often consider them as one and the same things. However, there is a difference between acne and pimples.

Acne is also termed as Acne Vulgaris, it is a skin disease that infects a person especially during his or her puberty age.  It occurs due to excessive production of oil that finally results into plugged pores, and lesions called as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, nodules or cysts are formed. It generally appears on the face, but it could also be found on neck, chest, back, shoulders and arms.

A hormone named as Androgen is believed to cause the enlargement in the oil glands. Thus, more oil is produced and this oil clogs the pores with oil. These clogged pores provide favorable conditions to bacteria to grow. In order to kill bacteria, the body of infected person responds in the forms of white heads, blackheads, and pimples.

Whiteheads: - these are small, round and white bumps, also known as closed comedones.

Blackheads: - these are plugged follicles. (The black color us due to the oil’s exposure to air, turning it into black colored)

Pimples: - can be referred to as red, inflamed and infected plugged oil glands; and also can be sometimes filled with pus. 

Cysts and nodules are the most painful and most difficult type if acne, in which deeper layers of the skin also get affected.

The main preventive measure for this disease is just aimed at keeping oil and dirt away from the pores and thus reduce the inflammation. Skin specialists suggest certain soaps and lotions that should or should not be used on an affected skin. ‘Benzoyl Peroxide’ is often suggested for the initial treatment, and is directly applied on the effected area. Some antibiotic medication may also be advised. The best way is to show it to a skin specialist or a dermatologist, who can provide a treatment according to the severity of acne.

Pimples are the common form of acne. These are bump that are pink to slightly red in color. They have a soft white surface that is filled with oil and fluid. They are caused due to a ruptures in clogged pores. Due to this, bacterial growth inside the pores causes inflammation and the white fluid reaches to the surface.

Pimples are mainly categorized into papules and pustules. Papules are the regular sized pimples, whereas pustules refer to larger, swollen and engorged pimples. It is comparatively easy to treat papules than pustules, For pustules, prescription only products must be preferred.

Following steps can help to reduce acne.

1. Face should be washed twice.
2. Washcloth should be dry and clean to use.
3. Avoid picking, scratching or rubbing your face
4. Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams
5. Make-up must be taken off before sleeping at night
6. Never squeeze or pinch pimples.
7. Avoid you hair to fall on you face.
8. Drinking at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water in order to detoxify the body.
9. Avoid kitchen where greasy food is being cooked.

Thus, we can conclude that pimples are a common form of acne. Apart from pimple acne also includes whiteheads and blackheads.

Images Courtesy: liveacolourfullife.wordpress.com