K-Beauty Glossary
What is Acne Grade (I–IV)?
Severity scale for acne
Dermatological acne grading: Grade I = comedonal (blackheads/whiteheads, no inflammation); Grade II = mild inflammatory (papules + pustules, limited); Grade III = moderate inflammatory (widespread papulopustular + some nodules); Grade IV = severe nodulocystic (deep cysts, scarring likely). Treatments scale with grade: Grade I responds to OTC (salicylic acid, adapalene); Grade II–III often needs prescription retinoids + antibiotics; Grade IV typically needs oral isotretinoin.