It's actually not as complicated as you might think. The word acne is used as the collective term to diagnose a condition that affects the skin's hair follicles and oil glands, according to Healthline. Pimples, on the other hand, are a symptom, and there are many different types that those with acne will see on their skin.

There are six main types of pimples that you may encounter: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts (via NHS). Blackheads and whiteheads are plugged pores, papules are small red or pink bumps, pustules are another type of papule but with an additional layer of pus, nodules are painful lumps deep under the skin, and cysts are a form of nodule but filled with pus.

Depending on the severity of your acne, you can encounter one or all of these types of pimples. They are most commonly found on the face, but can acne can also appear on the back and chest. Mild cases of acne can be treated with skin creams, lotions, and gels available at pharmacies. For more severe cases, it's recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a dermatologist who will be able to prescribe treatment suited to the particular form of acne that you are experiencing (via American Academy of Dermatology Association).