How To Get Rid Of Cystic Acne

In this post, we will discuss how to get rid of cystic acne. We will also provide advice on how to manage it maintain clear skin.

What Is Cystic Acne?

How to get rid of cystic acne? Cystic acne can be the most severe form of acne. If you are suffering from cystic acne, you know how frustrating and embarrassing it can be. You may have tried every treatment out there, but nothing seems to work.

If you are suffering from cystic acne, you are not alone. This condition affects millions of people around the world. Cystic acne is characterized by large, deep pimples under the skin that are often filled with pus. To say they can be painful would be an understatement, they can be physically and emotionally burdening, not to mention they can leave scarring.

Cystic acne usually appears on the chin, but can also be on the face and even on the arms or back. It likes to show up again and again in the same location, so it is important to treat it once and for all.

For Back Acne check out EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TREATING BACK ACNE

What Causes Cystic Acne ?

There are a number of factors that contribute to cystic acne.

Food Triggers: Cystic acne is often caused by food. Foods that are high in sugar cause blood sugar levels to spike, this contributes to oil production and inflammation. There have also been some links between acne and vitamin b12, whey protein, and skimmed milk. However, it is unlikely that diet is the sole cause of acne.

Lifestyle and Stress: The same hormones that allow our bodies to deal with stressful situations also contribute to oil production which clogs up pores leading to breakouts. Although easier said than done it is vital to make an active effort to de-stress and make lifestyle changes that allow us to switch off.

Hormonal Changes: Many women find that their acne flares up close to their period. This is because before your period starts, estrogen and progesterone levels are reduced this triggers the glands to secrete sebum, often more than needed to lubricate the skin. This excess of oil block the pores causing a breakout.

Medication: Medications such as the mini pill, vitamin b12 and steroids amongst others can contribute to acne, always speak to your GP or pharmacist before stopping or changing prescribed treatments.

How To Get Rid Of Cystic Acne?

Although there are many treatment options available for cystic acne, in my experience of treating cystic acne it can be the hardest to treat. The first line of treatment is often oral antibiotics. These antibiotics help to kill the bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation. Topical treatments, such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, can also be effective. If these treatments do not work, your doctor may recommend isotretinoin (Accutane), which is a powerful medication that can help to clear up even the most severe cases of acne.

If you are suffering from cystic acne, there are some things you can do to manage this condition aside from prescribed treatments. First, it is important to keep your skin clean and hydrated. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubbing or picking at your skin, as this can make the acne worse and cause scarring. Be sure to use an oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. It is also important to avoid triggers, such as stress, that can worsen your acne.

If you are struggling with cystic acne, know that you are not alone. There are many treatment options available and with the right management, you can achieve clear skin.

Which Products Do I Need?

Best Cleansers For Cystic Acne

Step 1: Cleansing With A Medicated Cleanser

Cleansing is an essential part of clearing cystic acne. There is a fine line between not cleansing enough and over-washing. Over cleansing can lead to skin dryness which stimulates the body to produce more oil to compensate, oil clogs pores and this causes breakouts. Cleansing twice a day with an acne-fighting ingredient is ideal whilst moisturising regularly.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. Check this post on EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SALICYLIC ACID FOR ACNE

It helps shrink cystic pimples by removing excess oil and drying out pimples whilst slowly working on sloughing off dead skin.

Usually, salicylic acid concentrations can go up to two percent. For cystic acne, concentrations of 1.5%- 2% are ideal.

Try La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash or Murad Clarifying Cleanser.

1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash

2. Murad Clarifying Cleanser.

Best Spot Treatments

Step 2 : Medicated spot treatment to control Acne

Here we are looking to control and kill acne causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide is a great option for this; It works to treat and prevent acne by killing bacteria underneath the skin, as well as helping the pores shed dead skin cells and excess oil and inflammation. One main disadvantage and the main reason that people cannot stick with it, is how drying it can be. Look for products with concentrations of 2.5 %, this has been shown to be as effective as higher strengths and cause less dryness.

1. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask

  2. Paula’s Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment.

Best Moisturisers For Cystic Acne

Step 2: Moisturising with an oil-free moisturizer

Anyone prone to cystic acne breakouts should use an oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer to hydrate their skin.

Noncomedogenic, perfume-free products won’t act as a treatment for your breakouts but they will stop them getting worse whilst controlling excess oil production. Opt for a moisturiser that contains ceramides, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and barrier protection. They also counteract redness and inflammation when using acne fighting ingredients that can be very drying and irritating.

1. Dr. Dennis Gross Stress Repair Face Cream

2. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

What happens If You Don’t Treat Cystic Acne

If the factor that is causing the acne goes away your acne can clear on its own. For example, if it is related to unbalanced hormones and these are corrected then acne can go away. However, waiting for cystic acne to clear itself can cause permanent acne scarring. This can be very hard to clear and often requires invasive aesthetic treatments such as Microneedling or Laser therapy.

How to get rid of cystic acne

How to get rid of cystic acne