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What is Cystic Acne, and How Can I Get Rid of It?

Acne is frustrating and stressful, whether it is blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. For people with cystic acne, it can become painful and leave deep scars. This type of acne should be treated by a professional with the tools to help you achieve lasting acne control and lessen scarring. 

What is Cystic Acne? 

Many people associate acne with their teenage years, but it can continue into or even appear during adulthood. Acne develops when pores become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and other debris. In some cases, bacteria become trapped inside these pores, causing them to become inflamed and sore. When this inflammation penetrates deep into the skin, it can become cystic acne. These deep, inflamed bumps take a long time to go away and can leave scars. 

Causes of Cystic Acne

Cystic acne forms when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog pores deep under the skin. This leads to painful, inflamed bumps. But the root causes go beyond surface-level issues.

Hormonal changes are one of the biggest triggers. During menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, hormone levels shift. This can make oil glands work overtime, leading to cystic acne.

Genetics can also increase your chances. If your parents had severe acne, you might be more likely to get it too.

Certain medications, like corticosteroids or lithium, can trigger cystic acne as well. Environmental factors such as sweating or humidity may also worsen flare-ups.

People with naturally oily skin tend to experience more frequent or severe cystic acne breakouts.

Dietary Impact on Cystic Acne

While diet isn’t always the direct cause of cystic acne, certain foods can make it worse. High-glycemic foods, like white bread, sugary snacks, and sodas, can spike insulin levels. This may lead to more oil production, which can clog pores.

Dairy products have also been linked to acne flare-ups in some people. Milk, cheese, and other dairy items may affect hormone levels, contributing to breakouts.

Everyone’s skin reacts differently to food. Some may notice flare-ups after eating certain items, while others might not. Keeping a food diary can help you track if specific foods are triggering your acne.

Although diet isn’t the only factor, adjusting what you eat could help reduce cystic acne.

Preventive Measures for Cystic Acne

Preventing cystic acne involves more than just washing your face. Start by using gentle, oil-free skincare products. Harsh scrubs or alcohol-based cleansers can irritate the skin and make acne worse.

Make sure to clean your face at least once a day, especially after sweating or wearing makeup. Choose non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.

Try to avoid touching your face throughout the day. Picking or popping cysts can lead to scarring or infections.

Managing stress is also important. Stress triggers hormone changes that can cause cystic acne to flare up. Practicing relaxation techniques or getting enough sleep can help.

Environmental factors, like high humidity or exposure to greasy environments, can also contribute to acne. If you work in these conditions, washing your skin regularly can help prevent breakouts.

Home Remedies and At-Home Treatments for Cystic Acne

While professional treatments are often needed, some home remedies can help manage cystic acne. Applying a warm compress can reduce inflammation and encourage pus to come to the surface. Just make sure to use a clean washcloth and avoid extremely hot water.

Over-the-counter topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can also help. These ingredients work to kill bacteria and remove dead skin cells, which reduces clogged pores.

Avoid using harsh scrubs or DIY treatments like toothpaste or baking soda. These can irritate the skin and make the acne worse.

Sticking to a gentle skincare routine, removing makeup before bed, and using non-comedogenic products are simple but effective steps you can take at home.

REAL RESULTS

*Individual Results May Vary

How Can I Get Rid of Cystic Acne?

Some people can manage their acne with a quality at-home skincare routine, but many others will need more intensive treatment. Your FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness team has many options to help you achieve clear, smooth skin. 

Chemical Peels

With many formulas available, chemical peels are a versatile treatment that can help clear your pores and exfoliate away pore-clogging layers of dead skin cells. 

Laser Treatments

Our laser treatment options range from gentle to intensive. Many laser treatments resurface the skin to trigger its natural healing properties and bring healthy cells to the surface. Ablative and fractional lasers can make dramatic changes in acne and scars in just weeks.

RF Microneedling

This form of microneedling adds radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and leads to complete skin rejuvenation. Microneedling also excels in eliminating acne scars. 

AviClear™

This next-generation acne treatment acts on the sebaceous glands that produce oil. Aviclear™ significantly reduces the number and severity of breakouts. This is the first Alternative to Accutane and results can be seen for years.

Tixel®

Instead of using light energy like a laser, this latest treatment uses tiny metal cones that generate heat. Tixel® can be used on the face and body to treat acne. 

Detailed Treatment Options for Cystic Acne

When home remedies aren’t enough, professional treatments are often required to manage cystic acne. Topical treatments like prescription-strength retinoids or antibiotics help reduce bacteria and inflammation. Retinoids work by clearing clogged pores and improving skin cell turnover.

Oral antibiotics are another common treatment. They help reduce the bacteria that cause acne and lower inflammation. For more severe cases, isotretinoin (Accutane) may be prescribed. This powerful medication reduces oil production but can have side effects, so it’s typically reserved for the most severe cases.

Corticosteroid injections can quickly shrink large, painful acne cysts. This treatment reduces inflammation and provides relief, but it’s usually done in a doctor’s office.

For women, hormone-regulating medications like birth control pills or spironolactone can help balance hormones and reduce acne flare-ups.

When Should I See a Professional About My Cystic Acne?

How do you know if your acne requires professional attention? If you have cystic acne and it does not respond to your efforts, you should schedule an appointment. An occasional breakout at an inconvenient time can ruin your day, but cystic acne can leave physical and emotional scars. The longer you try to live with cystic acne, the more damage it can do to your skin. With our in-office treatments, we can help you achieve long-lasting relief. 

When to See a Professional for Cystic Acne

If your cystic acne doesn’t improve with at-home treatments or over-the-counter products, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Cystic acne can cause permanent scarring if left untreated, so professional help is key to preventing long-term damage.

Look out for signs like large, painful cysts that don’t heal, or if your acne leaves deep scars. These are indicators that your condition needs medical attention.

A dermatologist can assess your skin and recommend treatments based on the severity of your acne. Treatments like prescription medications, chemical peels, or laser therapy may be needed to get long-term relief.

Don’t wait too long. The sooner you seek professional help, the more effective the treatment will be.

What Results Will I See With Cystic Acne Treatment?

Many of our acne treatments can start to show results almost immediately. Your skin expert may recommend a series or combination of treatments to clear your cystic acne and keep it away. Recent advances in acne treatment have given us new ways to reveal clear, scar-free skin. 

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Take the Next Step – Request an Appointment

To learn more about cystic acne treatment– and if it’s right for you – schedule an appointment by visiting FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness online or calling (248) 663-0161.

FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness is a multi-award-winning beauty and wellness clinic founded by skin expert Holly Cutler, also known as The Skin Saint, and named as “one of the most advanced Med Spas in the country” by Forbes magazine.

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