The Pocket Guide to Eliminating Cystic Acne for Good

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and many people have experienced symptoms that appear on the skin as breakouts. Some types of acne are harder to treat than others, and cystic acne is among the most stubborn, but with the right approach, even cysts can be eliminated for good.

In order to begin treating cysts, it’s important to understand exactly what makes them different from other forms of acne. First things first, acne is typically classified into two groups: inflammatory and noninflammatory. Various types of acne symptoms, such as pimples and cysts belong to the inflammatory class.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural response of the body. In the same way the body will work to repair itself following a cut or scrape on the surface of the skin, the inflammatory response we see in this type of acne is just the result of body fighting to keep a foreign agent from infecting it. In the case of acne, this foreign agent is the bacteria which forms within a clogged pore when too much sebum combines with dead skin cells. Sending white blood cells to attack a foreign agent, the clogged pore becomes inflamed either under or on top of the surface of the skin, which results in acne symptoms.  In the case of cysts, these symptoms form below the skin. However, cysts become pus-filled, often resembling boils, making them as uncomfortable as they are stubborn.

What Makes Cysts So Hard to Treat?

Because cystic acne forms underneath the surface of the skin, topical solutions such as a medicated face wash, lotion or even a spot treatment can only help so much with symptoms but can't help truly treat. Furthermore, the spread of bacteria responsible for inflammation, called P. acnes, tends to spread much more easily in the case of cysts should one become ruptured or popped, and the painful swelling often associated with these symptoms can make for even more frustration. While some opt for ice compresses to reduce enlargement, others with frequent cystic acne may opt for painful cortisone injections from a dermatologist. Any treatments that don’t work to address the source of acne do not address the true cause, delivering temporary relief, at best.

How Can Cystic Acne be Eliminated for Good?

Just because cysts occur under the skin does not make them impossible to treat. After all, acne starts forming below the skin as well, long before symptoms appear, beginning with the over-secretion of an oily substance called sebum. This is why targeting the problem at it’s source is the only way to eliminate acne.

So what’s the best way to treat cystic acne? A combination therapy approach that includes both topical and systemic solutions to addressing various steps in the acne cascade. It’s very important to keep the skin clear of dirt and debris, and removing any dead, flaky skin cells, which can contribute to the clogging of pores, As anyone with cystic acne should be careful not to rupture their symptoms, a gentle non-comedogenic wash free of gritty exfoliants should be used. Even though we don’t necessarily condone the use of products with acid in them, in this case, it may be necessary if only used temporarily, so you may want to try a formula featuring glycolic acid (you need to moisturize with this!), or play around with natural options such as baking soda or even milk to slough skin without the irritation.

The next step: attacking from within with a systemic solution like AcnEase. AcnEase® is unique in that it is the only non-prescription medicine that intervenes during the first step in the acne cascade, significantly improving oily skin in the process. Using safe and effective herbal ingredients, AcnEase works to create a buffer between the hormones and sebaceous glands, ensuring that only the amount of oil needed to properly hydrate the skin is produced - no more, no less. A systemic solution like AcnEase®, in combination with your current skincare regimen, is an optimal way to achieve long-lasting results, no matter your acne type or severity of symptoms. The most important thing to remember is to have patience. Acne doesn’t form overnight and it won’t disappear in that amount of time either. By exercising consistency in your routine, you’ll be sure to witness long-term results that last!

We want to hear from you! What do you do to keep your cystic acne under control? Tell us in the comments!