Cystic Acne: Treatments, Causes, and More

​As far as pimples go, those deep, cystic acne flare-ups are probably the most emotionally and physically taxing. Not only do they tend to cover a lot more surface area than other types of acne, they’re also painful, making them impossible to ignore.

But what is cystic acne, why does it show up, and how can you get rid of it? Read on to learn about cystic acne, treatments, causes, and everything else you need to know about this pesky condition.

What is Cystic Acne?

​While pimples come in many shapes, sizes, and forms, cystic acne is considered to be the most severe type of acne. All pimples occur when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, but cystic acne is caused by bacteria getting into the pores as well — causing swelling and acne inflammation.

You’re probably familiar with these types of acne cysts because of how deep and painful they are — often creating pimples under the skin rather than the whiteheads and blackheads we’re used to seeing on the surface, and feeling almost more akin to a bruise.

Typically, you’ll find cystic acne on the face, since it has so many oil glands (cystic chin acne and cystic acne on the cheeks are both common). But it can also appear elsewhere on the body, such as cystic back acne. It tends to show up again and again in the same location, so unless you get treated, your first chin acne breakout will likely not be your last.

What causes cystic acne?

​There are several main causes of cystic acne, and unsurprisingly, many of them have more to do with holistic lifestyle considerations than your skincare routine. Those causes include:

• Genetics: Unfortunately, some factors are outside your control — like your age and genetic predisposition to cystic acne. If your parents suffered from cystic acne or it runs in your family, chances are you’ll experience it too.
• Diet: It’s unlikely that specific food triggers are the sole cause of severe acne, but certain foods have become associated with the worsening of acne — including dairy, gluten, whey protein, vitamin B12 supplements, and foods high in sugar.
• Hormones: Cystic acne is hormonal — which means that fluctuations during teenage years, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are often common culprits.
• Stress: The same hormones that prepare our bodies to deal with stressful situations also push our oil glands into overdrive, which can lead to bad acne breakouts on the face.

Is cystic acne the same as nodular acne?

​You may have also heard the term “nodular acne” to refer to this condition. They’re both very similar — both cause deep, painful pimples under the skin, and are likely to cause scarring. But the main difference is that acne cysts contain fluid while acne nodules do not, making nodules harder and more solid.

How to Prevent Cystic Acne?

​There are ways to prevent cystic acne by taking a few simple steps at home:

• ​Wash your face after you wake up, before going to bed, and after exercising or sweating. Use an oil-free facial cleanser, lukewarm water, and your fingers (not a washcloth or sponge). Sing the alphabet before rinsing it off to give the active ingredients time to work their magic.
• Apply oil-free moisturizer if you feel dry, since this will help to reduce redness and inflammation and restore the skin’s protective barrier.
• Use noncomedogenic (water-based) makeup and facial products, and never sleep in your makeup.
• Don’t pick at or pop pimples or scabs, since it increases the risk of scarring and bacterial skin infections like cellulitis. Try to keep your hands away from your face during the day.
• Wash your hair regularly and keep hair (which can be oily) away from your face.
• Avoid diets high in simple sugars and dairy, also called a high glycemic index diet.

Cystic Acne Treatments

But of course, if you’re reading this blog then it’s probably because you’re past the point of prevention — and you’re here to learn how to get rid of cystic acne.

While some cystic acne will clear up in time without intervention, it’s probably not a risk you want to take. Some people develop pigment changes (light or dark spots) at the site of the acne cyst after the skin clears up, and that type of scarring can be even more challenging and expensive to treat than the acne itself.

​To avoid that, you should seek help from a skincare professional as soon as possible. After a brief initial consultation, they can help you better understand how to treat your cystic acne and get rid of it for good.

Products to Get Rid of Cystic Acne

​Your typical skincare routine might not cut it when it comes to treating cystic acne at home. Sure, there are a plethora of topical acne creams, serums, cleansers, and treatments that supposedly help with cystic acne…. but all too often they leave the skin feeling dried out, irritated, or sometimes even more oily. That’s because surprisingly, many skincare product lines have ingredients that are incompatible with acne-prone skin — and can actually make cystic acne worse.

​Instead, at Simply Skin, I recommend the Face Reality skincare program: a personalized and adaptive cystic acne treatment that includes a suite of products tailored specifically to your skin type. It includes only high-quality skin replenishing ingredients and produces over a 90% success rate in 3 months.

Cystic Acne Facial Treatments

​It’s no secret that facials can rejuvenate and nourish your face, making your skin look healthier. But many don’t realize that some facials are specifically designed to clear and prevent cystic acne. An acne facial is a medical skin treatment that not only helps to address breakouts on your face, but also speeds up at-home cystic acne treatments, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine.

I recommend the Dermasound Facial — the ultimate non-invasive facial treatment for cystic acne. Dermasound uses gentle sound waves to loosen dead skin cells, cleanse clogged pores, and enhance the penetration of acne products. In as little as 6-10 treatments, it can clear your complexion and restore skin to a smooth, youthful glow.

My Cystic Acne Treatment Promise

​Treating cystic acne looks different for every individual — which is why it’s crucial to work with a licensed esthetician that will customize a skincare regimen for your unique needs.

​My Cystic Acne Treatment Promise means that I will help clear up your cystic acne in 3-6 months, using the most effective treatments in the industry. (And the results speak for themselves.) Schedule a free consultation today to learn how to get rid of your cystic acne for good.

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