Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne in which the skin pores become blocked. This pore blockage could lead to infection and inflammation.
Cystic acne often affects the face but could also affect the chest region and upper arms. Furthermore, cystic acne can be very painful and can damage skin tissues as well as cause scarring of the skin.
Compared to other forms of acne, cystic acne affects far fewer people but is the most severe form of acne. In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the top reason people visit their dermatologist is due to acne-related issues.
The biggest contributory factor to cystic acne is hormonal changes. As such, teenagers tend to be inflicted more with cystic acne than any other demographic group due to the ongoing hormonal changes in their body. Other factors that could contribute to cystic acne include; certain medications, exposure to certain chemicals, genetics, excessive humidity or sweating, and use of greasy or oily cosmetics.
Symptoms of cystic acne include; cysts, papules (small red bumps), scarring of the skin, redness around skin breakouts, pustules (small red bumps containing bumps), and crusting of skin bumps.
Below are tips and good practices, to consider, if you are dealing with cystic acne;
- Strive to clean your skin, especially your face, early in the morning, before bed, and after exercise.
- Try not to touch the affected areas with your hand.
- Strive to keep your stress level under control. You could use deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to help control your stress levels.
- Ensure you maintain a well-balanced diet. Ensure you eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
- Shampoo your hair to keep it clean. Also, endeavor to keep your hair off your face.
- Avoid squeezing or bursting the acne as this could expose the acne to infection.
- Ensure your skin is well moisturized by using oil-free moisturizers.
- Reduce the exposure of your skin to the sun as sun rays tend to exacerbate the condition of the skin.
- Ensure you stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water daily.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes and excessive consumption of alcohol as these could dehydrate your skin and worsen the acne symptoms.
Below are natural treatments and home remedies for cystic acne;
1. Green Tea
Green tea comes with countless health benefits. Green tea fights a number of the underlying causes of acne like insulin resistance and inflammation. It also contains polyphenols which work as antioxidants with promising results.
A growing body of research has proven that green tea has Epigallocatechin-3-gallate which helps to reduce the redness caused by cystic acne. To prepare the concoction, steep some green tea in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Then, dip a cotton swab and apply on the problem area. Alternatively, you could drink 3-4 cups, of green tea, every day.
2. Blue Tansy Oil
Blue Tansy oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which assist in reducing the redness caused by acne. While it may not eliminate cystic acne, blue tansy oil would reduce the size of the cysts significantly.
Furthermore, blue tansy oil blends well with lavender oil, frankincense oil, and cypress oil to give an even more potent mixture. Just pour 3-5 drops of blue tansy on a clean cotton cloth and rub on the affected area in a circular motion. Clean with warm water after 3-4 hours.
Apart from its culinary role, turmeric works as a natural antiseptic. Turmeric also contains curcumin compound which helps to relieve inflammation. To battle acne, create a paste by mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder with unrefined sesame oil. Then, apply the paste on the affected area for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, you can dissolve a half teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm milk and drink 2-3 times a day.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda kills the acne-causing bacteria, balances the skin pH, and exfoliates the dead skin cells. Additionally, baking soda removes the excess sebum which helps to open the skin pores. For this remedy, mix baking soda with some cucumber juice and apply on the affected region. Rinse with water after about 15-20 minutes. Use the paste a couple of times every week to lessen cystic acne. Since baking soda does not have other synthetic additives, it’s not harsh on the skin.
5. Indian Lilac (Neem)
Indian lilac is a common Ayurvedic medicine for treating cystic acne. It has powerful healing properties that help to relieve acne symptoms like pain and inflammation. When you use Indian lilac externally, you detoxify and purify that area. You can either mash some leaves and apply on the affected area or make a decoction. Simply boil some leaves in hot water for 15 minutes, dip a cotton cloth in the solution, then, apply on the affected area.
6. Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C promotes collagen production and boosts your immune system. Furthermore, it protects the skin from free radical damage. To supply your body with vitamin C, you should consume potatoes, orange juice, pepper, broccoli, tomatoes, and red pepper. You can also obtain vitamin C in the form of supplements. Consult your doctor before using any supplement.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has acne-fighting properties. It helps to unblock the skin oil glands, and most importantly reduces redness. Furthermore, tea tree oil is effective in eliminating inflammation, pain, and swelling. If you have small infected areas, you can apply the oil directly on your skin using a cotton pad. However, if you want to cleanse the bacteria in large areas, you should dilute the oil with water or honey. It gives better results compared to other skin chemicals. Ensure you perform a patch test as some people find tea tree oil too harsh.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is commonly used to treat cystic acne thanks to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, apple cider vinegar helps to balance your skin pH. Simply add one cup of unfiltered ACV in water, dip a cotton cloth into the solution and then rub on the affected area. You can also mix honey with unfiltered ACV, then, add some water. Drink the tonic 2-3 times every day. If you have acne that keeps coming back, ACV can give lasting results.
9. Lavender Oil
Unlike other conventional treatments, lavender oil does not produce excessive irritation to the skin. Also, lavender oil has astringent properties that help to rejuvenate the skin. Simply dab some oil on the affected area 2-3 times a day to promote healing. Likewise, you can put a few drops of lavender oil in a basin of hot water and use it as face steam. You need to cover your face with a towel to allow the steam to circulate your face.
Raw honey offers incredible antioxidant, antiseptic, and moisturizing properties. It reduces inflammation and aids in tissue healing. To get rid of cystic acne, dab some honey on the affected region. Allow it to stay for 10-15 minutes, then, clean with warm, tepid water. Alternatively, you can mix a half tablespoon of cinnamon powder with honey and apply the mask to the affected region. Wash off with tepid water after 15 minutes. When you use honey for a few weeks, it will bring back your positive self-image.
11. Egg White Mask
When you apply an egg white on your face, it helps lift out the dirt from the skin pores and promotes healthy cell growth. Moreover, egg white helps to tone the skin thanks to its astringent properties. For this remedy, just apply the egg white on your face using a paintbrush, allow it to dry, and clean off with cool/lukewarm water thereafter. Use this regimen 1-2 times a day until you get the best results. You don’t have to buy those expensive acne creams anymore.
12. Lemon Juice
Lemons possess a high amount of citric acid which helps to remove the dead skin cells. Additionally, lemon alleviates any swelling associated with cystic acne. First, clean the affected area with a washcloth to remove the excess oil. Secondly, apply the juice with a cotton cloth and wait for 10-15 minutes. Then, wash with water and pat dry. Use this regimen up to two times a day until you get the desired results.
13. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is commonly used in sunscreen lotions due to its curative, moisturizing, and calming properties. To treat cystic acne, extract the gel from an aloe leaf and rub on the affected area in a circular motion. Rinse of with cold/warm water after 5-10 minutes. Avoid using the gel on a broken skin.
14. Potato Paste
Mashed Potato easily removes dirt and impurities from the skin pores. They also contain essential vitamins which promote faster healing. To reduce the inflammation caused by acne, mash a raw potato and apply on the affected region. Clean the paste after 10-15 minutes.
15. Juniper Oil Mixture
Juniper berry has natural antimicrobial and antibacterial abilities which fight numerous skin infections. Juniper also helps to cleanse the skin which promotes the healing of the skin. Clean the problem area with warm water, then, apply the oil using a cotton swab. Wash off the excess oil after 5 minutes. Juniper oil is more effective when combined with any carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil.
16. Monitor Your Diet
To reduce acne breakouts, you should avoid consuming sugars, junk food, and complex carbohydrates which are likely to irritate your skin. Instead, take low-glycemic carbohydrates and non-dairy products with the exception of yogurt. Additionally, consume lots of fruits and vegetables as they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Apart from following a good diet regime, you should drink plenty of water.
Almost any acne product will have mint in it. Mint leaves contain salicylic acid which works as an exfoliator. Furthermore, mint has soothing properties which help to heal the cysts. To make a paste, crush some mint leaves and then apply on the problem area. Wash off after 15-20 minutes.
18. Steaming Your Face
Steam will help to bring the puss from the acne cysts to the surface of the skin. At the same time, steam kills the acne-causing bacteria by penetrating the pores. Just cover your head, with a towel, and lower it to a bowl of hot water. Allow the steam to flow directly on the face for 15-20 minutes. Use this steaming method 2-3 times a day. Caution should be taken so as not to scald your skin.
19. Direct Application Of Ice
Since some people may overreact to face masks with strong chemicals, a pack of ice cubes may be the most effective solution for such people. Ideally, the ice helps to close the pores which prevent dirt from entering the skin. To relieve pain and inflammation, wrap a few ice cubes with a clean cloth and apply to the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
20. Aspirin Mask
Aspirin is rich in acetylsalicylic acid which promotes healing in bacteria-filled lesions. Acetylsalicylic acid also works as an exfoliator by removing the dead skin cells. To make an aspirin paste, crush a few aspirin tablets and then add some warm water. Then, spread the paste on the affected region for 10-15 minutes and wash off thereafter. Use the paste 1-2 times a day until you get some visible results.
21. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in essential amino acids which moisturize and brighten the skin. Coconut oil, due to its high lauric acid constituent, also contains antibacterial properties which promote skin healing. For this remedy, simply dip a clean cotton cloth in the oil and rub on the affected region when going to bed. Clean off the following morning with warm water. Use coconut oil every day until the acne starts to fade. Despite its strength, coconut oil may not be suitable for people with oily skin type.
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