Have you ever experienced large, inflamed, painful skin breakouts? For the uninitiated, they are known as cystic acne. This type of acne breaks out on the face commonly and also spread to upper arms, back, chest, and shoulders. Cystic acne is also known as nodulocystic acne which results in large cysts that appears on skin. It is painful and occurs when dead skin cells gets trapped in pores or hair follicles.
One of the best ways to deal with cystic acne is through skin care using natural ingredients. But before we resort to talking about these home remedies, read on to learn the causes and symptoms of cystic area.
Causes of Cystic Acne:
Acne is caused when the skin pores gets clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Each pore is linked with a sebaceous gland, which produces an oily substance known as sebum. This can increase pores, and cause bacterial growth called Propionibacterium acnes. When attacked by the white blood cells, P.acnes can lead up to acne and skin inflammation. Several acne causes do more damage than others, but common signs are blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Several factors attribute to acne development, including stress, diet, hormonal changes like PCOD, genetics, and infections.
Symptoms of Cystic Acne:
The symptoms of cystic acne are:
- Large, red, painful breakouts on face, shoulders, chest, upper arms, back, and thighs.
- Pores that appear as large red bumps that do not show whitehead.
- Visible acne that leads to cysts.
- Skin breakouts that is sensitive and painful to touch or even without.
- Lesions felt underneath skin.
- Mood swings, decrease in self-esteem and increased psychological distress.
Natural Remedies for Treating Cystic Acne:
Below are home remedies for treating cystic acne:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Description:
Apple cider vinegar contains properties that can fight off several types of viruses and bacteria. It has other organic acids that are known for killing P. acnes.
How to use:
- You can use this remedy by mixing one part apple cider vinegar and three parts water.
- After cleansing, apply the mixture onto skin using a cotton ball.
- Allow it to rest for 10-20 seconds.
- Rinse off with water.
- Try this remedy once or twice a week for best results.
Tips:
Apple cider vinegar is a strong solution and therefore causes irritation to the skin. So it is important that you dilute it with water.
2. Honey and Cinnamon Mask:
Description:
Both honey and cinnamon contain antioxidants that are known for fighting bacteria and reducing inflammation that cause acne. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant agents of honey and cinnamon may treat an acne-prone skin.
How to use:
- Add two tsp honey and one tsp cinnamon well to make a paste.
- After cleansing, apply the paste onto clean face.
- Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the mask off after drying.
Tips:
How to use:
- Add one part tea tree oil with nine parts water.
- Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply onto affected area.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Repeat this solution once or twice daily.
Tips:
Alternatively, you can also try a lavender oil, tea tree oil, and carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil solution to fight cystic acne.
4. Green Tea:
Description:
Green tea contains powerful antioxidants or promoting good health. It also has tannins and Flavonoids known for fighting bacteria and reducing inflammation.
- How to use:
- Steep green tea into boiling water for three to four minutes.
- Allow the tea to cool.
- Make use of cotton ball to apply tea onto skin.
- Transfer the solution into a spray bottle and spritz on.
- Allow it to dry.
- Rinse off using water and pat dry.
Tips:
You can try cream and lotions with green tea base to fight off cystic acne. Or another solution is to strain all the tea leaves to honey and apply as face mask.
5. Witch Hazel:
Description:
Witch hazel has tannins with effective anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. It is known for treating several types of skin conditions like burns, dandruff, insect bites, eczema, and acne.
How to use:
- Add one tsp witch hazel bark with one cup water in a pot.
- Soak the witch hazel for half an hour and allow the mixture to boil.
- Bring to a boil. Cover the lid for 10 minutes.
- Remove the mixture and allow it to sit for extra 10 minutes.
- Strain and store the liquid in a cool place.
- Dip a cotton ball into the solution and apply over clean face.
- Try this remedy once or twice a day.
Tips:
There are commercially available versions of the solution but they may not contain tannins.
6. Aloe Vera:
Description:
Aloe vera gel is found in creams, lotions, soaps, and ointments. It is also used for treating other skin conditions like burns, rashes, and abrasions. Aloe vera also has salicylic acid and sulfur known for treating acne effectively.
How to use:
- Extract the gel out of the aloe vera plant using a spoon.
- Apply the gel directly onto clean skin as moisturizer.
- Repeat once or twice daily, or as desired.
Tips:
You can also look for aloe vera gel at stores but make sure to get the pure version with added ingredients.
7. Turmeric Mask:
Description:
Turmeric has curcumin which is known to have powerful anti-inflammatory agents. It also has antiseptic properties known for treating cystic acne. When you apply the turmeric mask onto face, it may dry the acne and drain the pus out. The inflammation gets visibly reduced.
How to use:
- Make a thick paste using turmeric and water.
- Apply it to affected area.
- Leave on for 45 minutes.
- Rinse off.
- Apply once or twice a day.
Tips:
You may also look up for turmeric face pack products from the stores in case you not in the mood for making your own mask.
Another tip is to add one to two tsp turmeric powder to unrefined sesame oil. Apply the paste onto affected and leave for one hour. You can also mix ½ tsp turmeric powder to a milk glass and drink daily.
8. Use a high-quality Retinoid:
Description:
Try a strong, high-quality retinoid to deal with painful cystic acne breakout. This is a great remedy to exfoliate skin and remove dead skin cells and open clogged pores.
9. Apply Ice:
Description:
Ice cubes are helpful in treating cystic acne. When pressed onto skin for several seconds, the ice can constrict our small blood vessels. The ice cubes can instantly help in decreasing acne size and inflamed area.
How to use:
- Take out an ice cube from an ice tray.
- Rub in circular motions.
- Continue the step until your skin is too sensitive from the cold.
- Repeat thrice daily for best results.
Tips:
You can also wrap the ice cubes in a muslin cloth and press against skin.
10. Essential Oils:
Description:
Essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil are greatly helpful for fighting off cystic acne. Both these ingredients are safe to use but you can also combine them with other carrier oil.
How to use:
- Mix the desired essential oils.
- Dab two to three drops of the oil onto affected area.
- Try this remedy before bedtime.
Tips:
Avoid going out to direct sunlight after using essential oil as it may to skin irritation and burns. If the essentials start causing irritation, discontinue immediately.
11. Aspirin Mask:
Description:
For cystic acne, we recommend a simple aspirin mask. Here are the steps to make one.
How to use:
- Crush an aspirin tablet and add water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste onto the affected area.
Tips:
Try this remedy twice or thrice a week for best results.
12. Natural Exfoliator:
Description:
Exfoliating skin helps in removing dead skin layers. It is also known for improving cystic acne by treating clogged pores. You can also make your own natural exfoliator from home to treat your acne problem.
How to use:
- Mix equal parts of sugar and coconut oil.
- Scrub the skin using the mixture.
- Rinse well.
- Exfoliate often as required.
Tips:
Alternatively, you can switch sugar with salt. It will give the same results.
13. Baking Soda:
Description:
Baking soda is a great ingredient for treating cystic acne as it contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents. It can strip off excess oil from clogged pores, maintain pH skin level, and treat dead skin cells.
How to use:
- Add one tsp baking soda with cucumber juice to make a smooth paste. Alternatively, you can use water instead of cucumber juice.
- Apply the solution onto affected area.
- Allow the remedy to rest for few minutes. Rinse off using lukewarm water.
- Try once or twice a week.
Tips:
Moisturize your skin well after using baking soda.
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14. Fuller’s Earth:
Description:
Fuller’s earth is a powerful remedy for getting rid of excessive oil and dead skin cells to reveal clean skin. It even reduces the formation of scars in future.
How to use:
- Add one to two tsp fuller’s earth with water to form a smooth paste.
- Mix ½ tsp honey onto the mixture.
- Apply onto face.
- Allow the paste to dry on its own.
- Rinse off using water.
Tips:
Try this remedy once or twice a week for best results.
15. Neem:
Description:
Neem or Indian lilac is a popular remedy for cystic acne. It has antimicrobial and antiseptic agents to reduce pain and inflammation.
How to use:
- Apply the paste of neem leaves onto affected skin. Allow it to dry.
- Rinse off using warm water.
Tips:
Another solution is to dab a few drops of neem oil onto affected area with a cotton ball. Dab onto skin for 10 minutes. Rinse off using warm water. Follow up with these remedies twice daily for best results.
Alongside these natural solutions to treat cystic acne, it is an absolute must to stick with a healthy lifestyle and diet. Maintain a simple and natural skincare routine. Continue making these healthy choices and say goodbye to cystic acne for good.
