Skincare Tips
How To Get Rid Of Cystic Acne: Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Pimple itself is a problem but when you suffer from cystic acne, it can be bothersome and distressing. Most of...
By: Balqis Ariffin / March 25, 2021
Pimple itself is a problem but when you suffer from cystic acne, it can be bothersome and distressing. Most of us have tried all the things that we can possibly think of to prevent and treat cystic acne, from home remedies, skin care products to medications. Don’t give up just yet because Beauty Insider has gathered a complete guide on how to get rid of cystic acne so you can have a clear and smooth complexion.
Contents
What is Cystic Acne?
Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne and it usually happens when the infection occurs deep in the skin. Subsequently, it leads to large, red, and pus-filled bumps on the skin. Due to its severity, cystic acne is known to leave scars and dark marks. Therefore, it is significantly important that you treat cystic acne effectively to minimizes its effect on the skin.
What Causes Cystic Acne?
It can be difficult to determine the exact causes of cystic acne, however, there are several factors that may contribute to the formation of cystic acne on your skin.
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Menstrual cycle
- Unbalance diet
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Medications
- Humid weather
10 Tips on How to Get Rid Of Cystic Acne Effectively
1. Don’t pop it
This one is for the pimple poppers out there, we know that sometimes you can’t resist the temptations of popping your pimple, especially cystic acne, and feeling satisfied by just watching the pus or gunks explode. Unfortunately, such a habit will only make things worse as it can cause inflammation and scarring. Plus, when you squeeze and pop the cystic acne, it can increase the risk of infection and leads to more breakouts. Besides, it is more likely to develop scars as it is formed deep in the skin. So peeps, make sure to keep your hands away from your face.
2. Cleanse your skin thoroughly
Cleansing your face is one of the most important steps to prevent and treat cystic acne, this is because cleanser does not only helps to remove makeup, impurities, and sunscreen, it also helps to eliminate bacteria that trigger acne. If you experience cystic acne, it is recommended that you choose a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, which is a form of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA).
Salicylic acid is known to remove dead skin cells, prevent excess oil and shrink acne by drying them off. However, you need to avoid scrubbing or rubbing your face as it can lead to scarring, thus always remember to cleanse your face gently. We suggest that you take your time to cleanse your face, in order to let the product works its magic and the trick is that you can sing the alphabet before rinsing your face. Here, we have listed a few cleansers that are suitable for people with cystic acne.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash is an award-winning facial cleanser that will do wonders for your skin. It features the key ingredients to combat acne, salicylic acid, and lipo-hydroxy acid to help eliminate dirt and impurities without irritating the skin. Plus, it is formulated to effectively remove excess oil and prevent breakouts, leaving your skin smooth and clearer.
Why we love it:
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist tested
- Paraben, fragrance and oil free
Price: RM128.00. Available at Shopee.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
This cult-favorite cleanser is without a doubt the best cleanser regardless of your skin type. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a soap-free cleanser that gently cleanses your skin and retains the skin’s natural moisture without making it dry. Furthermore, it features non-irritating and soothing ingredients that nourish the skin, making your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Why we love it:
- Soap-free cleanser
- Suitable for all skin types
- Soothing
Price: RM63.68. Available at Guardian.
3. Don’t skip moisturizer
You might be thinking of skipping moisturizers, but trust us, it is equally important as any other product. This is because moisturizer helps to protect the skin barrier and heal cystic acne. It is recommended that you opt for a moisturizer that contains ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid as they soothe inflammation and fortify the skin’s barrier. The rule of thumb is to choose a non-comedogenic and oil-free moisturizer.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer
With 4.5 star ratings on Sephora, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer delivers sufficient moisture to the skin without leaving any greasy feeling. This lightweight moisturizer quickly absorbs into the skin with a matte finish. Plus, it helps to minimize the appearance of pores and makes your skin shine-free throughout the day.
Why we love it:
- Matte finish
- Oil-controlling formula
- Lightweight
Price: RM150.00. Available at Sephora.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel instantly hydrates the skin, leaving the skin looking supple and smooth. This non-comedogenic moisturizer contains a formula that delivers intense hydration and helps to retain the moisture on the skin. Besides, with its water-gel consistency, it easily absorbs into the skin without making your skin oily.
Why we love it:
- Delivers intense hydration
- Oil-free formula
- non-comedogenic moisturizer
Price: RM60.21. Available at Watsons.
4. Consistently use a medicated spot treatment
In order to prevent and treat cystic acne effectively, another tip is that you need to incorporate medicated spot treatment into your skincare routine. You can opt for spot treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, salicylic acid, or sulfur depending on the severity of your cystic acne. As some of the medicated spot treatments feature a high concentration of these ingredients, we suggest that you choose the suitable amount that works for your skin. These spot treatments are a godsend as they help to kill the bacteria, soothe inflammation and redness on the skin.
Differin Gel
Differin Gel is one of the best medicated spot treatments that will keep cystic acne away! Formulated with adapalene, this gel spot treatment helps to effectively treat and prevent breakouts. Moreover, it contains essential ingredients which reduce the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation from happening. Unlike any other spot treatments, Differin gel combats acne by increasing the cell turnover and target the causes of acne, which are inflammation and clogged pores.
Why we love it:
- Contains retinoid adapalene
- Prevents scarring
- Water-based formula
Price: RM68.97. Available at Shopee.
Origins Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel
Origins Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel garnered whopping 4-star ratings on Sephora and people have raved about how this spot treatment helps to fight and heal acne effectively. Packed with caffeine and red algae, it instantly soothes redness and inflammation on the skin. On top of that, this spot remover also contains salicylic acid which is one of the key ingredients that combat acne. With just a dot, you will notice that your complexion is clearer and smooth.
Why we love it:
- Formulated with anti-spot technology
- Contains salicylic acid
- Soothe and calm the skin
Price: RM88.00. Available at Sephora.
5. Apply sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is an important routine that you should never skip, it helps to protect your skin from sun damage, especially when you suffer from cystic acne. Have you ever notice dark or pink spots that form on your skin? Well, such a condition requires a long time to heal, thus it is imperative that you protect your skin from harmful rays. We know that sunscreen and oily skin may sound daunting to some especially considering Malaysia’s weather, rest assured as there are sunscreens formulated for oily and acne-prone skin.
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46
If you have cystic acne skin, you need to grab EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46 asap! People with acne-prone skin swear by this sunscreen as it is formulated niacinamide which helps to reduce redness on the skin. On top of that, this mineral-based sunscreen features vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid to moisture the skin and reduce the signs of aging.
Why we love it:
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Features niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and vitamin E
Price: RM171.00. Available at Lazada .
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is the go-to sunscreen for people with cystic acne as it delivers a lightweight consistency that quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving any residues or white cast. In addition, it is formulated with aloe vera extract to nourish and moisturizes the skin.
Why we love it:
- Non-greasy
- Contains hydrating properties
- Compact size
Price: RM51.52. Available at Watsons.
6. Pamper yourself with facials
Indeed, getting a facial is not only an excuse to pamper yourself but primarily it helps to keep your skin healthy. Just imagine the clogged pores, blackheads, and dead skin cells on your skin, well facial is one of the most important steps that you need to know on how to get rid of your cystic acne. So, book your appointment now and clear the pores for good!
7. Have a balance diet
Although hormones, genetics, and age play a crucial role in cystic acne, having a balanced diet is also important as well. Previous research has been shown that a high glycemic index diet and skim milk contribute to more breakouts. Yes, we’re talking about processed foods, carbohydrates, sugary, and all the things that are sweet. If you want clearer skin, it is recommended that you have a variety of healthy foods that comprises vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
8. Avoid feeling stress
We know that feeling stress is inevitable nowadays, however, stress, hormones and breakouts correlate with each other. Have you ever notice a red bump on your face when you’re stress out about something? Yes, we do too. Therefore, it is important that you reduce the stress level by doing something that you like such as exercising, painting, or simply going for a walk.
9. Get enough rest
We cant’s emphasized enough on the importance of getting your beauty sleep as it does not only helps to refresh your body but your mind and soul as well. A lack of sleep will make we feel more stress and eventually it leads to breakouts. So, if you have been searching for the best tips on how to get rid of cystic acne, you should start it with getting enough sleep.
10. Ice it to minimize inflammation
Another tip that can get rid of cystic acne is it apply ice on the targeted area after you have cleansed your face once you feel that it’s starting to form. You can wrap the ice cubes in a paper towel and apply them to your skin to reduce inflammation and size. Besides that, it is recommended that you do it about three times an hour with 10 minutes intervals.
