Understanding Cystic Acne Treatment & Causes
Walking around with a face dotted with pimples and bumps can be a physically painful and emotionally nerve-wracking experience for anyone. Regular acne is already an undesirable skin condition, but with what is considered the worst form of acne, things can really get out of control. Even though there is no permanent cure, products like our PurClarity Revitalizing Mist can offer relief for the appearance and pain that comes with cystic acne. Let's take a closer look at cystic acne.
What is Cystic Acne?
Cystic acne, sometimes called adult acne, is a type of acne that causes the formation of deep, painful pimples filled with pus. Unlike regular acne, where whiteheads and blackheads are on the surface of the skin, these pimples are formed deeper in the skin. Cystic acne occurs along the cheeks, on the forehead, and on the jawline.
During the formation of regular acne, a combination of dead skin cells and sebum clog pores, causing clogging and hence acne. With cystic acne, some forms of bacteria also get into the pores, bringing with them swelling and severe inflammation. This combination makes it very painful and causes more scarring. Cystic acne can manifest in a few ways. It can be a red lump that is tender and painful; it can be a big oozing pimple or a pea-sized series of crusty bumps.
What Causes Cystic Acne?
Having cystic acne can be a cause of great discomfort, especially because it affects people who are in the prime of their youth. Cystic acne forms when the bacteria enters a pore already filled with either sebum or skin cells. The bacteria reacts with these substances to form a swelling in the dermis, which forms an acne cyst.
Cystic acne can be caused by hormones, and teenagers and women are more prone to suffering from it. It can also come from genes, so if your family suffers from cystic acne, there is a chance you could as well. It appears in many areas of the body, but the face, back, chest, and neck are the most common places for cystic acne to occur. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that some day-to-day activities, such as exercise, could cause acne as well.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Cystic Acne?
Due to the unknown cause of cystic acne, the best option is to manage the symptoms and keep the pimples at bay. This way, you don't have to wake up to a swollen face forever. Treatment for cystic acne can be either through natural remedies or through over-the-counter methods. However, before beginning any regimen, it is wise to consult with a certified dermatologist for advice. Experts recommend some habits that could help prevent the occurrence of cystic acne. People with cystic acne should avoid picking the pimples as this spreads the acne-causing bacteria to other areas of the skin. Picking the skin could end up causing breakouts in otherwise clear areas. Washing the face at least twice a day can also go a long way in preventing cystic acne.
Natural remedies such as cinnamon, turmeric, and honey have been used to control different forms of acne. For those who prefer more traditional approaches to medicine, natural remedies are a great option. However, if you are looking for a treatment option that is curated to deal with acne, here are some options you can explore.
Hypochlorous Acid
Hypochlorous acid is a great skincare product that helps to combat different skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema, among others. The acid is commonly known as HOCL, and it is available in creams, gels or mists, like our Purclarity Revitalizing Mist.
HOCL works as a detoxifying agent that kills germs and bacteria that cause skin conditions, including cystic acne. By killing off the bacteria, you can eliminate the swelling they cause, reducing the appearance of the pimples. Without bacteria on the skin, the occurrence of cysts reduces significantly. HOCL is an active ingredient in our Revitalizing Mist, and by adding it to your skincare routine, you don't just manage cystic acne; you prevent it as well.
Benzoyl Peroxide
This is one of the most popular ingredients in the acne-prone side of skin care products. Benzoyl peroxide works by entering the skin pores and clearing out the oil and dead cells, which is basically the stuff that makes up a pimple. Like hypochlorous acid, benzoyl peroxide works as a treatment and a preventative option. A lot of facial cleansers have this as an active ingredient, and using it at least twice a day can help greatly reduce the severity of cystic acne.
Retinols
Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds related to vitamin A. They are one of the most popular ingredients in treating all forms of acne, as they reduce the production of sebum in the skin. In addition, they act as an exfoliating agent that clears out dirt from the skin, and to top it all off, they increase the production of new skin cells.
Retinoids are applied topically, and each aspect works differently to clear cystic acne and its effects. Over time, the acne doesn't just disappear; the scarring does as well.
Oral Contraception
As mentioned, hormones play a very big role in the occurrence of cystic acne, and controlling hormones could help to minimize its severity. Unlike the other treatment methods that can be bought over the counter, it is highly recommended that you have a doctor prescribe contraceptives to control acne.
Let's Start Clearing the Bumps!
Cystic acne is a skincare burden that many people struggle with. It is painful, and with the wrong treatment, it can become worse. It is hard to hide because the bumps are too big. With our Purclarity Revitalizing Mist, you can put the days of shame behind you. With its hypochlorous acid ingredient, your skin remains clean and safe, so much so that the cystic acne-causing bacteria has no breeding ground. It also provides soothing relief to those who already have cystic acne. In a matter of time, using our Purclarity Revitalizing Mist, you will notice that your skin becomes more beautiful, even, and clearer than it has ever been.