Cystic Acne On Cheeks

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, developing when cysts form deep beneath your skin. This type of acne is typically experienced by people with oily skin leading to breakouts, and can usually be treated with a combination of medication and good hygienic practices.

What is cystic acne?

Cystic acne is a very serious form of acne that develops when cysts form underneath your skin. This causes large, red, pus-filled inflamed acne that's sore to the touch and long-lasting. Often, those with poor skin hygiene or those in stages of excess hormone production, such as puberty, are more prone to cystic acne breakouts.

What causes cystic acne?

The sebaceous glands found within your skin secrete sebum, an oil that clogs your pores. If you have too much of this oil, or your skin is not properly cleaned, it can lead to breakouts. The amount of sebum that makes it into your pores depends mostly on:

• Hormones. Your battle with acne could be partly genetic. During certain life stages, like your teenage years, your hormones can cause breakouts, particularly if accompanied by poor skin hygiene.

• Hygiene. Wash carefully, but don't over-wash. Using dermatologically-approved products helps prevent build-ups in your pores that cause acne. But over-washing can strip your skin of beneficial oils and bacteria. It's a delicate balance.

One of the most common areas for cystic acne is your cheeks

We put a lot of stuff on our faces: shaving cream, makeup, and dermatological products. These create bacteria and dead skin buildups that, along with sebum and sweat, contribute to breakouts. Other areas of concern for breakout are your chin, forehead, and even your back as these areas, along with your cheeks, have the most concentrated number of sebaceous glands than anywhere else on the body.

How can I tell the difference between regular acne and cystic acne?

Though cystic acne is serious, it's not hard to spot. Here are a few differences between cystic and regular acne:

Regular Acne

• Regular acne is smaller and less conspicuous

• It's less frequent and has a higher turnaround rate (it's usually gone within 1-2 weeks)

• This type of acne typically doesn't cause localized tenderness

Cystic Acne

• Is typically red and inflamed. Cystic acne can be almost dime-sized, depending on the severity

• Has localized soreness

• Accompanied by excessive pus

Use other methods—never pop a cyst on your cheek!

First, these types of breakouts are more prone to scar. It's also important to know that cysts are a type of wound, and they need time to heal. If you pop cystic acne, you're leaving a vital wound exposed to infection.

Tips to prevent cystic acne on your cheeks from worsening

There are a few things you can do to help maintain the acne on your cheeks.

• First, wash your face twice a day with warm water. This helps remove dead skin cells, excess oils, and other pore-clogging, zit-causing grime!

• Second, don't touch your breakouts! Your hands have a lot of dirt and bacteria that can not only worsen your breakout, but also cause an infection.

• Finally, do your research on anything you put on your face. Some common products are really just expensive water. But some can actually be comedogenic, which means they'll clog your pores. Or worse!

Here's the best ways to treat your cystic acne

While cystic acne is the most severe type of acne you can have, the good news is that you won't have to live with it forever. There's a wide range of treatment options that (when combined with stronger oral antibiotics) have shown to combat those pesky red bumps for good.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Typically a main ingredient in many acne facial cleansers and lotions, benzoyl peroxide goes into your pores to lift and remove excess oil, dirt and debris (acne-causing agents).

• Oral Contraceptives: For many women, cystic acne is linked to hormonal fluctuations. Using birth control pills has shown to help reduce acne.

• Retinoids: One of the most successful acne treatments, retinoids expertly diminish sebum (excess oil), dirt, bacteria, and any other acne-causing agents on your skin's surface to prevent future breakouts. This powerful drug has also been proven to stop acne scars from forming, leaving behind only smooth, radiant skin.

Treat your acne fast! Get a prescription retinoid, today!

We understand how annoying and bothersome acne breakouts can be. Whether it's picture day at school, or you've got a job interview, acne is not a welcome friend. Fortunately, it's a treatable condition. Our licensed physicians make it easy and more comfortable to have a discussion about your skin and the best treatment options available for you.

Talk to one of our reputable online physicians to get your prescription Retinoid, today!