You need prescription medication to get rid of cystic acne for good. However, face washes can prevent it from getting worse. Any face wash should do the trick as long its key ingredients include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, aloe vera, or witch hazel.
Cystic acne occurs when you develop large, red breakouts on your skin. Regular acne is when pores in the skin become clogged with bacteria or dead skin cells. When this inflammation goes deeper within the skin, it creates larger bumps filled with pus. This is cystic acne and is the most serious of all types of acne.
While dermatologists look for a definitive cause, you're more likely to get cystic acne if you have a family history of it and have a diet high in sugars.
Certain factors may increase your risk of getting cystic acne. Some of these include:
Cystic acne looks different from routine acne. While regular pimples are small with pus at the tip, cystic acne is much larger in scale. Other defining characteristics include:
If either type of acne causes you problems, don't hesitate to see a dermatologist. A professional can diagnose what precise acne type you have and recommend the best treatment. In the meantime, a facial cleanser can help prevent the problem from getting worse.
It's critical to remember that facial cleansers alone are not enough to get rid of cystic acne. However, they can prevent your symptoms from worsening. Plus, you can use a cleanser in conjunction with a medication treatment, like a retinoid, to get clearer skin faster.
Not all facial cleansers are the same. You want to look at the ingredient list, and make sure at least one of the following is listed.
This is a topical antiseptic that is commonly used to treat acne and other skin problems. It kills bacteria on the skin and helps fend off inflammation so that your cystic acne doesn't get any redder.
Salicylic acid penetrates deep within the skin to target acne at the source. For cystic acne, you want a cleanser with a high concentration of salicylic acid to dry out pimples and remove excess oil.
Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that also gets deep within your pores. It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties to vastly improve your skin's appearance, even with acne.
Witch hazel is great for calming inflammation. Since cystic acne is an inflammation within your skin's pores, witch hazel can help lessen its appearance. It greatly helps with decreasing the redness of cystic acne.
Aloe vera is touted as a "miracle plant." It's completely natural and is a great antibacterial product. You can leave aloe vera on your skin overnight to improve its appearance.
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.
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!