Cystic Acne On Chin

The chin is a common place to experience episodes of cystic acne, the most serious type of acne. Your face has as many as 900 sebaceous glands per square centimeter of skin, causing a heavy concentration of pore-clogging sebum buildup. These breakouts can typically be managed through good hygiene and minor medical intervention such as retinoids.

What is cystic acne?

Cystic acne is the most serious type of acne. It occurs when cysts form deep beneath your skin, resulting in inflammation. These formations are characterized by their red coloration, extreme tenderness, and the presence of pus. Though the exact cause is unknown, this type of acne is most common in those with excessively oily skin. Additionally, dead skin cells and bacteria are often associated with this condition.

What causes cystic acne?

There's no single cause of cystic acne. However, several factors such as hormones, hygiene, and products are risk factors in developing the cysts which leads to this type of acne. Some examples include:

• Hygiene. It's important to wash your face every night. Oils, skin cells, bacteria, and grime cause build-ups which over time can block your pores and lead to massive breakouts.

• Hormones. You could have a genetic predisposition for this condition. This comes down to how much oil your skin naturally produces, your health, and your stage of life. Teenagers are particularly prone to hormonal influence in their skin's appearance.

• Product. Wipe your make-up off before bed! Products that linger on your skin and prevent your pores from oxygenating and contribute to build-up. You should also double check products you use for exfoliation and cleaning, as some of these are actually really bad for you. Consult your dermatologist, if necessary.

Cystic acne is incredibly common on the chin area

The chin is an area of our face that takes a lot of skincare-related hits! For men, this is the area you lather thick shaving cream and drag a dirty razor across your face; for women, it's one of the places you're most likely to put heavy makeup! This contributes to localized pore blockage and oil buildup, resulting in more breakouts. Additionally, hormone-related acne is most common on the chin due to sebum production in the area, the oil most associated with clogging pores.

Here's how to tell if it's regular acne or cystic acne

Cystic acne is relatively easy to differentiate from regular acne. Here are a few key differences you should look out for:

Regular Acne

• Appear and disappear relatively quickly, usually within 1-2 weeks

• Pimples are substantially smaller

• Form blackheads, whiteheads, and papules

Cystic Acne

• Larger pimples. Severe cases can create dime-sized formations

• Red in color

• Tender, swollen, and painful even without touching

• Pus-filled or pus leakage present

Never pop a cyst on your chin—it could be harmful!

The formation exists as part of your body's protection against external hazards, like harmful bacteria. Popping your cyst makes it vulnerable to toxins, increasing the chances of infection. You should also know if you're trying to get rid of the blemish, popping it creates a good chance of permanent scarring.

Other things you should never do when you have acne

There are some things you should never do when you have a breakout:

• Don't cover it up with makeup. This keeps the cyst from breathing and further clogs your pores.

• Don't touch it. It's healing! And, of course, your hands are covered with bacteria and toxins that don't need to go anywhere near the sensitive skin on your face.

• Don't over-wash your face. This strips your skin of the good bacteria charged with healing your cyst.

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!