{"id":12592,"date":"2019-12-30T14:54:54","date_gmt":"2019-12-30T22:54:54","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=12592"},"modified":"2023-10-12T16:14:39","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T23:14:39","slug":"skin-care-ingredients-treating-cystic-acne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/skin-care-ingredients-treating-cystic-acne","title":{"rendered":"14 Skin-Care Ingredients for Busting Cystic Acne"},"content":{"rendered":"

It doesn’t matter if you’re well out of your teen years or part of a celebrity clan. Acne<\/a>, especially of the cystic variety, doesn’t discriminate when it comes to age, gender, or level of fame. Even celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Lili Reinhart have openly talked about their troubles with cystic acne. Those deep, painful, long-lasting bumps show no mercy.<\/p>

If you’ve ever experienced a cystic breakout, you know that it’s an entirely different kind of beast compared to milder types of pimples. They can take up large patches of unwelcome residence on your complexion, sometimes taking weeks or even months to disappear. You might find yourself making a plea to the acne gods, wishing instead for a smattering of whiteheads in exchange for your aching cystic pimples. <\/p>

Thankfully, there are some things you can try, including some skin-care products that have cystic acne—fighting ingredients. Find out how to conquer cystic acne once and for all, with help from skin-care experts. <\/p>

What is cystic acne?<\/strong><\/h2>

When we think of cystic acne, what usually comes to mind are the painful pimples that stay deep underneath the skin, never coming to a head. However, there are technically two types that fall underneath the nodulocystic (a severe form of acne) umbrella: cystic acne and nodular acne. <\/p>

“Cystic acne is considered to be the most severe type of acne, in which the pores in the skin become blocked, leading to infection and inflammation,” Dr. Michele Green<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains. “Nodular acne [occurs] when many red, swollen, tender lumps form in the skin. These can be the size of pencil erasers or larger. The skin condition mainly affects the face, but it also often affects the upper trunk, chest, and shoulders.” Nodular acne feels hard to the touch, doesn’t form a whitehead, and can be flesh-toned, while cystic acne is filled with pus and softer than nodules. Dr. Green says that if left untreated, nodulocystic acne can lead to permanent scars. <\/p>

What causes cystic acne?<\/strong><\/h2>

Dr. Shari Sperling<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in Florham Park, New Jersey, says that hormones, bacteria, and genetics can all have an effect on cystic acne. Dr. Green adds that a family history of cystic acne is one of the contributing factors to the development of the condition. “Acne, particularly cystic acne, tends to run in families, and individuals are more likely to develop it if one or both parents had it,” she explains. “An individual’s genetic makeup or certain genetic mutations may also increase their risk of developing cystic acne. For example, an individual’s genetic makeup may cause an overproduction of skin cells or sebum. This increases the likelihood of clogged pores or oily skin, which are both contributing factors to the development of acne.”<\/p>

People who have oily skin tend to be more at-risk for cystic acne. “It develops when cysts form deep underneath your skin. This can result from a combination of bacteria, oil, and dry skin cells that get trapped in your pores,” Dr. Green says.  <\/p>

There is also research that suggests diet may play a part in cystic acne, particularly when it comes to dairy. Several studies have shown a possible association between dairy <\/a>and acne, with some specifically noting a link <\/a>to skim milk as the culprit. Diets containing high-glycemic foods, like white bread, white rice, corn, and white potatoes, may also contribute. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) published research<\/a> that showed 87% of patients saying they had fewer acne bumps after switching to a low-glycemic diet.<\/p>

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