How do you know what skincare is best for your cystic acne? Many skincare products work well for people with different skin types, but the most important thing to consider is how severe your condition is.
For mild cases of cystic acne, topical treatments such as skin care creams and ointments may be enough. However, if you have moderate or severe cystic acne, then you might need oral medication. In this blog post, we will discuss which skincare products are best for treating different levels of severity.
What is cystic acne?
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterised by large, inflamed cysts or nodules on the skin. When the pores in the skin become blocked by skin cells and excess sebum, this leads to infection and inflammation. It’s most common on the face but may also appear on the chest and back.
Acne affects around 80% of people between 11 and 30, but cystic acne is far rarer. The exact cause is not yet known, but it is thought to be linked to hormonal changes during puberty. It is not related to diet or poor hygiene, and no amount of washing the face will cure cystic acne.
Choosing the best skincare for cystic acne
You may need oral medication to treat more extreme cases of cystic acne. However, in milder cases, you might be able to limit the damage and severity by using specialist products.
Cystic acne is more likely to scar than other types of acne, so it’s imperative to adapt your cleansing routine to help limit flare-ups.
Benzoyl peroxide products are the most common treatment option for cystic acne. These help to break up the blockage and eliminate bacteria from the skin.
You can purchase benzoyl peroxide soap, face wash, gels and moisturisers. However, it’s important to follow advice from a pharmacist or doctor, as excessive use can lead to skin irritation.
Try washing your face with a pH-neutral soap designed for ance, such as the Sebamed Cleansing Bar. This will leave your face feeling fresh and clean without drying out the skin.
Follow this with an Acnecide 5% treatment to help soothe the skin, eliminate bacteria and prevent further breakouts.
Quinoderm Antibacterial Face Wash is another excellent option for cleansing your skin.
Other tips for treating cystic acne
- Diet and exercise may play a role in flare-ups. Try keeping a food journal to spot patterns in your dietary intake that lead to cystic acne flare-ups.
- Exercise is very good for your mental and physical well-being, but it’s important to wash your face after getting sweaty. Try taking a lukewarm shower or rinsing your face with lukewarm water after exercise to help prevent further irritation.
- Overwashing can be just as damaging to skin as not washing often enough. While it might be tempting to over-cleanse, limit this to just twice per day. Many products designed for cystic acne will dry out and irritate the skin if they are used too often.
- Never pick or try to pop cystic acne spots. This can lead to scarring and will help to spread bacteria on your face. Instead, keep hair off your face and try not to touch your face throughout the day.
- If you experience acne scarring, microdermabrasion or microneedling may help to improve the appearance.
- Avoid wearing makeup when possible, and make sure you remove it completely before going to bed at night. You should also choose skin-friendly formulations that will not block your pores.
Need help and advice choosing skincare for your cystic acne? Get in touch with our team today!