Takeaway: Exfoliate 3-4 Times Per Week. Since people with acne skin deal with excessive oil production, Dr. Mehr notes it's important to increase the amount of exfoliation.
While cysts can be genetic, the best way to lower your risk of getting them is exfoliating. The most common way epidermoid cysts form is through clogged oil glands or pores, which can be prevented through regular face and body exfoliation.
Use a BHA (salicylic acid) exfoliant daily. This reduces redness and swelling, reduces the formation of bacteria in the pores and improves the skin's ability to discharge the sebum. Additionally, use a product with benzoyl peroxide (available at a pharmacy) daily to kill the bacteria in the pores.
The short answer is yes, you should exfoliate acne-prone skin! Regardless of your skin type, exfoliation helps lift away dulling surface debris. For acne-prone skin, this helps sweep away dulling surface debris that could otherwise clog the pores and create a breeding ground for acne bacteria.
Exfoliation is effective by helping to get rid of dead skin cells and impurities that perpetuate the appearance of acne. However, it can aggravate chronic or cystic acne if not done gently and correctly. It's important to identify the causes of acne and exfoliate based on the current condition of your skin.
By removing dead skin cells, facial scrubs allow oil, dirt, bacteria, etc. that were trapped deep within pores to come to the surface. The blemish that results is actually the body's way of expelling toxins completely. Breakouts that occur anywhere from two to four weeks after a gentle scrub are normal.
Hormones, genetics, medications, diet and stress are a few things that can both cause and aggravate cystic acne, according to Barankin and Ibrahim. While the effects of hormones, genetics and most medications are things you can't control, diet and stress are two lifestyle factors that you can manage.
Keep your hands away from your face during the day. Don't pick at or pop pimples or scabs. Wash your hair regularly and keep hair (which can be oily) away from your face. Occasionally oily environments, such as working at a fast food restaurant, can contribute to acne flares.
Try applying a hot, wet compress to the cyst a few times a day. The heat will help pull out the pus, allowing the cyst to drain. This can relieve pain and itching. You might also try soaking the area in a warm, shallow bath.
As you're probably aware if you have acne-prone skin, treating your skin abrasively could tear blemishes, increase sensitivity, or even increase inflammation. Avoid exfoliants with beads if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, instead opt for a lotion or cleanser and use a soft exfoliating mitt.
Salicylic acid and sulfur can be fabulous for some kinds of acne, but not for cystic acne. Make sure you hydrate your skin with a good moisturizer so that your skin doesn't feel the need to overproduce its natural oils.
Sugar and Some Carbs
You're more likely to have acne if your diet is full of foods and drinks like soda, white bread, white rice, and cake. The sugar and carbohydrates in these foods tend to get into your blood really quickly. That means they are high on the glycemic index, a measure of how foods affect blood sugar.
Unfortunately, cystic acne often doesn't go away on its own and requires treatment from a doctor or dermatologist. Cystic acne has psychological effects as well as visible effects on the skin.
One way your dermatologist can get rid of a painful cyst or nodule is to inject it with a corticosteroid. This helps to quickly reduce the size and pain. Another procedure is called incision and drainage. It's used to drain a large, painful acne cyst or nodule that medicine cannot clear.
Sometimes moisturizers are too heavy or have ingredients that can irritate your skin and make your acne worse. To guard against that, simply look for bottles of moisturizer that say they are: Oil-free. Non-comedogenic.
Skin purging occurs because of some ingredients that accelerate your body's natural process of getting rid of dead skin cells. Products that contain certain components—including lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinoids—are likely the culprits of your acne breakout.
“Regular exfoliation not only helps prevent new breakouts from forming, but it also can help reduce the appearance of lingering scars from hormonal acne,” Dr. Schlessinger says.
Scrubbing can irritate your skin, causing acne to flare. What to do instead: Be gentle when washing your face and other skin with acne. You want to use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser.