What causes cystic acne? Pores in the skin can clog with excess oil and dead skin cells, causing pimples. Bacteria can enter the skin pores and get trapped along with the oil and skin cells. The skin reaction causes swelling deep in the skin's middle layer (the dermis).
“Cystic acne is commonly increased in your thirties as this is when the skin is most susceptible to hormonal changes. The hormonal shifts affect the oil glands and sebaceous glands in the skin,” Dr. Purvisha Patel, board certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare adds.
Cystic acne can be caused by a variety of factors
Hormone imbalance – particularly fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone. Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Medications such as testosterone, lithium and steroids can aggravate acne.
Start with Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid
“Benzoyl peroxide helps to reduce inflammation, treat acne bacteria, and unclog pores,” he says. “Cleansing with salicylic acid or using it as spot treatment is a tried-and-true treatment to help stop breakouts.”
Vitamins B6 and B12
acnes), the bacteria that are linked to acne, needs B12. And when you supplement with the vitamin, you're essentially giving nutrients to the bacteria. This raises the production of porphyrin, a compound that helps you make red blood cells, which can lead to inflammation and acne.
Your acne appears around your chin and jawline. One of the telltale signs of a hormonal breakout is its location on the face. If you're noticing inflamed cystic acne on your chin or jawline area—anywhere around your lower face, really—you can bet your bottom dollar that it's probably hormonal acne.
What does hormonal acne look like? Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules are all common hormonal acne symptoms. Normally, whiteheads and blackheads do not cause pain, inflammation or swelling, but if they do, then they are most likely forming into cysts and pustules.
When women begin entering menopause, estrogen, the female hormones, decrease while androgen increases. This increase in androgens can lead to acne and other problems. However, there are other lifestyle factors that can play a role in acne risk. Genetics, stress, and sleep problems can all lead to increased breakouts.
Stress won't give you acne if you're not already predisposed to it, but it can make acne worse by causing levels of certain hormones to temporarily increase. “When your fight-or-flight response is activated, the body releases stress hormones, such as cortisol and androgens,” Dr. Minni explained.
Although conditions like depression and anxiety don't actually cause acne, they can definitely make it worse. People who experience periods of increased stress, like taking tests in school, can develop worsening of acne. Stress has also been shown to increase oil production in the skin, which can also worsen acne.
Try Topical Spot Treatment
Try applying a topical spot treatment with an active ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. By applying an over-the-counter spot treatment directly to your skin, you can help shrink that sucker down.
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.
If ignored, cysts can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to go away by themselves. Although your body will eventually deal with the inflammation, some cysts can persist for extended periods of time and often leave behind scars.
Cystic acne is the most serious type of 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. Although anyone can develop acne, cystic acne tends to occur in people with oily skin.
Increasing consumption of vitamin A, D, zinc, and vitamin E can help fight acne and lead to clearer skin. For more tips on acne treatment and supplements, consult a dermatologist or pharmacist for more information.
Dehydration contributes to Congestion, Blackheads and Breakouts! When skin is not hydrated properly it leads to congestion, blackheads and breakouts because the natural oils in your skin are thick and easily stuck in your pores causing bacteria growth.
This causes the infamous fluid-filled bumps. If irritated, these can become painful. They can also turn red from swelling. Like other types of acne, you shouldn't try to squeeze out a cyst in order to “pop” it.
Stress triggers or worsens acne by multiple mechanisms. Not many studies have assessed the relationship between stress and acne flares. On the basis of this study, it is concluded that stress positively correlates with acne severity.
Given the increase in oil production, she says your skin will usually look greasier and slightly more inflamed. Zeichner adds that stress acne can also look like a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and pus pimples.