By Davan 
Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterized by large, painful, and deep pimples (cysts) that are filled with pus. It’s usually caused by a combination of hormonal changes, increased oil production, bacteria, and clogged pores.
1. Avoid Picking or Squeezing
- Squeezing cystic acne can push bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to increased inflammation, scarring, and the potential for new breakouts.
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) emphasizes the importance of not squeezing acne to prevent scarring and further irritation (source).
2. Topical Treatments
- Benzoyl Peroxide: It kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. Available over-the-counter, it is often effective for inflammatory acne.
- Salicylic Acid: It exfoliates the skin and helps prevent clogged pores. It is especially effective for mild acne and blackheads.
- Sulfur: Known for its antibacterial properties, sulfur can help with acne but is often used in combination with other ingredients.
Reference: According to the AAD, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are common over-the-counter treatments for acne (source).
3. Topical Retinoids
- Retinoids like adapalene (Differin) promote skin cell turnover, helping to unclog pores. They also reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for cystic acne.
- Reference: A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology supports the effectiveness of retinoids in acne treatment (source).
4. Oral Antibiotics
- Medications like doxycycline and minocycline are prescribed for moderate to severe acne. They help reduce the number of bacteria and decrease inflammation.
- Reference: The British Journal of Dermatology explains the role of oral antibiotics in controlling acne vulgaris and reducing inflammation (source).
5. Oral Contraceptives
- For females, birth control pills can help regulate hormones that may trigger acne outbreaks by reducing testosterone levels, which decreases oil production in the skin.
- Reference: The AAD states that oral contraceptives can be an effective treatment for women with acne, especially those who experience acne flare-ups related to hormonal changes (source).
6. Isotretinoin (Accutane)
- Isotretinoin is a powerful oral medication for severe acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments. It reduces the size of oil glands, preventing clogged pores, and reduces inflammation.
- Reference: A systematic review in Dermatology and Therapy discusses isotretinoin as a first-line treatment for severe cystic acne when other options fail (source).
7. Ice Packs
- Ice or cold compresses can temporarily reduce swelling and pain from cystic acne. It won’t cure the acne, but it can help with discomfort.
- Reference: While not a permanent solution, cold therapy is commonly used to reduce inflammation in cystic acne (source).
Blackheads
Blackheads are a type of non-inflammatory acne. They occur when hair follicles are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The dark color results from oxidation when the clogged material is exposed to air.
1. Gentle Cleansing
- Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser. Harsh soaps can strip the skin’s natural oils, leading to overproduction of oil, which can worsen blackheads.
- Reference: The AAD recommends using a gentle cleanser to avoid irritating the skin and exacerbating acne (source).
2. Exfoliation
- Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) penetrates deeply into pores and helps dissolve the buildup of oil and dead skin cells that contribute to blackheads.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs like glycolic acid help remove dead skin cells on the surface, preventing clogged pores.
- Reference: A study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found salicylic acid effective in reducing the formation of blackheads (source).
3. Topical Retinoids
- As with cystic acne, retinoids can help prevent clogged pores by speeding up skin cell turnover.
- Reference: According to the British Journal of Dermatology, topical retinoids are often used to treat both acne and blackheads by improving skin texture and reducing comedones (source).
4. Charcoal or Clay Masks
- These masks help to draw out impurities from pores and absorb excess oil, making them effective for treating blackheads.
- Reference: A study in Dermatologic Therapy found that clay masks can have a positive effect on reducing acne lesions, including blackheads (source).
5. Pore Strips
- Pore strips temporarily remove blackheads, but they can irritate the skin if used frequently. They are not a long-term solution.
- Reference: The International Journal of Dermatology discusses the pros and cons of pore strips for blackhead removal (source).
General Tips for Acne Care
- Hydration: Keeping your skin moisturized with a non-comedogenic moisturizer helps maintain a balanced skin barrier, especially when using harsh acne treatments.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential, especially when using retinoids or exfoliating acids, as they can increase sun sensitivity.
- Reference: The AAD recommends daily sunscreen use to protect acne-prone skin from UV damage, which can worsen acne scars (source).
Conclusion
Treating cystic acne and blackheads requires a combination of topical treatments, proper skincare practices, and sometimes medical intervention. If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for prescription options or professional treatments.