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Blackheads, also known as open comedones, form when dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria become trapped in a hair follicle. This is due to a clogged pore that doesn’t let the skin cell and oil debris escape. As a result, a blackhead forms. They can appear on the nose, chin, forehead, chest, and other areas of the body. To prevent blackheads from forming, it’s important to regularly wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oils. Exfoliating two to three times per week can also help to keep pores unclogged and avoid the buildup of dead skin cells. However, if blackheads do form, there are ways to treat them. One method is popping or squeezing the blackheads. If you decide to pop your blackheads, it’s important to take caution and follow Dr. Sandra Lee’s instructions for the safest way to get rid of pimples by popping blackheads. First, you should use clean hands and fingers (or a sterile cotton swab) to gently press around the sides of the blackhead. If done correctly, this will cause the blockage inside the pore to come out without damaging your skin. Life with acne can be annoying, but we can help you clear your skin with our acne products. A consultation with one of our skin care experts is the best way to determine which of these treatments will help brighten your skin and get rid of acne for a long time. After your first in-studio acne treatment, one of our experienced estheticians can review a variety of products with you to help you customize products designed to fight acne and improve your skin. Our team of Holladay dermatology and aesthetic experts can uncover the root cause of your acne flare-ups and provide you with the right treatment that will work better and faster than products available on pharmacy shelves. Dr. Fua can incorporate all of these treatment options into your acne treatment plan, depending on what works for your skin.

If topical treatment alone does not improve acne, or if acne is severe or extensive, oral medications are the best option. If you’ve tried several topical medications without success, or if your condition is severe, oral acne medications are usually the next step in the treatment process. Treatment usually includes oral antibiotics and applying a prescription gel or topical cream to the skin. Depending on people with acne, treatment may include using prescription creams to prevent acne, taking antibiotics to kill bacteria that contribute to acne, or, if acne is severe, taking stronger medications such as like isotretinoin, or even minor surgery. Even if you have tried topical acne treatments such as creams or gels without any lasting results, laser therapy may be the right solution for you. While I would like you to try natural remedies first, if you are not seeing improvement and severe hormonal acne is making your quality of life worse, other treatments can make a real difference. While it may take a while, treating hormonal acne from the inside out until your hormones are in their natural, happy balance will allow your skin to truly heal. While my approach isn’t an instant solution, and won’t replace everyone’s multi-drug regimen, hormonal acne can be very sensitive to a more holistic approach, which means less medication and more patches. While the studio treatments offered by Carolina Skin Care can be very effective in treating acne, patients should also commit to taking care of their skin at home. Multiple topical treatments, whether it’s steroids for eczema or topical antibiotics for acne, topical treatments may help in the short term, but in the long run, it can damage the skin, making you more likely to take it in the future. In addition to other treatments, you can take the most obvious step to soothe stress-related acne: reduce stress. If the creams and antibiotics you have been prescribed are not working, or if you cannot tolerate the side effects that medications may cause, you may want to consider acne treatments, which can be provided at your doctor’s office. Other treatments include birth control pills to control acne, hormonal drainage and extraction, and laser and phototherapy.

Acne cysts are deep, painful, pus-filled bumps that form beneath the skin. They are a more severe form of acne that occurs when the pores become blocked by excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection. Treating acne cysts typically requires a combination of methods, and depending on the severity, you may need professional care from a dermatologist. Here’s how to address acne cysts:

1. Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are often the first line of defense against acne cysts. These products can help reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and prevent further clogging of pores.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common acne treatments. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria and helping to reduce inflammation. It can be used in creams, gels, or washes. It’s effective for mild to moderate acne and cystic acne.

• Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. It can be found in over-the-counter cleansers, toners, and spot treatments.

• Retinoids (Topical): Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, help speed up cell turnover, preventing pores from becoming clogged. These are often prescribed for more severe acne or acne cysts.

2. Oral Medications

For persistent or severe cystic acne, oral medications are often necessary. A healthcare provider can prescribe these to help reduce inflammation and control the underlying causes of acne.

• Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics like doxycycline or minocycline can help reduce inflammation and control the bacterial infection associated with acne cysts. They are often used for moderate to severe acne.

• Oral Contraceptives (for females): Birth control pills containing estrogen can regulate hormones and decrease the production of sebum (oil) in the skin, which can help manage cystic acne in females.

• Spironolactone: This is a medication that helps reduce oil production in the skin by blocking certain hormones, making it effective in treating hormonal acne, especially in women.

• Isotretinoin (Accutane): For severe cases of cystic acne that do not respond to other treatments, isotretinoin is a powerful oral medication that shrinks sebaceous glands, reducing oil production. It is typically prescribed for the most severe cases, as it can have significant side effects and requires monitoring.

3. Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections are often used for treating large, painful cysts. A dermatologist injects a diluted steroid (like triamcinolone) directly into the cyst to reduce inflammation quickly. This can help reduce swelling and promote faster healing.

• Effectiveness: Corticosteroid injections often lead to a reduction in the size of the cyst within a few days and can also prevent scarring.
• Limitations: This treatment may not be effective for every cyst, and multiple injections may be required for recurrent cysts.

4. Drainage and Aspiration

For large, painful cysts, a dermatologist may decide to drain or aspirate the cyst. This procedure involves making a small incision and removing the pus and fluid inside the cyst. In some cases, a needle is used to remove the contents, and a topical antibiotic may be applied afterward.

• When Needed: This method is typically used for particularly large, persistent cysts that do not respond to topical treatments or medications.

5. At-Home Remedies

While they may not be as effective as medical treatments, there are some at-home remedies that can help reduce the severity and pain of acne cysts.

• Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the cyst can help reduce inflammation, encourage drainage, and soothe pain. Use a clean towel soaked in warm water and hold it against the cyst for 10-15 minutes several times a day.

• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has natural antimicrobial properties that may help reduce bacteria and inflammation. Apply a small amount of diluted tea tree oil to the cyst with a cotton swab.

• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying aloe vera to the cyst can help reduce irritation and inflammation.

6. Lifestyle and Skincare Tips

• Avoid Picking or Squeezing Cysts: While it may be tempting, popping or squeezing acne cysts can lead to further irritation, infection, and scarring.

• Gentle Skincare Routine: Use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh scrubbing, which can irritate the skin and make acne worse.

• Non-Comedogenic Products: Use makeup, sunscreen, and skincare products labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog your pores.

7. Prevention Tips

Preventing acne cysts is often about managing the underlying causes and maintaining good skincare practices.

• Maintain a consistent skincare routine: Cleanse your skin regularly with a gentle cleanser to remove oil and impurities that can clog pores.

• Manage stress: Stress can trigger hormone imbalances that lead to acne flare-ups. Try managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

• Avoid touching your face: Touching your face with dirty hands can transfer bacteria and oil, leading to clogged pores.

• Healthy diet: While the link between diet and acne is still being researched, some studies suggest that high-glycemic foods and dairy might contribute to acne flare-ups. Consider maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

When to See a Dermatologist

If your acne cysts are persistent, painful, or leaving scars, it’s important to consult a dermatologist. They can prescribe the most appropriate treatment for your case and may offer procedures like drainage, cortisone injections, or other specialized treatments.

Conclusion

Acne cysts require a multi-faceted treatment approach, including topical treatments, oral medications, and professional care in some cases. While at-home remedies may provide some relief, severe cystic acne often needs prescription medications and professional interventions. For the best results, seek guidance from a dermatologist to tailor a treatment plan suited to your skin type and severity of the condition.