Home Remedies for Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is one of the most severe forms of acne. This type of acne feels like soft, fluid-filled lumps under the skin’s surface.

These large, red breakouts can be painful and can cause significant skin damage, making the likelihood of developing scars extremely high. They tend to develop on your face, chest, back, upper arms or shoulders.

The skin pores are composed of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, the glands that secrete sebum. When they produce too much sebum, it clogs the pores along with the epidermal cells shed by the skin. When clogged pores become infected and the infection does deep into your skin, it leads to cystic acne.

The biggest factor that contributes to cystic acne is hormonal changes that stimulate sebum production. Other factors include use of greasy cosmetics, excessive humidity or sweating, and certain drugs as well as chemicals.

Teenagers are more prone to develop this problem, given the hormonal changes going on in their bodies. However, anyone can have it.

Maintaining a healthy skin care routine as well as a healthy lifestyle is paramount to treat cystic acne. There are also simple home remedies that can effectively treat it by reducing inflammation and fighting infection.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for cystic acne.

1. Turmeric

To get rid of this annoying problem, you can use turmeric. The spice contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound that naturally relieves inflammation as well as pain. Plus, it acts as a natural antiseptic to fight infection.

• Add a little water or unrefined sesame oil to 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder to make a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and leave it on for about 1 hour before rinsing it off. Use this remedy once or twice daily for a few days.
• To treat the problem from within, add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and drink it twice daily.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another widely used home remedy for cystic acne. Being an astringent, it helps remove excess oil to cure acne and reduce pain and inflammation. It helps cleanse the skin and balance the skin’s pH level.

• Mix equal amounts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water. Dip a cotton ball in this solution and apply it on the affected skin. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Repeat the process twice daily for a few days.
• Also, add 1 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little raw honey to a glass of warm water and drink it once or twice daily. This tonic will help prevent acne and other skin problems.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another common remedy for skin problems like cystic acne. It penetrates easily into the skin to help unblock the sebaceous glands, disinfect pores and dry out the acne.

• Put 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton ball and dab it gently on the affected area. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight. Those who have sensitive skin must dilute 1 part tea tree oil with 3 parts water.
• Alternatively, mix 4 or 5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey. Apply this directly on the affected area, allow it to sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off with water.

Use either of these remedies once daily for a week.

Note: Some people tend to be allergic to tea tree oil. So, perform a skin patch test before using it.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective ingredient for treating cystic acne due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

It can pull out the excess oil from clogged pores as well as exfoliate dead skin cells. It even balances the pH level of your skin to leave it healthy and glowing.

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough cucumber juice to make a thin paste. If you do not have cucumber juice, just use plain water.
2. Apply it on the affected area.
3. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
4. Do this once or twice a week.

Note: Make sure to moisturize your skin after using baking soda.

5. Fuller’s Earth

Fuller’s earth, which is a type of clay, is another effective remedy. It helps get rid of exces oil and dead skin cells to give way to clean and smooth skin. It even reduces the chance of scars forming.

1. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of fuller’s earth with enough water to make a paste.
2. Mix in ½ teaspoon of honey.
3. Apply it on your face.
4. Allow it to dry on its own, then wash it off with water.
5. Follow this remedy once or twice a week.

6. Lavender Oil

Another good remedy for cystic acne is lavender essential oil. It helps reduce inflammation and pain as well as promote healing. In addition, it will actually help prevent scarring.

• At the first sign of acne, dab some lavender oil on the affected area 2 or 3 times a day. This will help the fluid come to a head within a day or two and eventually promote healing.
• Also, mix a few drops of lavender oil with mild cleanser and use it to wash your face twice daily.
• Another option is to wash your face thoroughly and prepare a bowl of hot water with 4 to 5 drops of lavender essential oil in it. Cover your head with a towel and allow the steam to flow over your face for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat 2 or 3 times a week.

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