6 Cystic Acne Remedies You Wouldn’t Believe Actually Work

6 Cystic Acne Remedies You Wouldn’t Believe Actually Work

Cystic acne, compared to “regular” acne, is actually worse than you think.

You know, those red bumps you get on your shoulders, upper arms, back, and chest.

Cystic acne is the most serious type of acne and can occur as early as 8 years old or as late as 50. To treat cystic acne, one might recommend using Accutane to get rid of it completely.

However, the use of the said drug has links to major side effects like Crohn’s disease and birth defects.

This is why I always suggest trying out natural cystic acne remedies first. I guarantee you that they work—and if they don’t, at least you didn’t get exposed to harmful chemicals.

Here now are 6 cystic acne remedies you can use without breaking the bank.

6 Cystic Acne Remedies You Wouldn’t Believe Actually Work

1. Turmeric

Yes, that yellow spice used in Asian cooking.

Turmeric has a lot of properties that benefit not only the body but the skin as well. These benefits of turmeric for skin are actually very surprising that you might consider replacing your beauty products with this herb alone.

One of its components is curcumin, a compound that helps relieve any swelling and pain. This is why when it comes to acne treatments, a list without this ingredient is almost non-existent.

How to use:

Turmeric powder and water are all you’ll need for this natural treatment.

What you want to do is to mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder with a few drops of water to create a paste. Make sure you have washed your face to make sure everything is squeaky clean.

Next, apply the paste to acne-prone areas and wait for around an hour before washing it off. Do this at least twice a day for a couple of days for best results.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

This ingredient is known as nature’s toner.

6 Cystic Acne Remedies You Wouldn’t Believe Actually Work

Apple cider vinegar is packed with properties that control the production of oil. It can also help soothe and calm any inflammation that comes with acne.

But aside from acne, it can help with aging skin, too. And since it balances the skin’s natural pH, this liquid is a popular remedy for most skin irritations like eczema.

Just make sure to moisturize after especially if you have sensitive skin.

How to use:

In a small bowl, mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 4 parts water for sensitive skin, 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water for normal/dry skin, 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1 part water for oily skin. And then, with a cotton ball, apply the mixture to your face and wait for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

If you’re using it to defy aging, simply dilute six parts of ACV to one part water and use a cotton ball to apply the mixture all over your face.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Here is another common entry in how to get rid of treatment lists for acne.

Tea tree oil boasts of its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It is suggested to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide minus the negative effects from the treatment.

It also penetrates deep down the pores to remove any bacterial build up. And if you have clean pores, the less likely it is for you to develop acne.

How to use:

There are three ways to use tea tree oil for acne. First, simply put a drop or two of the oil on a cotton ball and use it to spot treat areas.

If you have sensitive skin, use 3 parts water to dilute 1 part of the oil. You can also opt to mix 1 teaspoon of honey and 4 to 5 drops of the oil before applying it to acne-prone areas.

Wait for 15 minutes before washing the mixture off with lukewarm water.

It is also important to note that Tea Tree Oil may cause some allergies to some people. This is why it’s important to perform a patch test first before use.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants to ensure your skin always looks its best.

It also helps brighten the skin, reduce zits, and minimize swelling brought by acne.

6 Cystic Acne Remedies You Wouldn’t Believe Actually Work

Additionally, a 2012 report shows that green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate. It works by preventing the growth of p. acnes bacteria and thus, improving acne.

How to use:

Brew some green tea leaves and mix equal parts of the tea and water. And then, with a cotton ball, apply the mixture all over the face and wait for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

5. Honey

Packed with antioxidants, honey helps protect the skin from free radicals. It also moisturizes the skin and slows down the aging process.

It is highly-antibacterial which makes it great for acne. It boasts of its anti-inflammatory property as well to reduce any swelling or redness caused by breakouts.

How to use:

Apply a small amount of honey directly to affected areas. Let it sit for around 15 minutes before washing it off and for best results, do this at least thrice daily.

You can also make a paste by mixing 1 part honey and 2 parts cinnamon. Apply the mixture to acne-prone areas, and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

Only use this method every other day, for 7 days.

6. Aloe Vera

6 Cystic Acne Remedies You Wouldn’t Believe Actually Work

Aloe Vera is a plant that’s widely-used both in the Eastern and the Western world for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

The latter is what makes the plant an effective remedy for acne.

It is also packed with antioxidants that protect skin from free radicals. So, aside from slowing down the signs of aging, it also helps protect you from getting skin cancer.

How to use:

Take an Aloe Vera leaf and using a knife, carefully cut it in half. Scrape the gel using your fingers and apply it directly to acne-prone areas.

You can leave it as is, or you can also wash it off if it feels uncomfortable.

Conclusion:

An increase in androgens is one of the root causes of cystic acne. Hormonal changes also contribute to its development in women.

These include menopause, pregnancy, or the menstrual cycle.

Although anyone can get cystic acne, it can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. Make sure to get sufficient exercise and sleep, as well as observing a low-glycemic diet.

Have you suffered from cystic acne before? What methods did you use to somehow put it under control?

6 Cystic Acne Remedies You Wouldn’t Believe Actually Work

Dr Kathleen May Eusebio-Alpapara

A board-certified dermatologist who practices both medical and cosmetic dermatology

Leave a Comment

1K Shares
Tweet
Share2
Share
Pin1K