25 DIY Home Remedies for Cystic Acne


25 DIY Home Remedies for Cystic AcneWhat is cystic acne? It is a very painful pimple with pus and swelling in it. Regardless of age, it can affect anyone but it is very common in teenagers. Hormonal change during puberty is the root cause of this kind of acne. During puberty, androgen hormones increase rapidly which encourage excess oil production. Excess oil attracts dirt that locks up into the pores. When it clogs the pores and go deep into the skin, the bacteria thrive in it developing cystic pimple. So, the attack of bacteria is what causes cystic acne.

Even adults can develop this kind of acne when there is a hormonal imbalance. This usually happens during menopause, perimenopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy and menstruation. Here is a cystic acne picture to show you how it  develops in the skin.cystics-acne

Your next question must be ‘how to treat cystic acne’. Well, it is considered hard to treat. But the right approach for treating it is to solve the root cause. Proper diet, stress control and daily exercise can balance the hormones and reduce this kind of acne gradually.

Meanwhile you can try topical home remedies for cystic acne to keep it under control.

Home Remedies for Cystic Acne:

home remedies for cystic acne
Credit – ShutterStock.com

Are you wondering how to get rid of cystic acne? Here are some effective home remedies for cystic acne that you can give a try. Apart from that you must eat a nutritional diet, follow good skin care regimen and few prevention tips for effective results.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda works as the best cystic acne home remedy because its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties effectively help reduce the inflammation. It pulls out the excess oil, dead skin and impurities from the skin pores through exfoliation. Baking soda fights with the bacteria causing the infection. It tightens the pores and makes your skin smooth and radiant.

Process 1:

  • Wash your face using a mild soap and warm water to open up the pores.
  • Combine 1 – 2 tablespoons of baking soda and water to make a thin paste.
  • Apply the paste on the affected area.
  • Leave it for 15 – 01720 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
  • Pat the skin dry and apply some moisturizer.
  • Repeat the process 1 – 2 times daily.
  • If you have sensitive skin, add 2 – 3 tablespoons of cucumber juice to reduce the sting and increase the soothing.

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Process 2: With Epsom Salt

Magnesium present in Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the flare ups of acne. The sulfate present in it flushes out the toxins.

  • In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 1/2 tablespoon each of Epsom salt and warm water.
  • Gently combine the ingredients to make a paste.
  • Apply the paste on the affected areas and leave it to dry completely.
  • Gently rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  • Apply it only once the day you try it for the first time. Increase the application to twice the next day and so on to closely observe the results. Three days of this treatment should definitely show some results.
  • This process can make your skin dry. To ease the dryness you can add a drop clove oil. Clove oil has amazing properties of battling cystic pimples. But make sure to dilute clove oil properly as it is very strong and powerful.

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2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a very effective and affordable cystic acne treatment. It also balances the pH levels of the skin. Malic acid present in ACV exfoliates the skin effectively.

Process 1:

  • Before trying out the treatment first cleanse your skin and pat dry.
  • Using a Q-tip or cotton ball, apply apple cider vinegar on the affected area.
  • Leave the application overnight and rinse off with water the next morning.
  • Repeat the process regularly for effective results.

Process 2: Diluted ACV

If you cannot handle the direct application of apple cider vinegar then you can follow this process.

  • Combine equal amounts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply the solution on the affected area.
  • Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process 2 times a day for few days to notice the results.

Process 3: Internal Consumption of ACV

When we drink diluted apple cider vinegar, it detoxifies the body which reduces the effect of free radicals and harmful toxins. It helps to prevent acne and other skin problems.

  • To a glass of warm water, add 1 teaspoon of unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar and a little honey.
  • Stir well and drink it once or twice a day.

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3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has amazing natural antibacterial properties which treat all sorts of acne. Apart from that, it penetrates deeply into the skin and unclogs the oil secreting glands, disinfect pores and dry out blemishes.

Process 1:

  • Cleanse your face with mild soap and water. Pat dry completely.
  • Add 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton ball.
  • Gently dab it on the affected area.
  • Leave it overnight and rinse off with lukewarm water in the next morning.
  • Repeat the process daily to notice the results.
  • Tip: People with sensitive skin should dilute 1 part of tea tree oil in 3 parts of water. This helps to reduce any irritation or burning sensation caused by tea tree oil.

Note: Tea tree oil is poisonous if taken internally so avoid doing it. To ensure you are not allergic to tea tree oil, please patch test on your arm before applying it on affected areas.

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Process 2: With Honey

Honey contains antibacterial properties which deals with bacteria and its anti-inflammatory properties will soothe the swelling.

  • Combine 4 or 5 drops of tea tree oil and 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey.
  • Apply this mixture on the affected area.
  • Let it rest for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process regularly to notice the results.

Apart from the above methods, you can add few drops of tea tree oil into moisturizer, facial masks or aloe vera gel. You can also use products containing tea tree oil.

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4. Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is rich in lauric and caprylic acid. Both of them possess antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties which naturally fight the bacteria causing cysts on the skin. Vitamin E present in coconut oil deals with free radicals and which help to remove acne scars.

  • Do a facial steam for few minutes to open up the pores which helps the treatment to penetrate deeply and work effectively. If you have cystic pimples on other parts of the body, you can either clean or steam that area.
  • Apply few drops of coconut oil on the affected area.
  • Now gently massage in circular motions.
  • Rinse off with mild soap and water.
  • If you have a dry skin, apply 1 – 2 drops of coconut oil after rinsing off with water to moisturize.

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5. Clay Mask

Clay mask is yet another effective treatment for cystic acne. Due to their absorbent, exfoliating and astringent properties, clay masks are considered one of the beneficial ingredients to treat acne. It draws out the excess sebum, toxins and impurities and helps cleanse the pores.

There are different types of natural clay. You have to choose one as per your skin type. The different colors of clay indicate different minerals present in it which affect your skin in different ways. .. Brown clay contains amazing exfoliating properties but it is not good for dry skin. White and green clay are good for all skin types as they are gentle.

For this process you will need…

Below is the process…

  • Combine all the ingredients to make a paste.
  • Apply this paste on the affected area.
  • Leave it for 15 – 20 minutes or until it dries off completely.
  • Wet a washcloth using warm water.
  • Wipe off the clay mask completely using a washcloth.
  • If your skin is dry, apply moisturizer.
  • Follow this process daily for a week and 2 times a day from the next week.

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6. Egg White

Apart from being rich in protein, egg white also contains albumin and lysozyme. Albumin contains antiviral effect while the lysozyme destroys the cell walls of bacteria. Due to its skin tightening properties, it tightens the pores and cleans the skin deeply. This process works well for people with oily skin as egg white contains drying effect which removes excess oil from the skin.

Process 1:

  • Separate egg white from 2 eggs.
  • Apply the egg white in the affected area.
  • Leave it on for 5 – 8 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the process regularly until you achieve the results.

Process 2: With Milk and Honey

  • Combine egg white of 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of honey.
  • Stir well until the ingredients combine together.
  • Apply the mixture all over the face except the areas around eyes and mouth.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes or until it dries completely.
  • Using your finger, pat some water on the mask and gently rub the mask in circular motions.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process 2 times a week until you notice the results.

Precaution: People with dry skin should avoid using egg white as it dries out the skin.

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7. Honey Mask

The antioxidant property present in honey prevents the damage caused by free radicals. It heals the acne scars and makes your skin smooth and moisturized. It can absorb the oils and prevent the growth of microorganisms which are trapped in the pores.

Process 1:

  • Using fingers, apply honey on the affected area.
  • Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse it off with water.
  • Repeat the process 2 – 3 times a day.

Process 2: With Cinnamon

  • Combine 1/2 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder to make a paste.
  • Apply it on the affected area and leave it on for 10 minutes.
  • Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat this process daily for a week.

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8. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin which is responsible for anti-inflammatory property. It also contains antiseptic, antitumor and astringent properties. When turmeric is applied on acne, it first dehydrates them, drains out the pus and reduces the inflammation and pain.

Process 1:

  • To 1 – 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder, add some water or sesame oil to make a paste.
  • Apply this paste on the affected area and leave it on for 1 hour.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process 1 – 2 times in a day.

Process 2: With Coconut Oil

When the curcumin is combined with lauric acid, they work more effectively in fighting the acne from inside.

  • Combine 1 tablespoon each of turmeric powder and coconut oil to make a thick paste.
  • Cleanse the affected area and pat dry.
  • Apply the paste on the affected area and leave it on for at least 10 minutes.
  • Rinse off with cold water.
  • Repeat the process 3 times a day.

Alternative: Being an antibacterial agent, when turmeric is consumed, it will help in fighting the acne by breaking the cysts. So add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and drink it twice daily.

Caution: People who have gallbladder issues, are pregnant, diabetic, breast feeding, or under anticoagulant medication should avoid taking turmeric.

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9. Indian Lilac

Indian lilac which is also known as neem or margosa contains antimicrobial and antiseptic properties which fight the root cause of cystic pimples and reduce both inflammation and pain. Consuming neem also helps to detoxify your body and purify your blood.

Process 1:

  • Take some neem leaves and blend it to make a paste.
  • Leave it to dry completely.
  • Rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process 2 times a day.

Process 2:

  • Dip a cotton ball in few drops of neem oil.
  • Apply it on the affected area.
  • Let it dry completely.
  • Repeat the process 2 times a day.
  • You can leave the application overnight as well.

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10. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil reduces both pain and inflammation. It also helps the fluid come to head within a day and promotes healing and prevents scarring.

Process 1:

  • Using a cotton ball, apply some lavender oil on the affected area.
  • Repeat the process 2 or 3 times a day.
  • Alternatively, you can add few drops of lavender oil into your face cleanser and use it to wash your face 2 times in a day.

Process 2: Steam with Lavender Oil

  • Take a bowl of hot water and add 4 – 5 drops of lavender oil in it.
  • Cover your head with a towel and let the steam flow over your face.
  • After 5 – 10 minutes, rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process 2 – 3 times a week.

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11. Green Tea

Drinking green tea helps your body get rid of toxins which allows faster healing times. Apart from removing toxins, green tea also contains antioxidants and catechins which reduce the inflammation and redness.

Process 1:

  • Brew 1/4 cup of green tea.
  • Mix 1/4 cup each of green tea and water.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply the solution on the affected area.
  • Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process 2 times in a day to achieve the results.
  • Note: This mixture can be used up to 2 weeks.

Process 2: With Apple Cider Vinegar

  • To 1/4 cup of green tea, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of water.
  • Apply this solution on the skin 2 times daily before moisturizing.
  • Note: This solution can be used up to 2 weeks.

Process 3: Internal Consumption

  • Brew some green tea. Have 3 – 4 cups of green tea daily.
  • As green tea is low in caffeine, you can drink up to 6 cups of green tea in a day.

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12. Juniper Oil

Juniper oil contains effective astringent properties which tighten the pores and make your skin firm. It also contains disinfectant and antibacterial properties which fight off the bacteria causing this kind of acne. As it contains very strong astringent properties, juniper oil should be used only by diluting in carrier oil.

  • Add 2 – 4 drops of juniper oil in a small bottle of any carrier oil.
  • Shake well to let the both ingredients mix well.
  • Clean your face and apply few drops of diluted juniper oil on the affected area while it is still wet.
  • Gently massage for a minute and let it dry completely.

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13. Steaming

Steaming helps by opening up the pores and letting the dirt, grime and oil come out of the deeper layers of the skin.

  • Take hot water in a bowl.
  • Drape a towel your head and bring your face near the hot water.
  • Let your face steam for 10 minutes.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process 2 – 3 times a week.

Note: Remove makeup, oil or any other material applied on your face before steaming. You can use mild soap, cleanser or a makeup remover. Any debris left on the surface can backfire if you don’t remove it before steaming.

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14. Potatoes

Applying juice of potatoes removes the oil from the skin pores which helps to reduce acne. The essential vitamins present in it reduce the inflammation and redness.

  • Peel, chop and blend some potato pieces.
  • Apply this paste directly on the acne.
  • Leave the application for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the application 2 times in a day.

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15. Lemon Juice

The citric acid present in lemons acts as antibacterial and astringent. Their acidic nature helps to remove dead skin, breaks down the cyst and reduces the inflammation and redness.

  • Clean your face with soap and lukewarm water.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply lemon juice to the affected area.
  • Leave the application for 10 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
  • Repeat the application 2 times a day.

Note:

  • If you have sensitive skin, the acidic properties of lemon can cause irritation. In order to reduce this, you can apply the mixture of lemon juice and rosewater. Rinse off with water after 15 – 20 minutes.
  • If you unsure whether lemon suits your skin or not, then patch test on your arm before trying it on the acne.

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16. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains soothing and anti-inflammatory properties which help to deal with acne.

  • Extract gel from an aloe vera leaf.
  • Apply it on the affected area and gently massage for 2 – 3 minutes.
  • Rinse off with water.
  • Repeat 2 times in a day till you achieve the results.
  • Alternatively, you can use aloe vera juice.

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17. Facial Mask

Acne in the form of cysts can also be caused due to pH imbalance. The facial mask helps to solve this problem. Lemon juice acts as astringent, skin repairer and skin lightener. Apple cider vinegar contains enough probiotics which balance the pH level. Turmeric reduces the inflammation, redness, and pain.

  • Combine equal amounts of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
  • Add turmeric powder and mix well.
  • Apply this paste on the acne.
  • Leave it on for few minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

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18. Aspirin Mask

Aspirin has amazing exfoliating properties which unclog the pores. This helps in treating and preventing acne.

  • Crush 1 – 2 aspirin tablets.
  • Add water to the crushed tablets to make a thin paste.
  • Apply it on the affected area.
  • Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the process regularly.
  • Alternatively, you can use honey instead of water.

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19. Blue Tansy Oil

The anti-inflammatory properties of blue tansy oil help in reducing swelling and redness. If you have clusters of  acne then this method helps in the size of cysts.

  • Cleanse the affected area with mild soap and let it dry.
  • Using the cotton ball, apply blue tansy oil on the affected area.
  • Gently massage it for few minutes and leave it on for 3 – 4 minutes.
  • Rinse off with warm water.
  • Repeat the application 2 times a day.

Notes: It is better to dilute blue tansy oil with any carrier oil (jojoba oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil) as it can stain the skin.

20. Mint

Mint contains anti-bacterial and soothing properties which help to treat and prevent acne.

  • Take few mint leaves and crush them using a mortar and pestle.
  • Cleanse the affected area and pat dry.
  • Apply the crushed mint leaves on the affected area.
  • Leave the application for 15 – 20 minutes.
  • Rinse off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the process at least once in 2 days.

Note:

  • This method works best in combination with other methods that can be used daily.
  • If you have sensitive skin, let the mint leaves rest for only a few minutes (less than mentioned above).

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21. Ice

The coolness of ice reduces the swelling, shrinks the pores and removes the dirt and excess oil. This method mainly works best for single cysts but doesn’t work for a cluster of acne.

  • Pop out an ice cube from an ice tray.
  • Gently rub the ice in circular motions to encourage the healing.
  • Continue doing it until the ice melts down or until your skin has become sensitive to cold.
  • Repeat the process 3 times a day.

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22. Toothpaste

Toothpaste contains fluoride and alcohol. They dry out the acne pores and fight off the bacteria.

  • Using your finger, apply a small amount of clinically approved toothpaste.
  • Leave the application for 10 – 15 minutes.
  • Rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

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23. Mango

Mango helps to open the open the clogged pores and leaving the skin soft and glowing.

  • Extract juice from a mango and mix water into it.
  • Apply the paste on the affected area.
  • Leave the application for 3 – 5 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

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24. Dandelion

Dandelion extract contains tetrahydroridentin B, taraxinic acid, cycloartenol , vitamins and minerals. The extract of dandelion extract helps in fixing the hormonal balance and fights with acne. Though dandelion is considered completely safe, it can cause allergic reactions in some people.

  • Drink 1 cup of dandelion decoction 2 times a day.
  • Alternatively, you can take 3 -4 droppers full of dandelion tincture 2 times day.
  • Alternatively, you can add dandelion leaves and root to salads.
  • Alternatively, you can take dandelion tablets or capsules.

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25. Cinnamon

The combination of cinnamon and honey helps in providing quick relief from acne.

  • Combine 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and 3 teaspoons of honey.
  • Apply the mixture on the acne.
  • Leave it on for 15 minutes.
  • Rinse it off with water.

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Dietary Changes to Treat and Prevent Cystic Acne

cystic acne treatment
Credit – ShutterStock.com

Foods to Eat:

  • Probiotic-Rich Foods: One of the best ways to fight acne is to use probiotics to address the issues between gut and skin connection. Probiotic foods like kefir, cultured vegetables or yogurt will line up your gut with healthy, sealed barrier which prevent the inflammation that can trigger the acne. As per a Korean study conducted on 56 acne patients, drinking lactobacillus-fermented dairy drink can reduces lesion count and sebum production in 12 weeks.
  • High-Zinc Foods: People with low zinc levels are prone to this sort of acne. By consuming foods like rich in zinc like grass fed beef, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews you prevent the deficiency of zinc. Zinc helps us in maintaining a healthy digestive tract and skin.
  • Vitamin A Rich Foods: Kale, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots are rich in Vitamin A which speed up the healing and fight the infection.
  • Fiber Rich Foods: Fruits, Vegetables, seeds, oatmeal, seeds that are rich in fiber cleanse the colon and encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut both of which can help in getting rid of all kinds of acne.
  • High Quality Protein Foods: Foods that are high in protein and nutrients like organic chicken, free-range eggs, grass-fed beef and wild caught fish help to balance blood sugar which is very important component in fighting acne.
  • Live-Supportive Foods: As liver processes the hormones, consuming food that supports liver can be helpful in clearing up the acne. Liver supportive foods include cauliflower, leafy greens, high-fiber foods, pears and apple.

Foods to Avoid:

  • Conventional Dairy: Even though you are not lactose intolerant, conventional dairy products can be harsh to digest for your system. Most of the people have seen improvement once they eliminated the diary products for 2 weeks in their food routine. You can check it as well to know if dairy is the main culprit for your acne. After resolving the acne, you can either avoid dairy completely or re-introduce slowly back into your food routine. A better quality dairy food can be of a much help.
  • Sugar and Gluten: Foods that contain sugar or other glycemic foods like breads and pastas make worsen the inflammation. The more inflammation you have, the worse your  acne will be. You can try natural sweeteners instead of them. Consuming sugar and gluten can feed the yeast present in the body and worsen acne.
  • Caffeine and Chocolate: Though many experts say that there is no link between chocolate and caffeine consumption to breakouts, there is a direct effect of them on hormonal imbalance. Overdose of caffeine can increase cortisol levels. By eliminating those in your routine can help to balance your hormones and gradually clear up this kind of acne.
  • Low-fiber, Highly Processed Foods: Foods that are low in fiber and which are highly processed can have a negative impact on your health and skin. Processed meats, breakfast cereals and microwave meals can cause an unhealthy shift in the microbes present in our body. This encourages the inflammation and flare-up or worsens acne.
  • Fast and Fried Foods: Foods which are low in fiber and highly processed contains ingredients like sodium, chemicals, added flavour and sugars which can cause inflammation.

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Tips and Precautions for Preventing Cystic Acne:

how to get rid of cystic acne
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  • Drink plenty of water: Our body gets dehydrated very quickly. Water is one of the important things our body organs require to function properly and it also helps in maintaining the skin soft and supple. Without enough water, our skin gets very dry and we use a heavy duty moisturize to maintain it supple. But moisturizers can clog the pores, so it is important to drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid Cosmetic Care with Harmful Chemicals : Did you have a look at the ingredients of your skin products? Products which contain sulfates, chemicals and preservatives can worsen acne. So it is very important to try brands with all natural plant ingredients.
  • Avoid Popping: No matter how itchy and painful the acne is, avoid popping it. Due to its depth of lesion, squeezing or popping can be completely ineffective and prolong the healing time. The more you touch the acne, the more unsightly it becomes and leaves a scar behind.
  • Good Skin Care Routine: Avoid scented and heavy moisturizers. Make sure to exfoliate your skin before applying the moisturizer. It is very important to remove make up before going to bed as reduces the risk of clogging the pores. For a healthy growth of new skin cells, you can use effective scrubs which are not abrasive. Some of the important things a scrub should contain are glycolyic acid and fruit enzymes. Sunscreens and vitamin C helps in lightening and preventing acne scars.
  • Proper Laundry: Everyday your skin touches things like towels, pillow and bed sheets. Avoid washing them with harsh detergents to avoid chances of sensitivity and irritation. You can opt for homemade laundry soap instead. Change your towels and pillowcases regularly to avoid the presence and spreading of bacteria.
  • Get Relaxed: When it comes to beauty and health related, increased stress makes it worse. They can even cause a hormonal imbalance. To try reduce your stress by taking natural stress relievers to improve your health and skin.
  • Exercise: Exercising regularly helps our lymphatic system to detoxify your entire body. It acts excellent for your self esteem and mood which helps to fight acne.
  • Cleanser: Using a mild cleanser and warm water, clean the affected areas 1 – 2 times daily which help to remove oil and dirt. To dryness, apply some moisturizer after washing.
  • Sweating: After exercising or an activity, sweat clogs the pores and more susceptible to acne. Make sure you take a bath whenever you sweat.

Quick Tips to Prevent Acne Scarring:

how to treat cystic acne
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When touched, scratched, popped or even rubbed by clothing, acne leaves a scar behind. To prevent this you can follow the below tips.

  • Rinse your face using a mild soap twice a day (once in the morning and once in the night). A clean face prevents breakouts to leave a scar behind.
  • Never squeeze, pop or pick the pimples. They can lead to scarring. Even touching them can leads to acne scars.
  • The harsh UV rays of sun can damage your skin and increase the appearance of acne and acne scars. It is better to wear a sunblock to go out in the sun.
  • Topical acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid helps to prevent acne scarring.

Has your acne already left a scar behind, you do have several options to reduce their appearance. Click here to check out the home remedies for acne scars.

Conclusion

Once you have resolved the problem of this painful acne, it is very important to stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle which includes drinking plenty of water and following a simple skin care routine. Clear skin is always a reflection of  good health. So, choose healthy options daily and avoid junk, oily and fried foods.

What do you think of this article? Was this helpful? Are you going to give it a try? Please share your experience, suggestions and queries in the comments section below.


References:

51 comments
  1. My son has been battling cyst acne for over a year now. Proactive somewhat control it but wasn’t doing anything after a while so his acne came back with a vengeance. His was having it bad. So I turn into natural remedies instead and finally I’m seeing good results. I’m using the steam method to open his pores once a week. I then make a paste of baking soda and water and apply that. I do it after the steam method and repeat it every two days. But I help him wash his face with cuava soap tree times a day. I love that soap. It dries your skin as soon as you apply it. I help him since he also has cyst acne in his back as well. It was so awful it showed black scars all over. Finally it’s clearing up so well I’m happy with the natural remedies. I still made an appointment with his dermatologist for next to help him fight it from within with antibiotics just in case. He tells me now that isn’t necessary since it’s going away. I told him that’s not an option.

  2. the cyst on lower part of face started as a pimple or blackhead,I would mash pulse out of it but not anymore it has gotten quite large,I prefer useing health remedies plus i’m allergic to most medications. Thank’s for any help

  3. And also avoid eating chocolate…cause whenever I eat chocolate\ nutella.. I get pimples.. I hate it cause nutella is my love and I have to avoid it..but because of that I have now less pimples than before

  4. Sorry for the long-winded comment, but as a long-time suffer of acne and someone who tries to study skincare in-depth, I’d like to point out a few things that made my eyebrows raise.

    -Baking soda is actually unhelpful for your skin. It doesn’t “balance” the pH… being a base, which means it has a very high pH, it does the complete opposite!
    Your skin needs to retain a lower, acidic-ranged pH to kill off germs and maintain its moisture barrier, which helps prevent acne. Regularly abusing baking soda can unnaturally raise your skin’s pH level, making it easier for bacteria to grow– kind of counterproductive, right? Plus, baking soda can cause micro-abrasions, teeny tiny cuts in your skin. This is like rolling out the welcome mat for acne and infections.
    Baking soda may seem to help short-term, but the potential long-term damage is too much of a risk, in my opinion.

    -Straight lemon juice, on the other hand, is TOO acidic. It’s a common skin irritant and can cause acid burns on your skin. Not only does it annoy your skin, but it can make you more susceptible to sun damage. Sun damage doesn’t just cause premature aging, but it can wreck your moisture barrier and, once again, make it easier for acne to grow.
    If you use lemon juice anyway, dear God, don’t go out into the sun for a while afterwards. I’m serious. It can cause massive blisters that make the worst sunburn you’ve ever had seem like a great time.

    -ACV can be helpful, but please, make sure you dilute it so you don’t give yourself an acid burn. I learned this one the hard way 🙁

    -Toothpaste is a little TOO drying and irritating for your skin. I’ve been known to do this in my desperation, so I’m a hypocrite here, but the end result tends to just be more skin irritation than I started off with. Overuse of toothpaste can promote skin damage. This stuff is abrasive.

    -Please patch test coconut oil before you go slathering it all over your face. While some people find that it’s great for their skin, other people have the opposite– thanks to its comedogenic nature, it can trigger clogged pores, blackheads, and more acne in those with sensitive or oily skin.
    This is definitely a treatment that works like a miracle for some people, while plaguing and tormenting others. Just try a little bit of it on your arm, or on a small portion of your cheek for a whole week first, to see how your skin reacts. If it works for you, then go for it.

    -Tea tree oil can be a blessing, but like ACV, treat it cautiously. Dilute, dilute, dilute, usually in a non-comedogenic carrier oil. Straight tea tree can cause a LOT of irritation if you’re not careful.

    -Steaming can be helpful, but don’t abuse it. A direct blast of steam to the face can burn you if you’re not careful. I’ve found that a nice, warm shower does wonders for warming up my skin, versus literally sticking my head over a boiling pot.

    Clay, eggs, honey, and aloe are all amazing home-treatments. Clay can be drying if used more than once a week, but honey and aloe can be used practically every day if you choose.

    —–

    Things I find that help:

    -Your facial skin is incredibly delicate, treat it like silk. No harsh or abrasive physical scrubs, avoid any sharp or rough exfoliants that can damage, cut, or harass your skin. Rubbing and irritating your skin can piss acne off more than it already is.

    -Have a low-pH cleanser, preferably around a pH of 5.5 . A surprising amount of common cleansers have an absurdly high pH level that can strip your skin and promote acne, so you’ll have to do your research to find a cleanser that’s right for you.

    -Chemical exfoliants like BHAs (salicylic acid is one, which can be found in willow bark extractions for those who prefer natural) sink down INTO the skin and work to dissolve the gunk trapped in your pores. Word of warning, though, if you begin using BHAs: it’s common for it to cause a session of “purging” that lasts for up to two weeks at most, which means your skin can have more acne than usual. This SOUNDS terrible, but it’s actually a good thing– it means it’s working and causing all of the gross, deep-embedded pustules to come to the surface where they’ll be healed. Once the purging session is over, you should have drastically reduced amounts of acne as long as you keep up with your BHAs to ensure no more acne can form.

    -Limit the amount of bacteria and dirt that gets unnecessarily lumped on your face everyday. No touching your face with your hands, wash your sheets frequently, and sleep on your back if at all possible. If you cant, try changing your pillowcases as often as you can

    -Green smoothie abuse. Just make yourself a disgusting, leaf-packed smoothie every day, multiple times a day if you’re feeling masochistic. It’ll probably taste terrible even with honey, but just grit your teeth and imagine the health and skin benefits. Cram that sucker full of parsley, bitter leafy greens, and any antioxidants you can find.

    -Green tea is great to drink, but it’s also great applied to the skin. It helps to mop up oil and bacteria, as well as being chock full of antioxidants that can help heal and nourish your skin. I’ve found that applying green tea frequently can help soothe and diminish my break outs.

    -Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin A are some of my favorite supplements for my skin. Fish oils are great, and can help reduce inflammation.

    -Gently applying ice to an inflamed cyst can reduce swelling and inflammation. I wouldn’t recommend doing this frequently, or for very long, since long-term use can damage your capillary veins, but used wisely, it can offer some much-needed relief in a pinch.

    -Worst comes to worse. your acne could be caused by hormones, which means no matter what you do physically, it won’t go away. If your acne is causing you a lot of trouble, just go get it professionally checked out, and find a dermatologist you trust. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction to finding methods to fix it from the inside out.

    1. I’m sick to death of seeing this disgusting photo on Fb WTH!!! Its just SICK to look at. Why must you make people nausiated, people can search google foe you if they need to. We shouldnt have to look at it on every freaking search for other things. Why so Graphic!?!?

  5. My pimples was almost five months but it didint disappear until now 🙁 the worst part is it hit my nose they are three reded pimple in my nose 🙁 what should i do and how can i treat them Fast?

    1. Use a q tip and apply potato, coconut oil or aloe vera (methods mentioned above) to reduce them. Apart from that avoid oily foods, wash your face regularly, include fresh fruits and veggies in your diet and boost your immunity.

    1. Try the above mentioned methods and apart from that drink plenty of water, avoid fatty, oily and spicy foods and avoid dairy intake for few days.

    2. Hi – I’m a 37 year old female wit hormonal cystic acne. I know I’m going to catch some heat for this BUT I have had cystic acne for the past 2-3 years. When I tell you that I tried EVERYTHING please believe me. I’ve spent so much money on acne products, I probably could’ve paid off my car! Two months ago, I decided to try an old remedy that I used when I was in middle school – rubbing alcohol. Yes, it can be damaging to the skin but understand that I exfoliate and moisturize daily. Sorry if this is TMI, but my monthly came on last night – the root cause of my acne along with my hair rubbing along my face when it is not in a pony tail. Two days ago, I felt two painful, itchy cysts developing. I attacked both of them with rubbing alcohol.

      First, I exfoliated my face with Clean & Clear Morning Burst. Any brand exfoliator should work!

      Second, I wiped my face with alcohol. For the area with the two forming cysts, I held a cotton pad with alcohol to both of them for 5 minutes each. “Depending on your skin, it may sting but I was hell bent on withstanding the sting because I needed results! And no, no damage whatsoever to my skin.

      Third, I moisture with Equate Moisturizing Cream (equivalent to Cetaphil Moisturizing cream – I’m over spending big bucks on acne treatments!)

      My cysts didn’t stand a chance! As of today, they are very tiny, continuously shrinking red bumps and no longer growing cysts.

      Please note that I repeat this procedure three times a day during my cycle times. When my cycle is not on, I do the above procedure in the morning and at night. I know that not all treatments work for everyone but if you are at a loss as I was, give it a try.

      I wish you the best of luck as acne ruined a lot for me for a very long time. I’m finally feeling more confident when I walk out the door. I don’t wear make-up ever. My cheeks and jawlines were horrendous. My skin is almost back to it’s natural state!

      P.S. I came to this board strictly to share and try to help someone else. The aforementioned treatments in the article didn’t do it for me. They would work for a few days and then I would be back at square one. Give it a try and share your reply!

      1. Sorry and forgot to include that I drink 4 tablespoons of ACV in a 16 oz bottle of water daily. I started with ACV because of the countless benefits I read, acne treatment included. Now I’m hooked and will continue drinking daily since there are so many benefits. One thing I totally noticed is that I fall asleep now without taking a sleeping pill. A win for me! ACV may very well be helping with my cystic acne as well. I’ve been drinking it daily for about 3 months now.

        1. What is ACV? I am also an adult struggling with cystic acne and have been for the last 10 years. Not even accutane has worked.

          1. Apple cider vonegar. U have to get the 100% natural stuff with something they call the “mother”. Amazon has one by Bragg and it works wonders! It tastes absolhtely awful, but i found if u mix it with apple juice, u can tolerate it. It helps clear acne from the inside out. Hope this helped!

        2. I am 33 and having cystic inflammed acne on my face, back and chest. I had fibroids, one of the big one now removed but couple of them still existing. My acne is related to hormonal imbalanace as I have facial hair on my chin, which I have to thread every couple of days. My dermatologist said if I’m trying on having a baby, I should not be taking any medication, in the past that helped were birth control pills and spirnolactone ( this caused me bad pain in my kidney area, but helped clear out acne right away). Also, drinking baking soda wth fresh squeezed lemon juice helped clear out my skin, but can’t have it everyday since it can cause low BP and I felt light headed when I take it. My acne becomes active during the monthly cycle. I understand that ACV is acidic, my body is already acidic – would it help?
          Anyone suggest any herbs, vitamins that I should take to cleanse from inside. It’s very sad that at this age I’m still going thru acne issues and that too severe and painful… and I want to have babies but all medications interfere with it. Any help is greatly appreciated. All the best to everyone!

          1. Choose any one method mentioned above in the article. Apart from that follow the dietary changes mentioned in the article. Reduce your stress levels, maintain proper hygiene, exfoliate regularly, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.

          2. I have had the same problem for the last few years.
            A daily probiotic and green smoothies loaded with leafy greens worked wonders for me. For bad flare ups I took a low dose of prednisolone (steroid) which is safe when conceiving and during pregnancy.
            I fell pregnant thanks to IVF with our son, due in 5 days, and unfortunately all the changing hormones caused it to flare up especially on my nose.
            The Dr recommended LED light therapy to help and it didn’t clear it but it did reduce the impact. I have also had small doses of prednisolone when it was really bad and baby is fine. I find that green juices and pro biotica help keep it down but have to suck it up until Bub is born. Good luck.

      2. Seems useful tip and it worked for me few times. However, any particular alcohol or type of alcohol u could advise or recommend for daily use?

        1. Seems like a useful tip and it worked well. However, any particular alcohol or type of alcohol u could advise or recommend for daily use?

  6. Once a week, I mix the juice from an orange and some egg yolk and put it on my face for about 10 minutes. It really does work to stop oil from forming on my face. Its not gross at all. My skin cleared up in about 1 week of doing that. I also use the Citrus Clear face wash to wash my face in the morning and at night. No acne for the last year !

    1. Acne can also be caused due to weak immune system, hormonal imbalance, PCOD or any other internal issue. Get diagnosed to know the real problem. Try to follow the above mentioned methods and eat a well balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid junk food and avoid oily stuff.

  7. Hey, ive had acne for 3-4 years nowand im 18 noa and it comes in spurts. Couple months i have like nothing to a few, then i go from that to a full blown break out. From my face, chest, and should blades. I have tried so much stuff and i can’t find what works for me. Today a guy at work told me his son had acne and he just rubbed a raw lemmon on the acne and it cleared up in a couple of days. Would you recommend that or what other methods would you suggest becUse i did try majority of the listed remedies. Also it is cystic acne that i have. Please i need to get this cleared up asap

    1. You may be having acne due to hormonal changes in your body. It is often common during teen years or puberty. Try any one of the remedies mentioned in the article to control the present acne. But in order to reduce the flare ups, you have to balance your hormones. For this you have eat nutritional food, exercise regularly, avoid skipping meals, and avoid processed, canned, sugary and oily stuff.

  8. Hello,

    I am 23, female and I barely get acnes. I have combination to oily skin but I would say its mainly oily. I got a cystic pimple on 26th November and I tried treating it with baby powder+water, toothpaste and tea tree oil+water. Should I keep doing this or should I stop? I read somewhere that I should put hot water if a headless pimple grew a head so I did and it became more tender with puss and I feel like it’s infected now. Also, it leads to another new cystic acne right beside it. Now it’s dry but it hurts and itches a lot. I get really impatient and unintentionally keep touching it.

    Can you please tell me what I should do get rid of it asap without making it worse and be infecting it. I’m not allergic to anything but I have a very sensitive skin. What sort of hormonal change is causing this and what can I do to not go through it?

    Thanks in advance 🙂

    1. Hormonal changes before starting a period or any other problem can be one of the reason for cystic acne. Don’t try to touch, prick or squeeze the pimple as it can spread the acne. Don’t use extremely hot water to wash the pimples as it can worsen the problem. If toothpaste or tea tree oil is working for you then continue using it. If not, then try different remedy from the article as per your convenience. And the most important thing is to make dietary changes. Include fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily food. Avoid junk, oily and fatty foods.

  9. I have been taking turmeric and dandelion root internally and think they are helping. For me though I have to stay away from using proactive I have such sensitive skin and it leans more towards being dry.

    I do use a cleaners that has salycic(sp) acid grapefruit and vitamin C. It is awesome! Also, cutting back on sugar from soda, and to much cheese. I think that is what caused a horrible breakout this past month.

  10. My 15 yr old grandson has SEVERE acne since he was 12. It appears to be worse than the ordinary acne. It is not only on his face but his arms, back & chest. What home remedy has the most positive results.

    1. As per your description, it will cystic acne which might be caused due to hormonal changes that usually happen during adolescent years. We recommend trying any above mentioned method to reduce the inflammation, redness and other discomforts caused by cystic acne. Apart from that, we have also mentioned dietary changes he should consider for effective and faster results.

  11. Hi, I’m 16 and i have been trying to eat healthily and i have been taking care of my facial hygiene for a few months now and i definitely see results. I have been on a no sugar diet, completely avoided all oily foods, cut out most dairy, all white flour, and all processed foods. I wash my face twice a day (with all natural facial cleanser) and apply cleansing face packs every night (usually turmeric based). But I still get that one annoyingly large pimple once in a while. They take a long time to go away, is there anything else i can do to prevent this cystic acne. Also among the list above which work the best, i don’t have especially sensitive skin.

    1. Stubborn cystic acne are usually caused by hormonal changes. However, as you are experiencing acne once in a while so the changes shouldn’t be a big concern. In order to remove the pimple, you can try 1, 6, 13, or 18th method mentioned above in the article.

  12. Hello iam 68 I have these now just showed up on my inter sides of my private ares just one or two they itch but their look like cystic how can I get rid of them .thank you LlB

    1. Avoid trying any home remedies on the private areas as they are very sensitive. It is better to consult a dermatologist to know the treatment.

  13. Please tell me the faster removing remedy… I read all the remedies and I also used Cinnamon and honey but there is no change infact the pimples increase on my face please help me. I daily used patanjali nim face wash and aloevera sunscream. But it doesn’t work. What should I do?

  14. When I was sitting in school, that’s when I face the pimples are very annoying.
    Someone said to me, if you want to heal then you should steer clear of a wide variety of drugs and SOAP on your face for 2 weeks.
    It is so simple but the results are very satisfactory, acne-pimples growing on my face off and little by little the pimples disappear of itself

  15. I have had cystic acne for about four years. I have been seeing a dermatologist for at least two of those years. It’s a long road, and one thing that I can absolutely guarantee does not help to treat acne in any way whatsoever is exercise. I know this because a) most dermatologists and doctors agree that if anything, exercise worsens acne; and b) I’ve been an athlete for most of my life – the harder I train, the worse my acne; and c) although I always wear clean lycra and shower straight after I finish my session, the acne on my back is in the shape of the cross-over straps of my sports bra.

    Exercise can’t have any positive effect on acne. It’s absolutely vital to your general health, but let’s not pretend it’s a miracle cure for everything (or indeed anything except for ‘lack of fitness’).

  16. I just tried your turmeric remedy to the letter. I only left it on for 1 hour. Now my face is turmeric coloured ! How can I remove this colour stain?

  17. These are all very good acne treatments. Even I have tried clay mask. I have acne pron skin for this I am curently using Himalayan pink salt, aloe Vera and rose water mixture. It really does work. My acne is reducing gradually. Himalayan salt is very good for skin. I am also using it as bath salt. You can get more information about it on the website of ittefaqco .

  18. Hiii
    I have very sansetive skin
    i use all product like face wash face crem but now my skin really rough and bad much dark spots
    pls give me solution

  19. To bust a large cystic spot Heat up a glass bottle with hot water, place the opening over the cyst and let it cool. When the bottle cools it creates a suction and sucks the gunk out. You may have to do the process a few times but it works.

  20. After a shower I use a vinegar salt water mix in a spray bottle to balance the ph in the skin. I spray everywhere I have the issue, mostly sweat gland areas and places where skin touches skin. It cleans off the soap and keeps infection at bay. Also dry baking soda rub before the shower and let sit for a few minutes. I have Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and have had to come up with my own cure. Surgery is the only option, antibiotics are not the answer either.

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