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As far as pimples go, those deep,cystic acneflare-ups are probably the most emotionally and physically taxing.
Getty Images. Illustration: Bella Geraci
Press on one and it reverberates throughout your entire face.
What is cystic acne?
It’s characterized by the development of “tender, inflammatory nodules underneath the skin.”
You might have heard cystic acne breakouts referred to as blind pimples.
They typically show up again and again in the same location, often based on your menstrual cycle.
Unless you get treated, your first chin cyst will likely not be your last.
What causes cystic acne?
Those foods includeskim milk,whey protein,vitamin B12 supplements, and foods that are high in sugar.
Lifestyle changes, like switching up your diet and reducing stress, can help clear skin.
In addition, androgen hormones like testosterone also stimulate oil glands.
Its extremely rare for dermatologists to give the go-ahead to pop any bang out of pimple.
When it comes to cystic acne, not a single dermatologist we spoke with recommended doing so.
How do you treat cystic acne?
He recommends a two-pronged ingredient approach, focusing in onsalicylic acidandbenzoyl peroxide.
Which products help treat cystic acne?
It helps clear existing acne and prevent new acne from starting.
It also contains moisturizers to prevent the skin from becoming too dry from use, she says.
“The cleanser needs enough contact time with the skin for the active ingredients to exert their effects.”
People who are prone to cystic acne should still use afacial moisturizerregularly so that maintain a healthy skin barrier.
That said, choosing a moisturizer that containsceramides,niacinamide, orhyaluronic acidcan be especially helpful.
“These ingredients help to reduce redness and inflammation and restore the skin’s protective barrier.
This is important because many acne-fighting active ingredients tend to be drying and irritating to the skin.”
Jacobs is a fan of the lightweight and creamyTula Skincare Breakout Star Acne Moisturizer.
He advises his patients to leave the gel on overnight.
(Keep in mind that hydrocortisone should not be used during pregnancy.)
He suggestsCortizone-10 Sensitive Natural Skin Cream.
How long does cystic acne take to go away?
Any individual breakout may take between one and three weeks to heal, says Dr. Graf.
As for cystic acne overall, it may last months or years, says Dr. Camp.
Theres no countdown clock to the moment when skin stops breaking out.
Waiting until your skin magically clears isn’t a risk that dermatologists want their patients to take.
