Over 60 million Americans suffer from acne and many of our customers are part of that group!

 If you’ve experienced Cystic Acne specifically, you know that it’s next-level discomfort.

Cystic acne is the most serious type of acne; it develops when painful cysts from deep underneath the skin, causing redness, irritation, and inflammation. It occurs most often in teens, women, those with hormonal imbalances, and those who have oily skin.

How it is different from regular acne

The development of large cysts underneath the skin and any resulting infection from irritation and swelling are what make this type of acne more severe than regular acne. Other identifying characteristics of this type of acne include:

• large painful cysts underneath the skin
• large, white bumps, pus-filled cysts
• redness and irritation that are widespread
• areas of skin that are tender or painful to the touch

While cysts are most noticeable on a person's face, it is quite common for acne to spread to the back, neck, shoulders, and arms. Painful swelling and development of cysts can even develop behind the ears.

Traditional treatment options

Cyst formation, redness and inflammation that occur with this type of acne are rarely treated with over the counter medications, and prescription medications that treat it may come with many undesirable side effects.

Natural healing alternatives

You know around here, we’re all about holistic, organic, and natural skincare remedies! When looking at any skin condition or physical malady, there is often an underlying cause that created it. Getting to the bottom of your breakouts and discovering holistic options for treatment may be an effective way of clearing up acne breakouts and providing a long-term solution for clearer, healthier skin.

Here are some holistic treatment options for dealing with breakouts and getting down to the business of creating a clean and clear complexion, once and for all:

 1 - Try applying ice to painful cysts

Quite often, most of the discomfort that comes with cyst formation is the swelling that occurs. As simple as it sounds, applying ice to painful, effected areas daily may reduce swelling. Simply holding a cold compress over the skin until the cold feels uncomfortable will help to reduce irritation and inflammation in those areas. Apply up to three times daily for relief from pain and redness.

2 - Dietary changes

This is one that you hear us recommend a lot because it can really work! Try eliminating all dairy products from the diet for three to six weeks, monitoring skin changes as they occur. Sorry cheese lovers, this is a small price to pay for clean and clear skin in the long run. Other triggers for acne may include sugar and processed foods; cleaning up your diet is always a good recipe for attaining clearer, healthier skin. You can eliminate them all at once or individually and then see how your skin responds.

3 - DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

Apple Cider Vinegar is great at restoring the skin's natural acidity. The skin is 4.5-5.5 pH (more acidic), so using vinegar is an awesome way to "tone" the skin back down. Vinegar also helps with adding protein back to the skin, lightening age spots, removing excess oil, and clears up acne. Get the recipe and directions on our blog here.

4 - Our Salt Scrubs!

One way to ensure that you are removing dead skin cells and debris from the outer layers of the skin that can clog pores is with the use of a natural, organic salt scrub. For cystic acne specifically, we recommend our Calendula, Sandalwood, or Lavender & Jasmine scents!

5 - Turmeric

Turmeric is truly a superfood; its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for using as an ingredient in a homemade turmeric mask. Simply mix turmeric powder with water until a thick paste has formed; apply it to the areas of your body where you are prone to breakouts. Leave on for about 45 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

 6 - Incorporate probiotics

There is an intimate connection between your gut health and the symptoms that manifest on your skin. Any type of acne is a signal that there is an imbalance of gut flora---maintaining that delicate balance between "good" and "bad" gut flora will balance your entire microbiome. The results of a balanced microbiome will be evident on your face as you flaunt your fresh, glowing skin in public once more. Natren Healthy Trinity Probiotics is our favorite brand. It’s expensive but worth it!

Bonus Tip: Use our Blackhead Removal Mask as a spot treatment. Just mix it with water to a tooth-paste consistency, apply a thick layer to your blemish, leave it on overnight, and rinse it off in the morning. You'll be amazed at how well this can work!