How to get rid of a cystic pimple... besides eating healthy & drinking water

When it comes to how to get rid of a cystic pimple, you’ve probably: 

• Tried many store-bought creams and cleansers
• Had a dermatologist recommend a scientific-sounding product with a warning “Be careful, this makes your skin more likely to sun burn and skin damage” 
• Heard it’s good to drink more water and cut out dairy 

We get it. 

You’ve been through enough mornings getting up, looking in the mirror already knowing what you’re about to see. Cystic acne is so painful you don’t need to see a reflection to know that deep-under-the-skin bump is there. 

The most frustrating part? When deciding what to do with a cystic pimple, if you’ve gotten past your teen years you thought acne would be over by now. This acne creeping in during 20s, 30s, 40s feels like something that should be over by now. 

That’s why we are here. In this blog, you’re going to see mapped out, step-by-step methods to clear cystic acne. We’re divulging: 

• The top triggers of cystic acne, so it’s easier to avoid them 
• A shocking factor that contributes to cystic acne, that has NOTHING to do with your skin
• Everyday things that are contributing to your skin’s flareups 
• The #1 mistake we see people make when trying to treat cystic acne - and what to do instead 

Real quick, let’s confirm what cystic acne is

While some pimples are “on top” of the skin, cystic acne is like a deep infection that’s buried into the epidermis - perpetrating the skin in a way that becomes - as you know too well - quite painful. 

We are guessing your cystic acne is mostly around your jawline and chin. While cystic acne can be found other places, these spots have the most oil glands - contributing to the influx of this type of acne. 

Some unexpected causes of acne  

There are a variety of root reasons and factors that contribute to cystic acne. While you likely know that hormones, a lack of water and processed foods contribute to problems with acne, here are some common culprits that are less known.

• Your gut
  When we say gut, this is more than simply the foods you put into your belly. There can be a lot of issues with digestion which, shockingly, also contribute to cystic acne
  
  
• Everyday items
  Certain things you use every day contribute to your acne. Even if washing your face or drinking water, cystic acne can still come through if these aren’t addressed. (Luckily, they are simple to deal with!)
  
  
• Skin products meant to HELP acne
  Often, the products - even ones subscribed by dermatologists - have chemicals that may diminish acne at first but in the longer term,
  
  Even acne products meant to heal acne can actually do the reverse in the long-term and provoke acne. Strong chemicals in most common beauty products may strip away some acne at first, but create greater irritation over time.
  

From “salicylic acid” and “benzoyl” to long-term effective options

To address the elephant in the room, let’s real quick touch on commonly known methods for treating cystic acne. 

When researching how to get rid of a cystic pimple or going to a dermatologist, you’re often first told about strong, harsh chemicals like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. After going through tubs and bottles, you found - even if improvement at first - your skin starts getting dry and prone to sunburn. You go to put on makeup and, suddenly, find flakes of skin make it hard to apply foundation smoothly. 

The reason? 

Everyday skincare is loaded with chemicals

In most USA sold beauty products, there are a shocking number of chemicals. 

While we’re quick to try buying organic spinach and choosing farmers markets whenever possible, it can feel wild trying to figure out what products - amid the 100s and 1000s - will actually show you how to get rid of a cystic pimple. 

That’s why, based on some of the triggers above, we’re showing incredibly effective ways for what to do with a cystic pimple, so they’re treated for good. 

The top ways for what to do with a cystic pimple

Address your gut health 

From antibiotics and medications to stress, our gut can have its probiotics diminished. Probiotics are live microorganisms that keep your digestion healthy and are responsible for a lot of your immunity. 

The issue? 

If your gut is not probably fueled and loaded with probiotics, your body’s energy goes into fighting other bacteria, working to digest and other functions instead of supporting your skin. When bad bacteria has space to grow, your body tries to flush it out. Because your skin is one of the biggest releases of toxins, these often come out through the skin - including your face - can help in deciding what to do with a cystic pimple. 

What you can do? 

Add probiotics into your diet. There are a variety of ways to do so, such as supplements, kombucha, fermented foods and many yogurts.

*Probiotics are even though to help reduce symptoms of eczema

Apply ice

Whether rubbing an ice cube (quickly and shortly, as don’t want frost problems!) around your face first thing in the morning or putting some frozen veggies - like peas - onto the skin, this application of cold can provide some much needed soothing relief! The ice helps by decreasing the size and redness of the offending acne.
Pay special attention to pillowcases

To reduce the chances of irritation and sensitivity, it’s a good idea to avoid washing these items with strong detergents and bleaches. Instead, opt for natural and unscented laundry products. You also want to change your towels and pillowcases frequently to avoid the presence and spread of bacteria, which only make your acne worse.

Avoid the urge to squeeze

Cystic acne, typically does not give you “poppable” pimples, since the lesions are further underneath the skin. Squeezing them actually worsens the situation, since the pressure only spreads the bacteria, consequently extending the healing time AND increasing the chances of scarring. [source]

Clean your phone

"Our cell phones are dirty, very dirty," says Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "I once saw a study showing that our phones have more bacteria on them than a public restroom." 

While that is probably quite unpleasant to hear, it’s important to remember, especially if you often hold up the phone to your face for phone calls or text with fingers - which then touch your face. 

"With each phone call, we reintroduce these germs onto our skin, clogging our pores and leading to eventual breakouts," says New York City-based dermatologist Shereene Idriss. Solution: Using some disinfecting wipes should do the trick. [source]

Switch your skin products 

While we often hear about switching makeup, since it more noticeably sits on the skin, and hear to clean makeup brushes…

It can feel like cleansers wash off, so they only help skin, right? 

Because, as mentioned earlier, most skin products load you with chemicals and contribute to issues far beyond acne, it’s important to go for natural products. 

We recommend starting by working the following vitamins into your skincare regiment. 

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

Each of these vitamins has superpowers related to being antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, soothing to the skin’s overall glow and skin tone (including sun spots) and more. 

**If you’re also  feeling you want some extra love and lift around your eyes...here’s another fun fact: Vitamin E helps anti-age the eyes 

The simplest way to apply these vitamins together? 

While each vitamin solo will infuse vital benefits, maximize your skin glow by using all of the vitamins simultaneously. This is the best thing for what to do with a cystic pimple. 

To maximize time for your busy, on-the-go lifestyle, we recommend going for a refreshing option that only needs to be applied morning and night. → The vegan moisturizer that’s so good for those with cystic acne