What is cystic acne?

Cystic acne is a skin condition that differs from ordinary pimples and blackheads. It’s characterized by acne cysts that form below the surface of your skin, making them painful and difficult to treat. Cystic acne is most common in teenagers, but some people will continue to suffer from this skin condition throughout their lives.

Hormonal causes of cystic acne:

Cystic acne can be genetic, but it is often caused or exacerbated by a hormonal imbalance. When your hormones become unbalanced, they can cause your body to produce an excess of oil, which in turn causes the formation of acne cysts. The acne-causing bacteria P. acnes is found naturally in your skin and feeds on the sebum that your skin produces. When your skin starts to overproduce oil, the P. acnes has more sebum to consume; this means that the bacteria will reproduce at a faster rate, and will produce byproducts that irritate and inflame your skin.

Because hormones are often the culprits when it comes to cystic acne, your approach to treating this skin condition should be focused on rebalancing those hormones. Keep reading to discover how to rebalance hormones and reduce inflammation throughout your body, thereby reducing the formation of acne cysts. We’ll also discuss how to treat existing acne.

Natural remedies for cystic acne:

1. Balancing your hormones: You can help to balance your body’s hormone production in many ways, but this will probably require at least a few months of work. If you’re suffering from cystic acne after taking birth control or the Plan B pill, though, taking the time and effort to re-tune your body’s hormone balance will definitely be worth it.

In order to balance your hormones, you’ll need to consume a healthy diet that includes plenty of proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins. You’ll want to avoid eating too much sugar and processed food, as this can lead to inflammation. You should also make sure to exercise regularly.

You can supplement your healthy lifestyle by taking evening primrose oil capsules. Evening primrose oil helps to fight acne, hormone imbalance, and inflammation using gamma-linoleic acid and other nutrients. You can also try using tulsi, or holy basil, as a hormone supplement. Tulsi is an adaptogen that can help your body to regulate its hormone production.

2. Reducing inflammation: To diminish the appearance and painfulness of acne breakouts, you’ll also want to fight inflammation. Try following an anti-inflammatory diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins, and fatty acids. Leafy greens, red and purple berries, seafood, and green tea are all excellent additions to an anti-inflammatory diet. Research has also shown that regular exercise can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Supplement your anti-inflammatory diet with caprylic acid capsules. Caprylic acid has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties, so it will help to diminish acne-causing bacteria while it reduces inflammation.

Treat existing acne cysts

While taking meaningful care of your body to fight hormone balance and inflammation, you can also treat existing acne cysts in several ways. Here are some of our favorite natural remedies for acne cysts:

Apple cider vinegar compress: This warm compress will deliver antioxidants to your skin while helping to draw trapped pus up to the surface. All you have to do is fill a mug with hot water and add about 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Let the water cool down until it is still very warm, but not hot enough to burn your skin. Soak a clean washcloth in the water, wring it out, and then press it gently against the affected area until it becomes cool. Then dip it in the water again, and repeat the process as many times as desired.

See other ways we love to use apple cider vinegar.

DIY honey face mask: Many people who have suffered from cystic acne swear by honey face masks. Honey has antimicrobial and humectant properties, so it makes sense that it would help to alleviate the symptoms of cystic acne. To use honey for cystic acne, all you have to do is apply a thin layer to clean skin, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Make sure to purchase raw, unfiltered honey for the best results.

Check out our other DIY honey face masks for acne. 

DIY green tea toner: Green tea is another favorite remedy for cystic acne. It contains plenty of antioxidants and has astringent qualities to help clear your skin. It can also help to fight inflammation, both internally and externally. To use green tea as a daily toner, just brew a cup of organic green tea and wait for it to cool. Pour it into a sterilized jar, and store it in your refrigerator for up to a week. Whenever you feel like applying your DIY toner, just dip a cotton ball into the cool liquid and pat it gently over your face.

Other ways to treat acne:

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