Cystic Acne – Not Just For Teens

Having acne as an adult is such an aggravation. It is one of those things that are supposed to cease as the teenage years move into the 20s. It belongs in the category of high school, angst, dead end jobs and overwhelming uncertainty. Acne doesn’t belong in adulthood, yet it still happens—in many adults. What’s even more frustrating than dealing with adult acne is dealing with severe acne of the cystic variety. If left untreated it can lead additional problems with the skin, including severe scarring.

Cystic Acne in Adults

I can attest to the frustrations of dealing with cystic acne—an outbreak that seemed to come out of nowhere. Nearly 5 years after having struggled with teenage acne, and only dealing with the occasional pimple that was easy to deal with, a change in environment spurred cystic acne that was not only painful, but embarrassing at job interviews and within the social realm. It was one of my first real life lessons—acne doesn’t discriminate based on age!

The silver lining that comes with adult cystic acne is the fact that it can be treated, and it can be prevented. Knowing that, consider a little education about cystic acne to help outline the best course of treatment.

Adult Cystic Acne Education

Cystic acne develops like all forms of acne. When dead skin cells, bacteria and sebum combine in a follicle, they will clog it, and a subsequent, small infection results in acne. When these three components find their way deeper into the skin (the dermis), cystic acne can and will develop. This is the reason that cystic acne doesn’t have a “head” like other pimples, and the reason it lingers far longer than a whitehead or a blackhead. It cannot be extracted, and if messed with in an attempted popping, it will simply make matters worse. Patience is key when dealing with cystic acne once it has developed. And if it is developing frequently, it is a wise idea to seek the services of a qualified dermatologist.

Spot treatments will offer little to no aid in treating cystic acne. The infection is far below the surface, and no topical or externally applied acne cream or medication will penetrate to that depth. It is best to fight it from the inside, increasing water intake, as well as foods and vitamins that promote optimal health and a strong immune system.

When I was dealing with my episode, I wasted no time in contacting a physician and getting a prescription. After finding that the medicine made my skin feel like a stretch of the Sahara Desert, I subscribed to a quality and consistent skin care regimen, and never struggled with acne problems again. Prevention is truly better than a cure.

A Quality Skin Care Regimen to Deter Cystic Acne

To combat the development of all forms of acne, it should be attacked at the source—the three causes of acne. Exfoliating the skin will help to rid the skin of dead skin cells. An acne cleanser that is benzoyl peroxide based will help to kill the bacteria on the skin’s surface. Following a routine, once or twice daily cleansing, a toner or astringent can be used to constrict pores, protecting follicles from easy intrusion. Completing the regimen with a benzoyl peroxide based acne cream and an oil free moisturizer will help to prevent acne, while helping to maintain moisture and balance in the skin texture.