Learn how to effectively get rid of cystic acne on cheeks with the right treatment steps, from home remedies to recommended medical treatments.
Cystic acne, or what is known in the medical world as cystic acne, is one of the most painful and difficult types of acne to get rid of. Unlike regular acne that only appears on the surface of the skin, cystic acne grows deeper and often causes large, red, swollen lumps under the skin.
Cystic acne can be very disturbing to your appearance, especially when it appears on visible areas of the face such as the cheeks. Although cystic acne can affect anyone, it is more common in teenagers and young adults, although older adults can also experience it.
Given the pain and negative effects that cystic acne can cause, it is important to understand effective ways to treat and prevent cystic acne from appearing, especially in more visible areas like the cheeks.
This article will discuss steps you can take to get rid of cystic acne on your cheeks, from home remedies, medical treatments, to healthy habits that can prevent it from appearing again in the future.
What is Cystic Acne and What Causes It?
Cystic acne is a type of acne that forms when skin pores become blocked by oil, dead skin cells and dirt trapped inside. These clogged pores can cause deeper inflammation in the layers of the skin, eventually resulting in large, hard, red, or purplish bumps.
Cystic Acne on Cheeks is a common condition that tends to be more painful than regular acne because it is located deep within the skin and can become infected if not treated properly. Proper care and treatment are essential to prevent scarring and further complications.
Some of the main causes of cystic acne include:
- Excessive oil production : Occurs when the oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin produce excess oil that clogs the pores.
- Hormonal changes : Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or use of birth control pills, can affect oil production.
- Stress : Stress can increase the production of hormones that stimulate the oil glands, which ultimately leads to acne.
- Poor diet : Consuming foods high in sugar and fat can trigger acne.
- Using unsuitable skincare products : Using products that clog pores or are not suitable for your skin type can cause acne.
How to Get Rid of Cystic Acne on Cheeks with Home Treatment
There are several ways you can do at home to treat cystic acne on the cheeks. Here are some methods that can help reduce inflammation and speed healing:
1. Use a Warm Compress
One effective way to reduce inflammation in cystic acne is to use a warm compress. To do this, soak a clean cloth in warm water (make sure it is not too hot) and compress the cloth to the acne area for 10-15 minutes.
A warm compress can help open the pores and increase blood circulation in the affected area, thus speeding up the healing process of acne.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat acne. You can apply a little tea tree oil using a cotton ball directly to the cystic acne area.
Leave it on for a few hours or overnight so that the tea tree oil can work optimally in killing the bacteria that cause acne.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties that can help reduce inflammation and redness in cystic acne.
Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area on your cheeks, and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Regular use can help reduce pain and speed up the healing of cystic acne.
4. Lemon and Honey
The combination of lemon and honey can work effectively to help reduce cystic acne. Lemon has antibacterial properties, while honey has the ability to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
You can apply a mixture of these two ingredients to cystic acne and leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
5. Honey and Cinnamon
A mixture of honey and cinnamon is also known to help treat cystic acne. Honey has antibacterial properties that are effective in fighting skin infections, while cinnamon contains antioxidants that can help soothe inflamed skin.
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, apply the mixture to the cystic acne, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
Medical Treatment for Cystic Acne
If your cystic acne on your cheeks doesn’t go away or keeps coming back, you may need to consider medical treatment. Here are some types of medical treatments that can help treat cystic acne:
1. Topical Medication with Benzoyl Peroxide or Retinoid
Dermatologists often prescribe topical creams or gels containing active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
Benzoyl peroxide helps kill acne-causing bacteria and reduces pore clogging. Meanwhile, retinoids work by speeding up skin cell turnover to prevent clogged pores.
2. Oral Antibiotics
If your cystic acne is severe or inflamed, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline are used to treat more serious cystic acne by reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria.
3. Corticosteroid Injection
For very large and inflamed cystic acne, a corticosteroid injection may be performed by a dermatologist. This injection helps reduce inflammation and speeds up acne healing. This procedure usually provides rapid results in reducing the size and pain of cystic acne.
4. Laser Therapy or Light Treatment
Laser therapy or light therapy (such as blue light therapy) are non-invasive treatment methods that can be used to treat cystic acne. This therapy works by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation, and can help remove acne scars afterwards.
Prevention So That Cystic Acne Does Not Return
Avoiding recurring cystic acne is essential to maintaining healthy skin. Here are some steps you can take to prevent cystic acne:
1. Wash your face gently
Make sure you wash your face twice a day using a gentle, oil-free facial cleanser. Avoid rubbing your face too hard, as it can damage the skin and increase inflammation. Choose a facial cleanser that contains antibacterial ingredients, such as salicylates, which can help treat acne.
2. Avoid squeezing pimples
Never squeeze or scratch cystic acne, as this can worsen the inflammation and cause infection. Squeezing pimples can also leave scars that are difficult to remove.
3. Keep your hair and pillows clean
Make sure your hair is always clean and does not cover your face, especially when sleeping. In addition, change your pillowcase regularly, because bacteria and oil from your face can stick to the pillowcase and trigger acne.
4. Pay attention to your diet
Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, and avoid foods high in sugar and fat, which can increase oil production in the skin. Foods with a high glycemic index can also make acne worse, so be sure to plan your diet wisely.
Cystic acne on the cheeks can be very annoying and painful, but with the right treatment, you can treat and prevent it. Start with simple yet effective home remedies, and if necessary, consult a dermatologist for proper medical treatment.
By consistently maintaining facial cleanliness, eating a healthy diet, and using the right products, you can reduce the possibility of Cystic Acne coming back. Don’t hesitate to look for a solution that suits your skin’s needs to keep your facial skin healthy and acne-free.