According to Medical News Today,
The pores of the skin have sebaceous glands that secrete an oily substance known as sebum.
Normal sebum secretions help protect the hair follicles and skin, but overproduction of sebum and overgrowth of skin cells can cause the pores to become plugged. This can create the perfect conditions for the overgrowth of a type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, which is normally found on the skin.
These plugs are also known as comedones and can have white or black heads. If the comedones are uninfected, the condition is called non-inflammatory acne. If the comedones become infected and inflamed, papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts may develop.
The symptoms of cystic acne include,
- Hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy
- The use of hormone therapy
- Birth control
- Greasy cosmetics, cleansers, lotions, and clothing
- Stress
- High levels of humidity and sweating
- Genetics – some people are naturally more susceptible
- Some drugs and chemicals, for example, corticosteroids, lithium, phenytoin, and isoniazid can worsen your condition
Suggested read: The Only 10 Neem Face Mask Recipes You Need For Clear, Acne-free Skin
Home remedies for cystic acne
Here are the 10 best home remedies for cystic acne.
1. Turmeric
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The first remedy on our list is turmeric, and what makes it such a good treatment for cystic acne is its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that is anti-inflammatory, which naturally takes care of the pain associated with this condition.
For the remedy, you need to first prepare a mixture by adding some water to one tablespoon of turmeric powder. You can add unrefined sesame oil in place of water, if you want. Now mix the ingredients to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the affected area, and let it dry on its own. Leave it on for an hour, after which you will have to wash the area with lukewarm water.
Repeat the remedy two times a day for a couple of weeks.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
The next remedy, apple cider vinegar will treat your cystic acne effectively. It is a natural astringent, and as such, it will help you get rid of the excess moisture and oil on your skin, which in turn, will cure the acne.
Apple cider vinegar maintains the pH level of our skin, and as such keeps it clean, thus preventing cystic acne.
For the remedy, you need to dilute raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar by mixing it with water in a ratio of 1:1. Apply the mix using a cotton ball, and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash the area with water.
You should repeat the remedy two times a week for best results.
3. Tea Tree Oil
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Tea tree oil helps effectively treat cystic acne by penetrating into the skin easily, and unblocking the sebaceous glands and drying out the acne. It also helps disinfect the skin pores which are sure to be clogged if you have cystic acne.
For the remedy, you need to soak a cotton ball in some tea tree oil, and lightly apply it on the affected area. You should leave the essential oil on for a few hours. You can also leave it on through the night.
People with sensitive skin need to do two things,
One, dilute the tea tree oi by mixing it with water in the ratio of 1:3.
Two, do a patch test before applying the oil on the affected area.
4. Baking Soda
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Baking soda is a natural antiseptic. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it such a great remedy for cystic acne.
Baking soda absorbs the excess oil that clog skin pores, and helps exfoliate dead skin cells. It will balance the acid-base level of your skin and render your skin healthy and glowing.
For the remedy, you need to mix a teaspoon of baking soda with some cucumber juice. Prepare a thin paste and apply it on the affected area. Leave it one for a few miutes, and then wash out with lukewarm water.
You should repeat the remedy two times a week, but do remember to moisturize after using this remedy.
Suggested read: The ONLY 8 Garlic Face Mask Recipes For Acne And Pimple-Free Skin
5. Fuller’s Earth
The next remedy on our list is fuller’s earth. It is a type of clay that will help you treat cystic acne effectively. It will absorb the excess oil. It will also help you get rid of the dead skin cells, rendering you a clean and smooth skin.
Applying fuller’s earth will not only treat your cystic acne, but will also prevent the formation of scars.
For the remedy, begin by mixing a teaspoon of the fuller’s earth with some water to form a paste. Now add a teaspoon of honey, and mix well. Apply the mix on your face, and let it dry. Now wash the paste off with lukewarm water. Pat and dry the face.
The remedy should not be repeated more than once a week.
6. Cucumber
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Cucumber is a natural astringent, which makes it great for oily skin type. The oat, on the other hand, serves as a mild exfoliator, which also absorbs extra oil that block skin pores. If you want, you can also add honey to this mixture, since it is anti-bacterial in nature.
To make a cucumber and oat face pack for yourself, cut a cucumber into two halves. We will be needing only one half. Place it in a blender, and then add 4 teaspoons of oats and a tablespoon of honey. Now squeeze juice of half a lemon into the blender, and mix well. Once the mixture looks consistent, massage it onto your skin, gently. This will help exfoliate dead skin cells, if any. Let the paste stay on for about 20 minutes, after which, you need to rinse it off with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry.
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal, because of its therapeutic properties, is used to treat skin ailments, for years! It comforts the skin by soothing inflammation, outbursts and redness. By adding honey to the oatmeal face mask, you can lend it an anti-bacterial property.
To make an oatmeal mask, all you need is a serving of steel-cut oatmeal. Prepare it with the help of the instructions on the package. Add 4 teaspoons of honey to it, and let it cool down to room temperature. Now apply the mask evenly on your face. Leave it on for thirty minutes and then, rinse thoroughly. Pat your skin dry with a soft face towel.
8. Honey
The last remedy on our list today is honey. Honey is antibacterial, which will cure your cystic acne in no time. Also, honey is antioxidant, and so, it will prevent the damage that is caused to the skin by free radicals.
Honey not only heals acne, but also makes your skin smoother and softer.
For the remedy, dab some honey on the affected area, and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Now rinse off the area with lukewarm water.
The treatment should be repeated two to three times a day for best results.
An alternative to this remedy is to prepare a paste of honey and cinnamon powder. For the paste, mix half a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the affected area, and leave it on for 10 minutes or so. Wash the area with lukewarm water.
The remedy should be done once every day for a week.
Bonus remedy:
Milk
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Yes, dairy products do cause acne, but when you apply milk or yogurt in moderation, they help heal outburst. They also improve your complexion. While milk treats irritated skin and softens redness, honey, because of its anti-bacterial properties, kills the bacteria that makes acne worse.
To make a milk and honey mask at home, mix 3 teaspoons of milk, at room temperature, with 3 teaspoons of honey. You can use yogurt in place of milk. Now blend well until the mixture is consistent. Next, dip a cotton pad into the mixture. Soak it completely, and dab it onto your skin. First, apply a thin layer on your face, and let it dry. Once dry, apply another layer. Leave the mask on for ten minutes, and then rinse it off with cold water. Now lightly scrub the skin using a washcloth. Massage in circular motion to get rid of dead skin cells, if any.
Suggested read: All You Need To Know About Treating Scalp Acne With Home Remedies
That is all we have on today’s post on home remedies for cystic acne. Was this helpful? Will you be recommending it to others too? If you have some remedies that you would like to share with us, then please do so in the comment section below.
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