Have you struggled to overcome cystic acne without any success? Know that you don't need to suffer alone. For many people who suffer from acne, their biggest insecurity is their skin. It is not a fun way to go through your teen years, and even harder when you are an adult in your 20's, 30's or later years.
We have some solutions here for you to try to overcome your acne challenges once and for all, naturally. Our suggestions all focus around natural solutions vs. harsh chemicals such as alcohols, prescriptions and more. We are a natural skincare brand and believe that Mother Earth gave us all we need in order to heal most ailments in our body.
What is cystic acne vs. regular everyday acne?
Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne and is usually seen on the chin and cheek area. It is the most challenging type of acne to overcome and hence causes a lot of grief for people who struggle with many treatments, much cost, and many days worrying about breakouts.
Other types of acne include hormonal (around your period cycles or due to perimenopause, oh joy!), stress acne, and also due to nutritional deficiencies in your diet. Acne does not discriminate between genders, age, race, or religion. It can strike at any time in your lifecycle too. It is all equally frustrating!
The skin condition mainly affects the face, but also often affects the upper trunk and upper arms.
Acne most often affects adolescents and young adults, with an estimated 80 percent of people between 11 and 30 years of age experiencing acne at some point.
Cystic acne is the most severe form and affects far fewer people.
In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that acne was the top reason people gave for visiting a dermatologist.
What causes cystic acne?
Cystic acne is often caused by hormonal changes within the body. These changes increase the stimulation and production of sebum (oil) production, which clogs the pores, causing an infection which is difficult to overcome.
Acne signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of your condition:
- Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
- Blackheads (open plugged pores)
- Small red, tender bumps (papules)
- Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
- Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)
- Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)
Some Myths Around Acne Causes
There are so many myths surrounding the topic of acne that it can be confusing what to believe and how to treat it. Want to learn more about myths and triggers that cause acne and their possible solutions?
Learning how to get rid of cystic acne
Here is a personal story from a woman in her twenties that overcame her cystic acne once and for all.
"I spent a lot of time researching and learning how to get rid of cystic acne through different skincare brands, supplements and treatments that could help me. I went through a lot of trial and error with several different products but nothing seemed to work, which left me feeling insecure. I hated going out in public and always felt the need to cover my face with a lot of makeup.
After spending a small fortune on several over-the-counter products, my mom recommended that I go see a dermatologist in hopes she could prescribe something stronger and more effective.
My two options for cystic acne treatments were Birth Control or Accutane. Accutane is a prescription medication used to treat cystic acne and is prescribed to patients who have tried other acne treatments which were unsuccessful. I decided to try birth control and if there were no improvements to switch to Accutane. Fast-forward three months and my skin was pimple free. Though like most people who suffer from cystic acne, I was left with scars on my face.
My scars were so embedded into my skin that finding a topical product that worked was difficult. I found that no skincare product was strong enough to help resurface my skin which is why I turned to cosmetic treatments like fraxel and microneedling. Both have helped the texture, radiance and overall appearance of my skin immensely."
Switching to an all natural cystic acne treatment
"Ten years later and I still breakout, have scars and suffer from eczema (thanks to the stress of school). The skincare industry has grown and evolved. Consumers now have so many different products available to them. In fact, Clean Kiss has an all natural acne skincare line for people like me who have suffered for years or are new to the acne struggle. The Kiss those Spots Goodbye acne treatment line uses natural alternatives to salicylic acid, jojoba oil to balance oil production, aloe vera to heal, witch hazel to calm, vitamin E to repair damage, and essential oils to combat the bacteria that causes breakouts to occur in the first place."
"While taking birth control did help to treat my acne, I wish I had the option to use a natural skincare line like Clean Kiss to tackle it naturally. The topical skincare products I had used all contain toxins that aren’t good for the body and certainly weren’t helping my skin anyway."
Over the years I have learned that reading the ingredients listed in products is crucial. Educate yourself on what you’re putting on and in your body. Listen and pay attention and if your skin and body changes (texture, breakouts, rashes), your body is most likely telling you something.
Clean Kiss believes in the importance of taking care of your body by giving it healthy and natural products. I am excited to learn and develop more insight into the natural skincare industry and to share my personal experience and knowledge.
What about gut health, nutrition and acne?
As a Holistic Nutritionist (CNP), I would be remiss to not mention that your gut health is directly linked the condition of your skin, as is stress, sleep and nutrition. These in fact are 4 of the 5 pillars to healthy skin that Clean Kiss promotes, with the 5th one being using clean skincare products that are plant-based and free of harsh, harmful chemicals.
While we don't encourage or condone bingeing on candy and chocolate, every once in a while a treat won't hurt you or cause an acne breakout. In fact, there is tremendous research that shows that having a healthy, balanced microbiome will help your acne battles to settle down to normal.
We do encourage you to explore your gut health as a contributing factor to your acne breakouts. Sometimes a seemingly "healthy" diet may be what's causing the acne because your gut can't process the nutrients you are giving to it. In other words, while one person can handle dairy without issues, this may be what causes another to flare up with an acne breakout!
Ask yourself these questions to start the process:
- Do you digest your food well? (normal, daily bowel movements)
- Do you eat enough fibre? (from fruits and vegetables)
- Do you take a probiotic?
- Do you eat a lot of dairy? Meat? Sugar? Processed foods?
- Are you stressed?
- Do you get enough sleep? (7-9 hours/night)
Do any of you suffer or are suffering from acne? I want to know what cystic acne treatments you have tried and have they worked? Please share with us here in the comments. Let's all tackle acne together!
ABOUT CLEAN KISS
At Clean Kiss we are passionate about creating natural skincare and body products that you can feel good about using yourself, and for your whole family.
From health-conscious, active mamas, to busy teenagers and dads, our customers love the experience of using our freshly-scented products that not only leave your skin feeling amazing, but ACTUALLY work.
Clean Kiss was founded by Family Natural Health Expert, Jodie Pappas, out of her own personal quest to find natural products for herself and her family that ACTUALLY worked. After first creating her signature natural deodorant, she went on to produce a full line of skincare and body products.
Each product is created in small batches using chemical-free formulations that have been recognized with several awards, has developed a loyal customer base of Clean Kissers, and has gained some international media attention by Business Insider, InStyle Magazine, The Toronto Sun, Breakfast TV Toronto, CHCH Hamilton, Global TV and more!
Before you go...be sure to follow us on Instagram Facebook Twitter for more of our great, educational and fun content!
