If you’ve got acne under the skin, don’t despair.
We consulted dermatologists Dendy Engelman and David Lortscher to find out more.
Try an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Engelman recommends adjusting your diet if you frequently experience cystic breakouts.
Stocksy.
“Your diet can definitely exacerbate cystic acne.
Lortscher also suggests cutting back on sugars and simple carbohydrates, which can trigger acne flair-ups in some people.
“Our guide to acne-causing foods talks about how making dietary adjustments may help you achieve clearer skin.”
Look for products like those by The Ordinary that contain these ingredients, but don’t overdo it.
When it comes to skin-clearing exfoliation, few do it better thansalicylic acid.
Dab this on spots to give clogged pores a deep clean.
Don’t Squeeze or Pick Your Breakouts
Also crucial is dont squeeze or pick at your skin.
“By trying to pop the cyst, you will only be increasing discomfort and inflammation.”
Popping your pimplescan also lead to scarring in the longer term, adds Lortscher.
Use Acne Patches to Avoid Contamination
Acne stickersalso known as hydrocolloid bandagesare another option approved by Lortscher.
“you could cover the lesions with a hydrocolloid dressing overnight (or for 24-48 hours!)
to help draw out the contents and to speed healing.
A hydrocolloid bandage worn for as long as possible will help to prevent you from touching as well!”
Some options outlined by Lortscher include antibiotics for severe inflammation.
“Antibiotics help to prevent the bacteria that exacerbate inflammation of the cystic breakout,” notes Engelman.
Lortscher also recommendsSpironolactoneand Isotretinoin (aka,Accutane).
acne-causing bacteria), reducing inflammation, and regulating sebum production.
Consider combining this treatment with a topical cream which will be able to penetrate deeper into the skin post-treatment.
