Get Rid of Cystic Acne the Right Way

Ever had a pimple that seemed to have “roots”? You know, that one zit that can’t be popped, and the more you prod the more unsightly and painful it becomes. They usually prefer to surface in a very visible spot that can’t be covered by hair or makeup, just to add to your self-consciousness. However, these aren’t your every day or season pimples. These are infections on your face known as cystic acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide and Cystic Acne

In the realm of acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide serves multiple purposes, and if used properly it can be quite effective in treating and preventing acne. Oftentimes, individuals who use benzoyl peroxide opt to use it as a spot treatment on even the most severe acne of the cystic variety, and find that it offers little to no positive result. When results like this are experienced, it should be known that it has more to do with the cystic acne variety rather than the ineffectiveness of benzoyl peroxide. Cystic acne is far more severe, difficult to treat and should be approached from the perspective of prevention over a cure.

Cystic Acne vs. Other Acne Types

Whiteheads, blackheads and cystic acne are formed in the same manner. Dead skin cells from the surface of the skin shed combine with bacteria from the skin’s surface as well as sebum from the skin’s sebaceous gland–together they create what amounts to a plug of infectious material, clogging a follicle. When this occurs near to the surface of the skin, a whitehead or blackhead will develop. Such acne can be treated externally through a liberal application, or even a spot treatment of benzoyl peroxide.

Cystic acne occurs when the clogged follicle happens near to the root of the hair follicle, within the skin’s inner layer, the dermis. The infection at this layer of the skin generally becomes more intense as there is more for the bacteria to feed upon, and thus an acne cyst develops, leaving no head, or comedome, at the surface of the skin. Many attempt to spot-treat cystic acne, yet no concentration of benzoyl peroxide, or any other topical cream is going to effectively treat this type of acne.

When cystic acne is of a chronic nature, it is recommended to seek the counsel of a dermatologist. A skincare professional will be able to discuss potential treatment options that may include a specific type of oral medication to be combined with a skin care regimen.

Cystic acne should not be left untreated. The occasional inflammation is one thing, but when it becomes severe, the likelihood of severe acne scarring increases, which will damage both the aesthetics and overall health and function of the skin.

Preventing Cystic Acne with Benzoyl Peroxide

Though benzoyl peroxide isn’t very effective as a spot treatment on cystic acne, it does work wonders as prevention against the severe acne type, as well as other acne types. Adding benzoyl peroxide to a consistent skin care regimen can offer wonderful results in a series of a few weeks, if used properly.

A quality acne cleanser with a mild exfoliant containing benzoyl peroxide will work wonders for shedding dead skin cells, as well as killing the P-acne bacteria that thrives on the surface of the skin. It’s a good idea to cleanse the skin twice a day, but any more than that and it can become excessive, irritating the skin and even causing the production of excess sebum.

Following a cleansing with the use of a toner or astringent will help to constrict pores, disallowing easy access to the follicles, while also improving the overall health and look of the skin. At this point, a liberal application of benzoyl peroxide to all acne prone areas will really work to treat and prevent existing and future acne. To combat any dryness associated with benzoyl peroxide, a quality, oil-free moisturizer will generally offer the hydration necessary to keep the skin texture hydrated and balanced.