Over 50 million Americans have suffered from acne of some kind during their lifetime. It is not uncommon for people of all ages to experience small blemishes or breakouts from time to time as a result of raging hormones, improper diet, and excess facial oils.
Cystic acne, on the other hand, is an unsightly and painful condition that is characterized by large, red, painful bumps underneath the skin. If left untreated, cystic acne can flare up and remain problematic for years, so prompt attention and treatment are necessary for proper healing.
What is Cystic Acne?
Cystic acne is a type of inflammatory skin condition that causes painful red bumps deep underneath the skin’s top layers. It can swell and become quite painful if left untreated. Cystic acne tends to develop over large areas of the body, with several breakouts often occurring on top of each other. While most commonly found on the face, cystic acne can also develop on the upper arms, back, and shoulders.
Because of the depth and severity of cystic acne flare-ups, this type of acne tends to cause the most significant scarring.
What Causes Cystic Acne?
Oil glands that are attached to the pores in your skin can become clogged with dead skin, hair, and dirt. When this buildup occurs, it is easy for bacteria to form and cause inflammation and irritation deep within your skin. The result of this bacterial infection is the development of large, red lumps that are teeming with infection.
Diet can play a role in the development of cystic acne, while for others it is purely hormonal fluctuations that cause irritation. No matter what the cause, treatment may be required to soothe current breakouts and to prevent future ones from occurring.
When Does it Develop?
Most acne starts to occur as hormones are fluctuating during the teen years. Cystic acne can start at this time and remain problematic well into one’s twenties. Unfortunately, some people struggle with acne breakouts well into their thirties and forties, causing discomfort and loss of confidence associated with both active breakouts and scarring.
Cystic Acne Treatments
Innovative treatments have been developed and marketed to reduce and even eliminate this painful condition. If you suffer from cystic acne and the scarring that results from painful swelling and breakouts, there are some treatments that you should consider trying to regain the smooth, youthful look of beautiful skin once more.
Attack Acne with Diet Changes
There may be foods and drinks in your diet that are contributing to breakouts and inflammation. These can include heavy, greasy foods, drinks that are laden with caffeine, and heavily processed foods.
Making small, but consistent, dietary changes such as incorporating more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and quality proteins into your diet will help to reduce breakouts and inflammation. In addition, drinking plenty of fresh, clean water will help to continually detoxify your system and keep everything in proper working order.
Consider the Use of Antibiotics to Keep Inflammation at Bay
The strongest topical creams in the world won’t necessarily stamp out a cystic breakout; you also need to approach the problem from the inside. Your dermatologist might suggest the use of an oral antibiotic or steroid to reduce and eliminate inflammation. Keeping infection at bay will help to treat the problem from the inside, allowing your skin a little bit of relief from painful swelling and irritation.
Fight Scarring with Nourishing and Polishing Skin Treatments
If you don’t like the look of red, unsightly sores and scars as a result of acne breakouts (who does?), consider one of the specially formulated acne treatments offered at many spas and dermatology offices. These innovative treatments are designed to nourish deeper layers of skin while polishing away layers of damaged skin. Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique offers cutting-edge treatments that will nourish, protect, and revitalize your skin with every application.
Limelight IPL Treatment
Similar to laser treatments, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are designed to stimulate the formation of healthy new skin cells and to reduce the look of existing damage. When performed regularly, these treatments are very effective in treating current breakouts and in preventing new cystic acne from occurring.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel removes the outer layers of damaged skin, revealing softer and smoother skin underneath. This procedure can help improve skin texture, limit breakouts, and reduce the appearance of visible scarring.
Clarifying Facials
These specialized facials are designed to remove dirt, oil, and grime from the skin, helping to control acne breakouts. They leave the skin refreshed, clean, and invigorated.
Mineral Makeup Application
Lots of makeup on the market today can clog pores, contributing to breakouts. Mineral makeup forms a weightless barrier on the skin that breathes, so it does not clog pores or contribute to breakouts. Application of mineral makeup can cover most acne scars almost completely, so it is fast becoming the preferred way to create a near-flawless look, despite any scarring that has occurred.
Consult with a Skincare Expert
If you are interested in reducing your cystic acne scars, consider Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, TX, for all of your skincare needs. When you combine our innovative services with a regular treatment protocol at home for your acne, the result is beautiful, healthy skin from the inside out. Don’t wait any longer to reclaim your beautiful complexion; contact us today at (281) 810-9083 for a consultation. Healthier, more beautiful skin is in your future!