Cystic acne: What is it, Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Remedies.
June 24, 2017
Foodviki
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Hello readers, In this article I’m going to give you some valuable information about another common health problem. That is Cystic acne. So let’s get on to the article and learn further more about Cystic acne.
If you are a teenager, it is normal to have a pimple or two. But if you have large, red, and painful breakouts deep in your skin, maybe you are having cystic acne.
But these things can be treated. Don’t try to wait until they are cured eventually. Cystic acne can last for years and they can affect large areas of your skin and leave permanent scars.
You get a pimple when a pore in your skin gets clogged, usually with dead skin cells. Sometimes bacteria get trapped inside the pore, too, causing the area to become red and swollen.
Cystic acne happens when this infection goes deep into your skin, creating a red, tender bump that's full of pus. It may hurt or itch. If a cyst bursts, the infection can spread, causing more breakouts.
You’re most likely to develop cystic acne in your teens or early 20s. But it can strike someone as young as 8 or as old as 50. Your face, chest, back, upper arms, or shoulders can be affected.
Severe cystic acne is more common in men, but women get it, too. Women often have cysts on the lower half of the face.
No one is sure of the exact cause, but hormones called androgens play a part. When you’re a teenager, androgens increase. This leads to changes in your skin that can result in clogged pores and acne. In women, hormone changes can be brought on by menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome.
If one of your parents had severe cystic acne, you have a greater chance of getting it.
Treatment of severe, cystic acne requires the help of a specialist doctor and some self-care measures. Drug treatment can be effective at preventing cysts and scarring.
Mild or moderate acne can be managed with the help of a doctor. However, severe acne that is characterized by nodules and cysts, which might leave scars or already show signs of scarring, may need referral to a specialist. This is partly because the main drugs used to treat cystic acne are tightly controlled.
Benzoyl peroxide is a treatment available to people with acne of any severity. It is also a treatment option for people with severe acne who are awaiting specialist treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide is available directly from pharmacies over the counter in a number of formulations that may be applied to the skin. It has been a mainstay in the treatment of acne for over 50 years, and works by killing bacteria, particularly P. acnes, and breaking up comedones.
Water-based and alcohol-based formulations of benzoyl peroxide are available, and the most appropriate form depends on skin type. Alcohol-based preparations have a drying effect, making these more suitable for people with oily skin.
Benzoyl peroxide products, which include cleansing liquids and bars, lotions, creams, and gels, are used once or twice a day. The most common side-effect is skin irritation; allergies occur rarely.8
Self-care advice
Practical measures to avoid making acne worse are useful for anyone with acne, including people with cystic acne:
Isotretinoin is a prescription drug for the treatment of cystic acne, sold under a number of brand names in the United States (U.S.), including Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, and Sotret.
Isotretinoin is a very effective treatment, but it has significant side effects, and is dangerous to the unborn child. It is usually taken at a dosage of 1 milligram for every kilogram of body weight once daily for 16-20 weeks.
For cases of moderate acne, isotretinoin is not recommended until standard treatment with oral antibiotics has been tried and found to be ineffective. Isotretinoin is, however, recommended as a first-line treatment for severe acne.
Potential adverse effects associated with the use of isotretinoin include:
• eye and genital dryness
• chapped lips
• joint pains
• depression
• liver damage
• elevated lipid levels
Isotretinoin is a teratogenic drug; this means that taking it during pregnancy (at any dose, even for a short time) can lead to birth defects.
Isotretinoin may also lead to the loss of the pregnancy or premature birth, and can cause death of the newborn.
Women who have the capacity to become pregnant are, therefore, required to use two methods of contraception for 1 month before, during, and at least a month after treatment with isotretinoin.
Testing for pregnancy is also required before starting isotretinoin and then every month until 1 month after stopping the drug.
Because of the danger of taking isotretinoin during pregnancy, the availability of the drug is restricted and can only be given by registered prescribers and dispensed at registered pharmacies as part of the iPLEDGE program, which also requires the registration of the patient. The conditions for being prescribed the drug include producing two negative pregnancy tests.
An injection of corticosteroid (triamcinolone) directly into a cyst can help reduce inflammation and prevent scarring. This treatment is carried out by a dermatologist.
There may be short-lived localized side effects after the injection.
Dermatologists may also offer incision and drainage of certain large cysts, but it is strongly recommended that people do not attempt this themselves as it will likely worsen the skin problem and could cause serious scarring and deeper infection.
Long-term treatment of acne in women can involve the birth-control pill, which suppresses sebum production. Where appropriate, an oral medication containing estrogen and progesterone may be used for 6 months or more.
A drug called spironolactone may also be prescribed with the pill. This is a synthetic steroid that inhibits androgens.
Acne produces symptoms familiar to all of us. Cystic acne is even more visible because it is the most severe form and produces cysts and nodules alongside inflammatory papules and pustules. Acne can also cause visible scarring.
All forms of acne can affect self-esteem and mood, but the risk of psychological distress is higher for cystic acne as it typically has a greater impact on the appearance of the face and disproportionately affects young adults who may be more socially sensitive.
Most people with acne do not usually experience physical symptoms, but the skin's appearance can cause emotional distress. In cystic acne, however, the distress may be greater, and the cysts may be painful.
The importance of treatment is underlined by the risk of scarring from long-term cystic acne. This can produce long-term and permanent damage in the form of:
• 'ice pick' scars (small, deep pits)
• larger pits
• shallow depressions
• hypertrophic scarring (red, raised scars)
Can you get rid of cystic acne naturally? Thankfully, the answer is yes. There are many natural ways to treat and get rid of cystic acne fast. Here are the 10 most effective ones:
1. No Popping
Whatever you do, please don’t try to pop your cystic acne or any other pimples for that matter. Cystic acne, unlike common acne, typically does not give you “poppable” pimples. Due to the the depth of cystic acne lesions, picking or squeezing can be completely ineffective and will likely extend healing time from days to weeks. The more you touch an infected pimple, the angrier and more unsightly it’s going to become. If you try to pop cystic acne, you’re just going to spread the breakout underneath the skin. In addition, you can easily end up with scarring that lasts well beyond the pimple, possibly even forever. Two words to remember with cystic acne: Hands off!
2. Ice It
You can apply an ice cube directly to a breakout for several seconds to constrict the small blood vessels feeding the painful cyst. The ice helps immediately decrease the size and redness of the offending acne.
3. Healthy Skin Care Routine
Maintain a simple, calming skin care routine that avoids heavy and scented moisturizers. Before applying moisturizer daily, always make sure that your skin is thoroughly exfoliated and clean. An oil-free and unscented moisturizer is a great choice.
To encourage healthy skin turnover and growth, make sure to use exfoliants that are effective but not harsh and abrasive. Some good options include glycolic acid and fruit enzymes. When you’re in the sun, the best sunscreens to use are all-natural sunscreens to help reduce the chances of acne scarring. For scars, a natural vitamin C product can help. Some cystic acne scars can unfortunately take months to heal, but don’t lose hope.
4. Mirror Mirror
It’s a good idea not to obsess over your cystic acne. The more you stare at it in the mirror, the more likely you will want to pick at it and think negative thoughts, both of which will only make you look and feel worse. Stop yourself from visually and mentally obsessing over your cystic acne, and make sure you’re thinking positive, skin-clearing thoughts!
5. Your Towels and Pillowcases
Something you might not think about is what else touches your face daily, like towels and pillowcases. To reduce the chances of irritation and sensitivity, it’s a really smart idea to avoid washing these items with strong detergents and bleaches. Instead, opt for natural and unscented laundry products, like my Homemade Laundry Soap. You also want to change your towels and pillowcases frequently to avoid the presence and spread of bacteria, which only make your acne worse.
6. The Cystic Acne Diet
Foods to Avoid:
Conventional Dairy: Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, conventional dairy products can be hard on the digestive system. Many people see an improvement in their acne when they cut down or eliminate dairy products like milk, cheese and ice cream. If you want to check if dairy is a culprit, try eliminating it from your diet for two weeks and see if your cystic acne improves. If it does, then you know that dairy is not agreeing with you. You can choose to remain dairy-free, or you can slowly reintroduce dairy back into your diet. Choosing better-quality dairy can be helpful as well.
Sugar: Sugar and other high-glycemic foods (like breads and pasta) can make inflammation in your body worse. The more inflammation you have, the worse your cystic acne will be. Try natural sweeteners instead. Consuming excess amounts of sugar and grain products can also feed yeast and candida in the body, increasing the presence of acne on the skin.
Caffeine and chocolate: Many experts like to say that there is no link between caffeine and chocolate consumption and breakouts. However, there is no doubt that caffeine consumption has a direct impact on your hormonal balance. In particular, caffeine overdose can raise the stress hormone known as cortisol. By reducing or eliminating various sources of caffeine like coffee, tea and chocolate, you can help to keep your hormones in better balance and clear up your cystic acne.
Low-fiber, highly processed foods: Consuming foods that are low in fiber and highly processed has a direct negative effect on your gut health, which negatively impacts skin health. When you consume processed meat products like cold cuts, breakfast cereals and microwave meals, an unhealthy shift occurs in your inner microbial colonies. This sets off inflammation throughout your entire body, which can bring on a cystic acne flare-up or make any current acne even worse.
Fried and fast foods: These foods are also highly processed and low in fiber. Additionally, they contain a number of ingredients that cause inflammation, including hydrogenated oils, sodium, chemicals, flavorings and sugar.
Foods to Eat:
Probiotic-rich foods: The healthier your gut is, the better your balance of good versus bad bacteria. When you consume probiotic-rich foods like kefir and cultured vegetables, the probiotics line your gut and create a healthy, sealed barrier that prevents inflammation that can trigger acne. One Korean study of 56 acne patients found that drinking a Lactobacillus-fermented dairy beverage effectively reduced their total acne lesion count and decreased oil production over 12 weeks.
High-zinc foods: People with acne tend to be low in zinc so you definitely want to increase your dietary intake of zinc by consuming things like grass-fed beef, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and cashews to prevent a zinc deficiency. Zinc also supports a healthy digestive tract, which improves skin health.
Vitamin A-rich foods: Foods high in vitamin A like kale, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots fight infection and speed healing, two things you definitely need when you’re trying to get rid of cystic acne.
Fiber-rich foods: Consuming high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and oatmeal encourages colon cleansing as well as the growth of good bacteria in the gut, both of which can help eliminate cystic acne.
High-quality protein foods: Grass-fed beef, organic chicken, wild-caught fish and free-range eggs are high in protein and nutrients and help balance blood sugar, a key component in the fight against cystic acne.
Liver-supportive foods: Since hormones are processed in the liver, eating liver-supportive foods can help clear up acne. Eat more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower as well as leafy greens and high-fiber fruits, such as pears and apple, for improved liver function.
Supplements to Consume:
Probiotics (10,000 IU to 50,000 IU daily, typically two to three capsules twice daily). Taking probiotics can boost your immunity and help your internal fight against cystic acne. You can also use probiotic skin care products, which can provide a protective external shield.
Omega-3 fatty acids (1,000 milligrams of fish oil /cod liver oil daily or 3,000 milligrams of flaxseed or chia seed oil). Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation and support hormone balance. You can also consider gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) found in evening primrose and borage oil for hormonal balance. One scientific study specifically found that after 10 weeks of omega-3 fatty acid or GLA supplementation, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions decreased significantly.
• Zinc (25–30 milligrams twice daily). Research suggests that people with acne have lower blood and skin levels of zinc. Taking zinc by mouth helps treat and reduce acne.
• Vitex (160 milligrams of vitex/chasteberry). This herbal remedy is specifically recommended for hormonally induced acne.
• Guggul or guggulsterone (25 milligrams twice daily). Guggul is made from the sap of a tree native to India. For individuals suffering from cystic acne, a controlled clinical trial found that guggul supplements outperformed 500 milligrams of tetracycline.
7. Relax
As with everything health- and beauty-related, stress only makes things worse. Find ways to decrease stress in your life because stress can cause your body to release hormones that only make acne worse. The more you relax, the better your skin will be. Try natural stress relievers to help improve your skin.
8. Sleep
Getting proper sleep on a nightly basis can help improve your overall health, including balancing hormone levels and decreasing the inflammation associated with cystic acne. You also give your cystic acne uninterrupted time to heal.
9. Exercise
Regular physical activity is excellent for the body’s lymphatic system and detoxifying your entire body. It’s also excellent for your mood and self-esteem, which tend to both take a dip when you’re fighting cystic acne.
10. Essential Oils
Essential oils like tea tree and lavender can help fight cystic acne. The best way to use essential oils for acne is to apply two to three drops topically to the area of concern. Tea tree and lavender essential oils are safe for neat (direct) application, but they can also be combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil if you have sensitive skin.
A scientific review of the efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action in regard to the treatment of acne with tea tree oil states that tea tree products reduce lesion numbers in patients with acne, have tolerability levels that are similar to other topical treatments, and have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities that are associated with the treatment of acne.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight when treating acne with essential oils. The UV rays can make your skin more sensitive and may lead to skin irritations or redness. If using any of these essential oils causes skin irritation, discontinue use of that oil.
So this is the end of this article. What do you think? Or have you any questions? Comment below and don’t forget to like share and like our facebook page. Stay tuned for more valuable content.
If you liked this article,please like our Facebook page
Foodviki
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Hello readers, In this article I’m going to give you some valuable information about another common health problem. That is Cystic acne. So let’s get on to the article and learn further more about Cystic acne.
If you are a teenager, it is normal to have a pimple or two. But if you have large, red, and painful breakouts deep in your skin, maybe you are having cystic acne.
But these things can be treated. Don’t try to wait until they are cured eventually. Cystic acne can last for years and they can affect large areas of your skin and leave permanent scars.
What is Cystic acne, who gets it and where and what causes it?
You get a pimple when a pore in your skin gets clogged, usually with dead skin cells. Sometimes bacteria get trapped inside the pore, too, causing the area to become red and swollen.
Cystic acne happens when this infection goes deep into your skin, creating a red, tender bump that's full of pus. It may hurt or itch. If a cyst bursts, the infection can spread, causing more breakouts.
You’re most likely to develop cystic acne in your teens or early 20s. But it can strike someone as young as 8 or as old as 50. Your face, chest, back, upper arms, or shoulders can be affected.
Severe cystic acne is more common in men, but women get it, too. Women often have cysts on the lower half of the face.
No one is sure of the exact cause, but hormones called androgens play a part. When you’re a teenager, androgens increase. This leads to changes in your skin that can result in clogged pores and acne. In women, hormone changes can be brought on by menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome.
If one of your parents had severe cystic acne, you have a greater chance of getting it.
Treatment and prevention of cystic acne
Treatment of severe, cystic acne requires the help of a specialist doctor and some self-care measures. Drug treatment can be effective at preventing cysts and scarring.
Mild or moderate acne can be managed with the help of a doctor. However, severe acne that is characterized by nodules and cysts, which might leave scars or already show signs of scarring, may need referral to a specialist. This is partly because the main drugs used to treat cystic acne are tightly controlled.
Benozyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a treatment available to people with acne of any severity. It is also a treatment option for people with severe acne who are awaiting specialist treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide is available directly from pharmacies over the counter in a number of formulations that may be applied to the skin. It has been a mainstay in the treatment of acne for over 50 years, and works by killing bacteria, particularly P. acnes, and breaking up comedones.
Water-based and alcohol-based formulations of benzoyl peroxide are available, and the most appropriate form depends on skin type. Alcohol-based preparations have a drying effect, making these more suitable for people with oily skin.
Benzoyl peroxide products, which include cleansing liquids and bars, lotions, creams, and gels, are used once or twice a day. The most common side-effect is skin irritation; allergies occur rarely.8
Self-care advice
Practical measures to avoid making acne worse are useful for anyone with acne, including people with cystic acne:
- Do not wash too often - twice a day is enough, use a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Do not scrub harshly when washing - avoid abrasive soaps, cleansing granules, astringents, or exfoliating agents.
- Leave pimples alone since picking and squeezing is likely to worsen the acne.
- Avoid using heavy makeup, choose water-based, non-comedogenic formulations, avoid oily formulations, and make sure to remove makeup before bed.
Drug treatment with isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a prescription drug for the treatment of cystic acne, sold under a number of brand names in the United States (U.S.), including Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, and Sotret.
Isotretinoin is a very effective treatment, but it has significant side effects, and is dangerous to the unborn child. It is usually taken at a dosage of 1 milligram for every kilogram of body weight once daily for 16-20 weeks.
For cases of moderate acne, isotretinoin is not recommended until standard treatment with oral antibiotics has been tried and found to be ineffective. Isotretinoin is, however, recommended as a first-line treatment for severe acne.
Potential adverse effects associated with the use of isotretinoin include:
• eye and genital dryness
• chapped lips
• joint pains
• depression
• liver damage
• elevated lipid levels
Isotretinoin is a teratogenic drug; this means that taking it during pregnancy (at any dose, even for a short time) can lead to birth defects.
Isotretinoin may also lead to the loss of the pregnancy or premature birth, and can cause death of the newborn.
Women who have the capacity to become pregnant are, therefore, required to use two methods of contraception for 1 month before, during, and at least a month after treatment with isotretinoin.
Testing for pregnancy is also required before starting isotretinoin and then every month until 1 month after stopping the drug.
Because of the danger of taking isotretinoin during pregnancy, the availability of the drug is restricted and can only be given by registered prescribers and dispensed at registered pharmacies as part of the iPLEDGE program, which also requires the registration of the patient. The conditions for being prescribed the drug include producing two negative pregnancy tests.
Steroid injections
An injection of corticosteroid (triamcinolone) directly into a cyst can help reduce inflammation and prevent scarring. This treatment is carried out by a dermatologist.
There may be short-lived localized side effects after the injection.
Dermatologists may also offer incision and drainage of certain large cysts, but it is strongly recommended that people do not attempt this themselves as it will likely worsen the skin problem and could cause serious scarring and deeper infection.
Birth control pills
Long-term treatment of acne in women can involve the birth-control pill, which suppresses sebum production. Where appropriate, an oral medication containing estrogen and progesterone may be used for 6 months or more.
A drug called spironolactone may also be prescribed with the pill. This is a synthetic steroid that inhibits androgens.
Signs and symptoms of cystic acne
Acne produces symptoms familiar to all of us. Cystic acne is even more visible because it is the most severe form and produces cysts and nodules alongside inflammatory papules and pustules. Acne can also cause visible scarring.
All forms of acne can affect self-esteem and mood, but the risk of psychological distress is higher for cystic acne as it typically has a greater impact on the appearance of the face and disproportionately affects young adults who may be more socially sensitive.
Most people with acne do not usually experience physical symptoms, but the skin's appearance can cause emotional distress. In cystic acne, however, the distress may be greater, and the cysts may be painful.
The importance of treatment is underlined by the risk of scarring from long-term cystic acne. This can produce long-term and permanent damage in the form of:
• 'ice pick' scars (small, deep pits)
• larger pits
• shallow depressions
• hypertrophic scarring (red, raised scars)
Natural Cystic Acne Treatment
Can you get rid of cystic acne naturally? Thankfully, the answer is yes. There are many natural ways to treat and get rid of cystic acne fast. Here are the 10 most effective ones:
1. No Popping
Whatever you do, please don’t try to pop your cystic acne or any other pimples for that matter. Cystic acne, unlike common acne, typically does not give you “poppable” pimples. Due to the the depth of cystic acne lesions, picking or squeezing can be completely ineffective and will likely extend healing time from days to weeks. The more you touch an infected pimple, the angrier and more unsightly it’s going to become. If you try to pop cystic acne, you’re just going to spread the breakout underneath the skin. In addition, you can easily end up with scarring that lasts well beyond the pimple, possibly even forever. Two words to remember with cystic acne: Hands off!
2. Ice It
You can apply an ice cube directly to a breakout for several seconds to constrict the small blood vessels feeding the painful cyst. The ice helps immediately decrease the size and redness of the offending acne.
3. Healthy Skin Care Routine
Maintain a simple, calming skin care routine that avoids heavy and scented moisturizers. Before applying moisturizer daily, always make sure that your skin is thoroughly exfoliated and clean. An oil-free and unscented moisturizer is a great choice.
To encourage healthy skin turnover and growth, make sure to use exfoliants that are effective but not harsh and abrasive. Some good options include glycolic acid and fruit enzymes. When you’re in the sun, the best sunscreens to use are all-natural sunscreens to help reduce the chances of acne scarring. For scars, a natural vitamin C product can help. Some cystic acne scars can unfortunately take months to heal, but don’t lose hope.
4. Mirror Mirror
It’s a good idea not to obsess over your cystic acne. The more you stare at it in the mirror, the more likely you will want to pick at it and think negative thoughts, both of which will only make you look and feel worse. Stop yourself from visually and mentally obsessing over your cystic acne, and make sure you’re thinking positive, skin-clearing thoughts!
5. Your Towels and Pillowcases
Something you might not think about is what else touches your face daily, like towels and pillowcases. To reduce the chances of irritation and sensitivity, it’s a really smart idea to avoid washing these items with strong detergents and bleaches. Instead, opt for natural and unscented laundry products, like my Homemade Laundry Soap. You also want to change your towels and pillowcases frequently to avoid the presence and spread of bacteria, which only make your acne worse.
6. The Cystic Acne Diet
Foods to Avoid:
Conventional Dairy: Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, conventional dairy products can be hard on the digestive system. Many people see an improvement in their acne when they cut down or eliminate dairy products like milk, cheese and ice cream. If you want to check if dairy is a culprit, try eliminating it from your diet for two weeks and see if your cystic acne improves. If it does, then you know that dairy is not agreeing with you. You can choose to remain dairy-free, or you can slowly reintroduce dairy back into your diet. Choosing better-quality dairy can be helpful as well.
Sugar: Sugar and other high-glycemic foods (like breads and pasta) can make inflammation in your body worse. The more inflammation you have, the worse your cystic acne will be. Try natural sweeteners instead. Consuming excess amounts of sugar and grain products can also feed yeast and candida in the body, increasing the presence of acne on the skin.
Caffeine and chocolate: Many experts like to say that there is no link between caffeine and chocolate consumption and breakouts. However, there is no doubt that caffeine consumption has a direct impact on your hormonal balance. In particular, caffeine overdose can raise the stress hormone known as cortisol. By reducing or eliminating various sources of caffeine like coffee, tea and chocolate, you can help to keep your hormones in better balance and clear up your cystic acne.
Low-fiber, highly processed foods: Consuming foods that are low in fiber and highly processed has a direct negative effect on your gut health, which negatively impacts skin health. When you consume processed meat products like cold cuts, breakfast cereals and microwave meals, an unhealthy shift occurs in your inner microbial colonies. This sets off inflammation throughout your entire body, which can bring on a cystic acne flare-up or make any current acne even worse.
Fried and fast foods: These foods are also highly processed and low in fiber. Additionally, they contain a number of ingredients that cause inflammation, including hydrogenated oils, sodium, chemicals, flavorings and sugar.
Foods to Eat:
Probiotic-rich foods: The healthier your gut is, the better your balance of good versus bad bacteria. When you consume probiotic-rich foods like kefir and cultured vegetables, the probiotics line your gut and create a healthy, sealed barrier that prevents inflammation that can trigger acne. One Korean study of 56 acne patients found that drinking a Lactobacillus-fermented dairy beverage effectively reduced their total acne lesion count and decreased oil production over 12 weeks.
High-zinc foods: People with acne tend to be low in zinc so you definitely want to increase your dietary intake of zinc by consuming things like grass-fed beef, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and cashews to prevent a zinc deficiency. Zinc also supports a healthy digestive tract, which improves skin health.
Vitamin A-rich foods: Foods high in vitamin A like kale, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots fight infection and speed healing, two things you definitely need when you’re trying to get rid of cystic acne.
Fiber-rich foods: Consuming high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and oatmeal encourages colon cleansing as well as the growth of good bacteria in the gut, both of which can help eliminate cystic acne.
High-quality protein foods: Grass-fed beef, organic chicken, wild-caught fish and free-range eggs are high in protein and nutrients and help balance blood sugar, a key component in the fight against cystic acne.
Liver-supportive foods: Since hormones are processed in the liver, eating liver-supportive foods can help clear up acne. Eat more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower as well as leafy greens and high-fiber fruits, such as pears and apple, for improved liver function.
Supplements to Consume:
Probiotics (10,000 IU to 50,000 IU daily, typically two to three capsules twice daily). Taking probiotics can boost your immunity and help your internal fight against cystic acne. You can also use probiotic skin care products, which can provide a protective external shield.
Omega-3 fatty acids (1,000 milligrams of fish oil /cod liver oil daily or 3,000 milligrams of flaxseed or chia seed oil). Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation and support hormone balance. You can also consider gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) found in evening primrose and borage oil for hormonal balance. One scientific study specifically found that after 10 weeks of omega-3 fatty acid or GLA supplementation, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions decreased significantly.
• Zinc (25–30 milligrams twice daily). Research suggests that people with acne have lower blood and skin levels of zinc. Taking zinc by mouth helps treat and reduce acne.
• Vitex (160 milligrams of vitex/chasteberry). This herbal remedy is specifically recommended for hormonally induced acne.
• Guggul or guggulsterone (25 milligrams twice daily). Guggul is made from the sap of a tree native to India. For individuals suffering from cystic acne, a controlled clinical trial found that guggul supplements outperformed 500 milligrams of tetracycline.
7. Relax
As with everything health- and beauty-related, stress only makes things worse. Find ways to decrease stress in your life because stress can cause your body to release hormones that only make acne worse. The more you relax, the better your skin will be. Try natural stress relievers to help improve your skin.
8. Sleep
Getting proper sleep on a nightly basis can help improve your overall health, including balancing hormone levels and decreasing the inflammation associated with cystic acne. You also give your cystic acne uninterrupted time to heal.
9. Exercise
Regular physical activity is excellent for the body’s lymphatic system and detoxifying your entire body. It’s also excellent for your mood and self-esteem, which tend to both take a dip when you’re fighting cystic acne.
10. Essential Oils
Essential oils like tea tree and lavender can help fight cystic acne. The best way to use essential oils for acne is to apply two to three drops topically to the area of concern. Tea tree and lavender essential oils are safe for neat (direct) application, but they can also be combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil if you have sensitive skin.
A scientific review of the efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action in regard to the treatment of acne with tea tree oil states that tea tree products reduce lesion numbers in patients with acne, have tolerability levels that are similar to other topical treatments, and have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities that are associated with the treatment of acne.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight when treating acne with essential oils. The UV rays can make your skin more sensitive and may lead to skin irritations or redness. If using any of these essential oils causes skin irritation, discontinue use of that oil.
So this is the end of this article. What do you think? Or have you any questions? Comment below and don’t forget to like share and like our facebook page. Stay tuned for more valuable content.
If you liked this article,please like our Facebook page
Source: webMD,
MedicalNewsToday,
Dr.Axe
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