Treating Cystic Acne : Clean Your Skin

There are many methods to choose from when treating Cystic Acne. There is the option of systemic antibiotics since local topical antibiotics won’t work for this type of acne. Stronger medications such as those with Retinol may be prescribed if you don’t respond to the antibiotic therapy. But medications as strong as these pose great threats to your body and to your baby if you are pregnant. For those who have extensive scarring which can ultimately be experienced with Cystic Acne, you may opt for dermabrasion or laser therapy. These gently take away damaged surface skin, so that a newer and smoother skin can regenerate in its place. Cosmetic surgery is the last resort.

There is one methodology, however, that people seem to take for granted. Who can blame them? With a wide variety of acne treatment options, they would easily forget the most fundamental in acne treatment, which is to have a clean skin.

No acne treatment will be effective if you don’t have a clean skin. Yes, proper hygiene not only plays a great role in preventing the worsening of the condition, it also helps in the effectiveness of the treatment. If you are currently on an antibiotic therapy, what use would it have if you keep on introducing bacteria to your skin? On the same note, if you keep your face oily and constantly expose yourself to humidity and heat, you are encouraging bacterial growth on your skin.

Though it is a fundamental principle in acne treatment, there are specifications for each type of acne. For Cystic Acne, benzoyl peroxide should be the primary ingredient. It is important that you start out on a low dose. This is to test whether you have any reactions to the agent. When you establish that you do not have any reactions to benzoyl peroxide, you should then gradually increase the dose till you find the right amount your skin responds to.

You should find a good cleanser to clean your skin. It doesn’t have to be formulated for Cystic Acne as there is none. As long as it is mild and won’t dry your skin, it will do. It is not a good idea to purchase a cleanser that leaves your skin too dry. This would cause the cysts to crack open, facilitating the entry of bacteria from the surface.

The last step in this regimen is to moisturize. The skin needs a good amount of moisture to keep it healthy and it counteract the drying effect caused by the benzoyl peroxide. Take note that the 3 step regimen of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing will take you a long way to clearing up your skin and preventing further breakouts.