When you hear the word acne, you may immediately think of white nodules, blackheads, or pus-filled boils that look painful. However, some types of acne form deep on the surface of the skin, large and red without eyes, called cystic acne. Cystic pimples are large nodules or sacs that contain sebum (oil) and broken cells. Cystic acne is sometimes very painful and grows like other pimples on the nose, forehead, neck, chin, cheeks, and even behind the ears. To get rid of cystic acne quickly, you must clean the surface of the skin as well as the inside with steam.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Using Steam
Step 1. Heat the water
Fill a pot with water and simmer for one minute. Add one to two drops of essential oil (or use tsp. dried herbs for every liter of water). Essential oils can help the body reabsorb cystic acne or expel them faster. Some essential oils can also prevent acne. Bring the water to a boil one minute after adding the essential oil. Choose one of the following oils:
- Min: the herb contains menthol which is an antiseptic and can boost the immune system. Since it can be irritating to some people, start by using one drop for every liter of water.
- Calendula: a plant that speeds up recovery and has antimicrobial properties.
- Lavender: a soothing, calming herb that helps relieve anxiety and depression. Lavender also has antimicrobial properties.
Step 2. Test the oil on the skin first
Since essential oils come from plants, you should test your skin's sensitivity to these plants before you apply them to your face. Put a small drop on the wrist, and wait 10-15 minutes. If you are sensitive or allergic, you may or may not develop a mild itchy rash. If you are not sensitive, feel free to use it as a steam for the face. However, if you are sensitive, try again by testing another oil.
Remember, over time, you may become sensitive to herbal oils even if you haven't had any reactions before. That's why sensitivity tests are so important
Step 3. Steam the face
Turn off the stove and remove the pot of water. Tie your hair back so it doesn't fall on your face and cover the back of your head with a large, clean towel. Lean toward the pan and let the towel fall over your sides to keep out the steam. Close your eyes, breathe normally, and relax for 10 minutes. Wash the skin with lukewarm water and dry with a clean towel.
- Make sure you position your face 30–40 cm from the water so it doesn't get too hot.
- To repeat the evaporation, heat the water again until it starts to give off steam. Evaporation will open the pores to clean the remnants of cells and oil on the face, and finally remove cystic acne.
Step 4. Apply facial moisturizer
Lock the moisture from the steam by applying a humidifier. Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer. This type of moisturizer does not clog pores or cause breakouts. Moisturizers also help prevent skin damage, in addition to making the skin soft and supple.
If you have sensitive skin, look for a moisturizer that doesn't contain fragrance or perfume
Part 2 of 3: Trying Herbal Treatments
Step 1. Use a warm compress
Because they grow deep under the skin, cystic acne takes longer to appear on the surface before they can be removed. To speed up the process, use a warm compress to pull it to the surface. Soak a cotton swab or washcloth in hot water, and place it on the cystic pimple for a few minutes. Do it three times a day until the eyes pop out.
You can also soak a cotton swab in a hot tea made from mint, lavender, calendula, or thyme
Step 2. Use a cold compress
If cystic acne makes the skin red, inflamed, or painful, apply a cold compress for up to 10 minutes. Cold compresses can reduce puffiness and make it easier to apply concealer if you have to put on makeup. Ice will also reduce pain.
Wrap the ice cubes in a thin washcloth. Do not apply ice directly to the skin because it can damage the skin tissue
Step 3. Use green tea
Choose a lotion that contains 2% green tea extract to reduce acne. You can also soak a green tea bag in warm water and place it on the cystic pimple for a few minutes. The tea acts as an astringent, which will make the pimple reabsorb or be attracted to the surface, while the antibacterial properties of this herb can kill bacteria.
Studies show that green tea is very beneficial for treating various skin problems
Step 4. Apply tea tree oil on the pimple
Wet a cotton swab or cotton bud with undiluted tea tree oil. Rub it on cystic acne, and do not wash it off. Tea tree oil can reduce inflammation that causes cystic acne so it can heal faster. Studies show that tea tree oil also has antimicrobial properties.
However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of topical tea tree oil in treating bacterial or viral infections
Step 5. Make a herbal mask
You can make your own mask with ingredients that have antibacterial, astringent, and skin-rejuvenating properties. Mix 1 tbsp. (15 ml) honey, 1 egg white (which thickens the mixture), and 1 tsp. lemon juice (functions as a bleaching agent). If you don't need a bleaching agent, replace lemon juice with witch hazel, which can reduce inflammation. Add tsp. the following essential oils, and mix well:
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- lavender
- Calendula
- Thyme
Step 6. Put on the mask
Apply it on your face, neck, or any area with cystic acne. Let the mask dry, for about 15 minutes. Then, wash with warm water. Do not rub the skin when removing the mask. Pat the skin dry with a clean washcloth and finish with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
If you only want to apply the mixture on the pimple spots, moisten a cotton swab with the mixture and apply it to the cystic pimple
Part 3 of 3: Cleanse Face
Step 1. Choose a gentle cleanser
Look for plant-based, non-abrasive, and gentle products that are labeled non-comedogenic. This means it won't clog pores, which is the main cause of acne. Many dermatologists recommend using glycerin, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. You should also avoid cleansers that contain alcohol. Alcohol strips the skin of its natural oils, which can dry out, irritate and damage the skin.
- Don't be afraid to use oil to clean your face. Non-comedogenic oils can actually be used to dissolve oil in the skin.
- Wet your face with warm water and use your fingers to gently rub the cleanser on, while scrubbing and cloths may be too abrasive. Do not rub the skin, dry with a soft towel by patting, and apply moisturizer afterwards. Limit facial cleansing to twice a day and after sweating.
- An example of a gentle facial cleanser and widely used is Cetaphil.
Step 2. Clean the face
Rub the cleanser on your facial skin with your fingertips. Do not use washcloths or sponges, as these will irritate the skin and make acne worse. Gently clean in a circular motion, but do not rub. Rubbing and exfoliating can cause minor cuts or scars. Wash your face twice a day. Pat with a soft towel until dry.
Never squeeze, pop, or touch a pimple as this can cause the pimple to inflame, leave scars, and delay recovery
Step 3. Avoid harsh products
There are many skin care products out there, but not all of them are gentle on the skin. Avoid products such as astringents, toners, and exfoliants. You also shouldn't use salicylic acid or AHAs that dry out the skin. Be careful with over-the-counter treatments like dermabrasion. Certain skin treatments should only be given by a dermatologist to prevent skin damage.
Makeup can make acne worse. Cosmetics will clog pores and cause irritation, which may be due to the chemicals or mixtures used
Step 4. Take a shower every day
You should regularly clean the skin every day by bathing. If you sweat a lot, shower more often. After exercising, you should also take a shower or at least wash your skin.
Excessive sweating can make cystic acne or other types of acne worse, especially if the skin is not cleaned immediately. Acne will get worse because sweat is trapped under the skin
Tips
- Although the cause of acne is unknown, there are several factors that are thought to influence the development of acne, such as testosterone, decreased levels of fatty acids in the skin, inflammation, bacterial infections, reactions to chemicals, smoking, and certain foods.
- Stay away from the sun and artificial methods of darkening the skin. UVB radiation can damage skin cells.
Warning
- If your acne is moderate or severe, see a dermatologist before doing any self-care at home.
- If your acne is mild and doesn't change in a few days, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
- The skin may be more sensitive to sunlight if you are taking certain medications (especially for acne). These include antibiotics, antihistamines, cancer treatments, heart medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acne medications such as isotretinoin and acitretin.
