Did you know that about 50 million Americans deal with acne every year? It can help to know you’re not the only one struggling with this common complexion problem. However, that knowledge doesn’t remove the embarrassment, pain, and frustration caused by stubborn blemishes. Cystic acne is a particularly persistent and uncomfortable type of acne that often leaves scars behind long after the painful bumps are gone. Cystic acne healing stages are notoriously lengthy and painful.
There’s no shortage of available acne treatments to minimize breakouts and clear your complexion. However, figuring out the right fit for your skincare needs and concerns can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for a non-prescription option that targets the root cause of cystic acne, consider AviClear laser treatments. Here’s what to know about cystic acne and why AviClear is such an effective solution for this painful skin condition.
What Is Cystic Acne?
Many types of acne exist, including comedones, whiteheads, blackheads, papules, nodules, and pustules. They’re all unpleasant and can cause diminished self-esteem. However, cystic acne is a more severe type of acne than the others. It’s typified by pus-filled lesions that look like boils and tend to be large and painful. They develop beneath the skin and often don’t have an obvious exit point. Often, bacteria find their way into the pores and cause them to swell excessively.
Learning how to get rid of cystic acne can be tricky. Leaving the cysts to heal on their own isn’t typically the best plan of action. If left untreated, the cysts can fester for weeks and cause significant, lasting damage to the surrounding tissues. Scarring is quite common with this type of blemish. Sometimes, the scarring only affects the surface of the skin. But other times, it extends deep into the inflamed tissue beneath the skin.
What Causes Cystic Acne?
There’s usually more than one issue responsible for developing acne cysts. Often, several underlying causes work in tandem to form cystic acne. These may include:
- Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to various skin problems, including acne. If either of your parents has a history of cystic acne, you may have a higher chance of also developing the condition. It’s important to be proactive about your skincare regimen to prevent these hereditary complexion issues before they develop. If it’s too late for that, don’t worry! You can learn how to get rid of cystic acne despite your genetics. Many cutting-edge acne treatments, including gentle and effective laser treatments, may improve your skin.
- Hormones: Some people experience flare-ups of cystic acne during hormone fluctuations. These may occur during menstruation, puberty, or pregnancy. Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can also increase your likelihood of acne cysts. Hormone-related blemishes don’t often resolve on their own. Rather, it’s important to treat the underlying hormone issue to help your complexion clear up. Talk to your doctor if you think imbalanced hormones may be causing your breakouts.
- Diet and Lifestyle: What you eat can have a huge impact on your skin. One study reveals that certain foods may cause inflammation in the body, which can in turn promote acne breakouts. Problematic foods include fatty foods, dairy products, and sugary beverages and treats. If you’re wondering how to get rid of cystic acne, start with a healthy diet. Eat whole foods that are high in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory nutrients. Sticking to a healthy, minimally processed diet may help clear your skin and reduce breakouts.
What’s the Difference Between Cystic Acne and Regular Pimples?
Having a hard time determining whether you have acne cysts or just regular pimples? You’re in good company. Many people don’t know how to recognize the differences between the major types of acne. It’s especially easy to confuse acne cysts with acne nodules, which are similar in appearance. These skin conditions cause painful bumps that develop deep beneath the skin. Both types can also lead to lasting scars and visible skin trauma.
However, acne cysts contain pus, which is a type of fluid. Nodules, on the other hand, don’t contain fluid and tend to be quite hard. Cysts and nodules can last for weeks or months without treatment.
What Happens If I Try to Pop Cystic Acne?
It takes time to go through the various cystic acne healing stages, but it’s important not to get impatient. Trying to interfere with acne cysts too soon can lead to long-lasting consequences. You’re probably used to popping regular pimples soon after they appear. Usually, you can tell they’re ready to pop if they get white or black at the top. Acne cysts are different, though. They typically don’t develop a clear exit point, which means the pus inside gets trapped underneath the skin.
If you attempt to pop acne cysts, you’ll do more harm than good. Because there’s no clear exit point, you’ll push the pus deeper into the skin. This will cause even more inflammation and likely damage the skin. It can also result in unwanted scarring. Instead of getting rid of the acne yourself, going to a professional is best. They may recommend AviClear laser treatment for acne, an effective and gentle resolution for painful acne cysts.
What Is AviClear?
AviClear is a revolutionary, FDA-cleared laser device for treating mild to severe acne. It’s a non-prescription, non-surgical solution for people with cystic acne and other stubborn blemish types that don’t respond well to other popular acne treatments.
AviClear uses powerful, controlled laser light beams to eliminate the root cause of cystic and other types of acne. Each treatment takes 30 minutes and removes the need for controversial prescription acne medications. Many people who have tried other treatments without notable or lasting results often discover that cystic acne and AviClear are like a match made in heaven. Most people experience optimal relief from painful breakouts after just three AviClear treatments.
How Does AviClear Reduce Cystic Acne?
AviClear effectively minimizes existing pimple outbreaks and promotes a clearer complexion. Treatments can also reduce the frequency and severity of future breakouts. AviClear is effective not only for regular pimples but also for more severe acne cysts. The AviClear device uses controlled laser energy to curb oil production in the sebaceous glands.
When the sebaceous glands enlarge and produce too much oil, the skin pores become clogged. Consequently, inflammation sets in and causes the area to become swollen, red, and painful. If bacteria enter the clogged pore, they can cause additional havoc and trauma to the area. These conditions are perfect for developing deep, stubborn, and ugly acne cysts.
AviClear suppresses sebaceous glands using a revolutionary laser wavelength of 1726 nm. This wavelength is safe and gentle for all skin types. Unlike other acne treatments that temporarily unclog the pores, AviClear laser treatment for acne works to correct the underlying cause of clogged pores and thus prevent future breakouts. The device also uses contact-cooling technology to keep all skin tones comfortable and undamaged during treatment.
How Does AviClear Compare to Other Popular Acne Treatments?
So many acne treatments exist, but not all produce notable results. Some may even cause terrible side effects, such as peeling skin, mood swings, and even increased breakouts. If you’re wary about asking your doctor for pimple medication because you’re uncomfortable with the risk of side effects, there’s an alternative option. Laser treatment for acne may be the ideal treatment for your situation.
Unlike Accutane, retinol products, and other popular blemish treatments, AviClear has virtually no side effects. Some people experience fleeting localized redness, but it almost always subsides within a few hours of treatment. Plus, unlike topical products requiring consistent use for months or even years, AviClear can improve your complexion in just three treatments. It’s the go-to solution for anyone serious about getting rid of cystic acne quickly, effectively, and safely. Don’t fall for the lie that the only way to get rid of severe acne is through severe, harsh treatments.
It’s important to note that you won’t see the results of treatment right away. You shouldn’t expect a clear complexion right after you leave your first treatment session. Instead, your skin gradually clears up in the weeks and months following the AviClear treatment. It takes time for the sebaceous glands to ramp down their excess oil production.
Cystic Acne Healing Stages
Sometimes, acne cysts may temporarily appear to get worse before getting better. This is a natural part of the healing process, so don’t let it alarm you. Here’s what to expect from the different healing stages your cystic acne will go through as it responds to treatment:
- Stage 1: Cysts Get Crusty: During this stage of the healing process, deep cysts and pustules are naturally crusted over. This is the first indication that your treatment is working to destroy the acne.
- Stage 2: Cysts Decrease in Size: If your cysts start to look smaller, it’s a clear sign that they’re losing the battle and that your treatment is taking effect.
- Stage 3: Redness Subsides: This is one of the cystic acne healing stages that’s most fun to see. Redness often occurs as a direct response to inflammation. As treatment begins to work, it decreases inflammation in the skin and reduces redness.
- Stage 4: Fewer New Acne Spots: As your acne heals, you’ll notice fewer new breakouts. Your complexion will start to look clearer; any new breakouts should look smaller and less red.
- Stage 5: Less Oily Skin: As the laser treatment begins curbing oil production, your skin will begin to look more balanced and less shiny.
Keep in mind that it can take time for your skin to go through all of the above cystic acne healing stages. Be patient with yourself and learn how to celebrate small achievements. Some people find it helpful to keep a journal of their skin improvements so they are more likely to notice even minor changes.
How to Prevent Cystic Acne from Returning After Treatment
Many patients experience lasting skin improvements after receiving a series of three or more AviClear treatments. Patient assessments reveal that 92% of people have clear or almost clear skin 12 months after receiving their final AviClear treatment.1 However, your acne cysts can return in the future if you don’t take steps to prevent it. Here are some ways you can keep your complexion clear and avoid future breakouts after laser treatment for acne:
✓ Follow a good skincare regimen
✓ Avoid eating a poor diet with excessive processed, sugary, and fatty foods
✓ Get quality sleep and reduce stress levels
✓ Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
✓ Use quality makeup and other skincare products appropriate for your skin type
✓ Avoid touching your face too frequently, especially with unwashed hands
✓ Avoid using greasy skincare products that can clog your pores
✓ Never sleep with makeup on
✓ Wash your face twice per day to remove dead skin cells and impurities
✓ Avoid drinking or eating too many dairy products
✓ Try not to panic if you see a pimple, but focus instead on treating it
If you notice a recurrence of cystic acne in the months or years following AviClear treatment, consider scheduling maintenance treatments. Doing so may help you keep painful breakouts at bay and maintain a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Get Rid of Cystic Acne Once and for All With AviClear
AviClear is the best-kept acne-fighting secret, but SKINNEY Medspa is trying to change that. We want to get the word out so everyone can enjoy the life-changing benefits of this leading-edge laser treatment for acne. If you don’t want to deal with harsh topical pimple products or risky medications, we’d love to tell you more about AviClear. Contact us today at 212-754-6639 (NYC) or 305-717-7576 (Miami) to schedule your obligation-free consultation.
Sources:
1 Association Between Adult Acne and Dietary Behaviors: Findings From the NutriNet-Santé Prospective Cohort Study. JAMA Dermatology.
