Unlike surface-level pimples, cysts are large, painful inflamed bumps that develop deep within the skin. They are more likely to scar and can be worsened by picking or squeezing, so it’s important to seek treatment from a dermatologist.
Over-the-counter acne washes and creams aren’t effective against recurring cystic breakouts. But masks can help to ease inflammation and reduce clogged pores.
What is cystic acne?
Typically, pimples form when oil and dead skin cells clog pores. Infection from bacteria can also enter the pores, triggering inflammation and swelling. When these infections go deeper into the skin tissue, they create large, painful lumps called cysts. These blemishes are more severe than surface acne and more likely to lead to scarring.
A dermatologist can examine your blemishes and recommend a treatment plan. This may include prescription topical treatments like retinoids, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria and remove excess skin oil. Oral antibiotics can also reduce acne-causing bacteria, but they do not address clogged pores or inflammation.
Avoid popping or squeezing your cystic acne, as this can push the infection further into the skin and increase the risk of permanent scarring. Instead, use a warm compress to reduce inflammation and encourage drainage. A dermatologist may also prescribe spironolactone, which blocks androgen hormones that stimulate the skin to produce more oil.
Can face masks help?
Face masks can be useful tools for fighting acne, but they shouldn’t replace a thorough skincare routine that includes daily cleansing, moisturizing and targeted treatments. Many masks contain ingredients that help prevent the build-up of excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria that contribute to acne breakouts.
Other helpful ingredients include clay, salicylic acid and sulfur. These ingredients help to loosen clogged sebum and exfoliate the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of blackheads or clogged pores. They also have anti-inflammatory properties to calm the irritation that can come with cystic acne.
Other useful ingredients include niacinamide, which has been shown to effectively reduce skin sensitivity and redness, and aloe vera, which has natural healing and soothing properties. For dry skin, look for hydrating masks that contain ingredients like cucumber and hyaluronic acid. For oily skin, choose pore-clearing masks that contain ingredients like charcoal, kaolin or bentonite clays and tea tree oil to help control excess oil.
Can masks replace professional acne treatment?
Face masks can help calm inflammation, fight bacteria and unclog pores. But they’re not a replacement for a thorough acne treatment plan that includes prescription oral and topical medications.
In most cases, cystic acne develops when a pore gets clogged with sebum oil and dead skin cells. The infection moves deeper into tissue, resulting in a large, painful bump called a cyst. Because these spots are so deep, they can trigger intense inflammation and cause scarring.
Trying to pop or squeeze a cyst can introduce more bacteria, worsen the inflammation and prolong the healing process. It can also increase the likelihood of permanent scarring and dark spots.
If you’re experiencing breakouts that aren’t responding to an at-home routine, it’s time to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and customized care. Use our online doctor directory to find a Roper St. Francis Healthcare dermatologist near you.
What to look for in a face mask?
The type of face mask you choose can help address your skin concerns. For example, if you struggle with blackheads, a clay or mud mask that absorbs excess oil can help prevent them from clogging pores. You can also try a peel-off mask with salicylic acid to exfoliate and clear skin.
If you have sensitive skin, look for masks with soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe or oatmeal to calm irritation. You should also avoid masks that contain fragrances, as they can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.
Sulfates, which are surfactants that create a lather in cleaning products, can dry out the skin and cause itching and itching. You may want to opt for sulfate-free masks, such as the Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser Mask or the Rael Beauty brightening vitamin C facial sheet mask.
You should also avoid masks that contain mineral oil, as it can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Instead, look for face masks that are labeled noncomedogenic or formulated with non-comedogenic oils like coconut and avocado.
How often to use a face mask?
Using a face mask once or twice a week can help calm the skin, reduce inflammation and unclog pores. However, it should not replace your daily skincare routine or a professional acne treatment.
Natural ingredients like aloe vera, honey, turmeric, Multani Mitti and yogurt can soothe irritated skin, hydrate the complexion, control excess oil and reduce irritation. Masks with antibacterial properties like tea tree and charcoal can help kill bacteria that cause acne and minimize breakouts.
Clay masks absorb excess oil to prevent clogged pores and promote healthy skin. They can be especially beneficial for people with blackheads.
Warming masks with spices like paprika and cinnamon stimulate the skin and make it feel warm, causing blood flow to increase which can help reduce redness and swelling caused by breakouts.
Some masks contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, to protect the complexion from drying effects of acne-fighting products and help prevent overdrying. Others, like Eminence Organics’ Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Mask, hydrate the complexion with ginger and support the skin barrier with pre, pro* and postbiotics.
How to care for your skin afterward
If your acne is severe or you continue to experience breakouts despite trying at-home treatments, it’s time for a dermatologist visit. They can prescribe oral antibiotics to fight bacteria, hormone treatments like birth control pills or spironolactone for women and isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe acne, chemical peels that help exfoliate the skin, laser therapy and light treatment to reduce redness and swelling, and moisturizers to keep your face hydrated and healthy.
For a more natural approach, celebrity esthetician and founder of Angela Caglia Skincare suggests rubbing ice directly on a cystic breakout. “The cold will calm inflammation and reduce the size of the bump,” she says. She also recommends using hydrocolloid stickers, which safely conceal the blemish to prevent picking and keep bacteria at bay.