Ugh, don’t you just hate it when you wake up to find a massive, painful cystic pimple staring back at you in the mirror? I’ve been there more times than I care to admit.
These stubborn underground zits seem to pop up at the worst possible moments – like right before a big date or important presentation.
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But as someone who battled acne for years, I’ve picked up some tricks along the way to shrink these bad boys fast.
Today, I’m spilling all my secrets on how to tackle cystic pimples and get your smooth, glowing skin back ASAP. So get cozy, and let’s dive in!
1. Don’t even think about popping it!
I know, I know – the temptation to squeeze that sucker is real. But trust me on this one, resist the urge to pop your pimple!
Cystic acne is deep under the skin, so squeezing will only make it angrier and potentially spread bacteria, leading to more breakouts.
Plus, you risk scarring, which is way harder to get rid of than the pimple itself.
Instead, take a deep breath and remind yourself that this too shall pass. We’ve got much better ways to shrink that cyst, so keep reading!
2. Ice, ice, baby!
One of the quickest and easiest ways to start shrinking a cystic pimple is by applying ice.
The cold helps reduce swelling and inflammation, making the bump less noticeable right away.
Here’s my go-to method: Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth or paper towel (never apply ice directly to your skin!) and hold it on the pimple for about 5 minutes.
Take a short break, then repeat for another 5 minutes. You can do this a few times throughout the day.
Pro tip: I like to use green tea ice cubes for an extra anti-inflammatory boost. Just brew some green tea, pour it into an ice cube tray, and freeze. The antioxidants in green tea can help calm your skin even more!
3. Treat it with tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is my secret weapon against cystic acne. It has amazing antibacterial properties that can help kill the acne-causing bacteria trapped deep in your pores. Plus, it helps reduce inflammation and redness.
To use it, mix a drop or two of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil (never apply it undiluted!).
Dab this mixture onto your cystic pimple with a clean cotton swab. You can do this a couple of times a day.
My favorite tea tree oil is this one from Amazon. It’s high-quality and super effective!
4. Spot treat with benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerhouse ingredient for treating cystic acne. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria and helping to unclog pores.
For stubborn cystic pimples, I like to use a higher concentration (like 5% or 10%) as a spot treatment.
Apply a small amount directly to the pimple before bed, and you should start to see improvement within a day or two.
Just be careful, as benzoyl peroxide can be drying and may bleach fabrics.
I swear by the Acne Free Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment on Amazon. It’s strong enough to tackle cystic acne but doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
5. Try a warm compress
While ice is great for reducing initial swelling, a warm compress can help bring the pimple to a head faster. The heat increases blood circulation to the area, which can speed up healing.
To do this, soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and hold it against the pimple for about 10-15 minutes.
Repeat this a few times a day. You can also use a warm green tea bag for added anti-inflammatory benefits.
6. Use salicylic acid to exfoliate
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that can penetrate deep into pores, helping to unclog them and reduce inflammation.
It’s especially effective for preventing future cystic breakouts.
I like to use a salicylic acid spot treatment or serum on my acne-prone areas daily. The Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is my holy grail product – it’s gentle enough for everyday use but powerful enough to keep cystic acne at bay.
7. Don’t forget to moisturize
I know it might seem counterintuitive, but keeping your skin well-hydrated is crucial when dealing with cystic acne.
Many acne treatments can be drying, which can actually trigger your skin to produce more oil, potentially leading to more breakouts.
Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin balanced. I’m obsessed with the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
It’s super gentle, doesn’t clog pores, and keeps my skin happy even when I’m battling a cystic breakout.
8. Consider a hydrocolloid patch
Hydrocolloid patches are like little miracle workers for cystic acne. These sticky patches create a moist, protective environment that can help speed up healing.
They also absorb excess fluid, which can help reduce the size of the pimple.
I love using these overnight – just stick one on before bed, and you’ll often wake up to a significantly smaller pimple.
Plus, they help prevent you from touching or picking at the spot while you sleep.
My go-to patch is the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch. They’re thin enough to be nearly invisible, so you can even wear them during the day if you want!
9. Don’t underestimate the power of diet and lifestyle
While topical treatments are great for tackling cystic acne in the moment, it’s important to address the root causes too.
In my experience, what you put into your body can have a huge impact on your skin.
Try cutting back on dairy and sugar, which can trigger inflammation and breakouts for many people.
Instead, load up on anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep can also make a big difference.
I’ve also found that managing stress is crucial for keeping cystic acne at bay. Whether it’s through yoga, meditation, or just taking a relaxing bath, find ways to de-stress regularly. Your skin (and your overall well-being) will be better for it!
Bonus Tip: When to See a Dermatologist
If you’re dealing with severe or persistent cystic acne, it might be time to consult a dermatologist.
They can prescribe stronger treatments like oral antibiotics, birth control pills (for hormonal acne), or isotretinoin for severe cases.
Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if over-the-counter treatments aren’t cutting it.
There’s no need to suffer through painful cystic breakouts when there are so many effective treatments available!
Wrapping It Up
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so you might need to experiment a bit to find what works best for you.
Be patient and gentle with your skin, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results overnight.
Cystic acne can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can definitely get it under control.
Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be rocking that clear, glowing skin you’ve been dreaming of!
Do you have any go-to methods for dealing with cystic acne? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends who might be struggling with similar skin issues.
Here’s to clear skin and confidence, you’ve got this!
