5 Best Products for Cystic Acne
No more stress when it comes to finding new skincare products.
My skin type is oily and acne prone. The following products are the best things I have found to work with my skin type.
Finding skincare products that work for your unique skin can be costly and frustrating. Everyone is trying to sell you something different! No matter how much you research there will always be at least some bad reviews on the products you’re most excited about.
After the beginning of the first quarantine, I noticed my skin was really suffering from wearing a mask. I went to my dermatologist with inflamed, angry acne and was told I had developed cystic acne… scary. My dermatologist recommended Benzoyl Peroxide face wash but it always left my skin even more raw and sensitive then before. I realized I needed to make some changes in my skincare routine. I found a few videos and decided to purchase a Low PH face wash to help balance my skins good bacteria and only kill the bad bacteria. I also needed to know how I should be exfoliating and I realized scrubs aren’t very efficient in cleaning pores. I invested in both chemical exfoliants and an Enzyme Peel to address the build up of sebum in my pores and fight the acne. I have listed my Acne fighting arsenal below.
1. Low PH Face Wash
Finding a face wash that works for your unique skin can be exhausting. While switching face washes in the midst of a Cystic Acne episode can be scary and feel down right dangerous. Finding an ultra soothing face wash that still does the job was a game changer. This LA ROCHE-POSAY Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a gel that doesn’t lather and isn’t astringent. This cleanser is soothing and caused no drying or burning even on broken skin.
LA ROCHE-POSAY Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
2. Enzyme Peel
Dirt, grim, and dead skin don’t stand a chance against this peel. You are able to see the results from this peel instantly as it works. It immediately starts removing dead skin and is as satisfying as it is gross. I was nervous to try a peel at home because I thought it would be abrasive. Thankfully this peel has caused no irritation for me, not even redness (I have sensitive skin).
Directions: I recommend putting this on at the end of the day, before you wash your face, and use your face wash to take it off. I noticed that it doesn’t wash off smoothly if there is no face wash to help it.
3. AHA - Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHA’s are dermatologist and aesthetician recommended to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. AHA’s tend to provide deeper penetration for the skin, because of this they can be irritating to those with sensitive skin. AHA’s do vary in strength level, products found in store will likely be less concentrated than products sold by aestheticians. If both in store products aren’t effective products prescribed by a dermatologist will likely be even stronger.
4. BHA - Beta Hydroxy Acid
Beta Hydroxy Acids target blackheads, clears congestion in pores, and is less abrasive than AHA. This can be beneficial when treating sensitive areas that are inflamed and broken out. I recommend being VERY careful when treating breakouts directly with exfoliating products. Acids will burn when put on broken skin.
5. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This serum is helpful with improving skin hydration retention, hyperpigmentation, and has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin.
