It’s not unusual to have a pimple or two and experience breakouts when you’re a teenager. But once you’re in adulthood and you face red, swollen, painful pimples that occur deep in your skin, you might have cystic acne. Read on below as we explore more facts about this skin condition.

1. Cystic acne is deeply embedded in the skin tissue

Cystic acne is different from other types of acne that are more superficial, like whiteheads and blackheads. It is an inflammatory type of acne that causes bumps to develop deep under the skin, and are typically red, tender to the touch, swollen and painful. Pimples occur when a pore in your skin gets clogged, causing inflammation and the area to get infected. But when the infection goes below the skin’s surface, the result is large, fluid-filled cysts and can last from 1-4 weeks if left untreated. It will also never actually come to the surface.

2. Cystic acne does not only occur on the face

Besides the facial area, cystic acne can also be found on the back, upper arms, chest and shoulders. This is because any part of your body that has hair follicles or oil-secreting glands can be affected. When sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria clog up the hair follicles on your back, this can form an acne lesion.

3. There is no easy way to pin-point the exact cause of cystic acne

There are various different factors that contributes to the risk of cystic acne. As with other acne-related problems, they are linked to hormones, particularly androgen. When there are too many androgens in the body, the imbalance of hormone levels can cause the sebaceous glands to increase sebum production. As such, acne can also get worse around menstrual cycles as hormones fluctuate. Your diet can also be a factor – try eliminating dairy products and high-glycemic foods for a few weeks to observe if any new cysts develop.

4. Cystic acne causes serious scarring

Because of the depth and amount of inflammation, it is important to leave cysts alone from being popped as the aggression will make the condition worse. Picking on cyst-like breakouts exacerbates the skin and will only spread the infection to your surrounding healthy skin tissues, causing more breakouts. As it is located deep down in your skin, you are also more likely to develop scars if you try to pop a cystic acne. If you are already experiencing scarring, you might need to go for acne scar treatments in Singapore to effectively get rid of acne scars.

5. Cystic acne treatments go beyond products for typical surface acne

Unlike superficial acne that occurs on the surface, cystic acne can’t be treated as easily with products that are not designed to penetrate deep into the skin’s layers. Cystic acne treatments require a solution that can be absorbed deep down. Available in aesthetic clinics in Singapore, laser treatments for acne are effective in targeting inflammation, redness and pigmentation, and reducing hyperactive sebaceous glands.

The best aesthetic doctor for you will work with you to deliver a personalised solution for your skin. At The Clifford Clinic, our highly-trained doctors understand the need for a different approach with cystic acne than using conventional pimple treatments. These include pore treatment, skincare and facials, as well lasers to reduce clogging of pores, and promote healing and acne scar removal. Contact us today and find out more regarding cystic acne treatments.