Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, a common skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide.
It is characterized by large, inflamed, and painful cysts (or nodules) that form deep under the skin and are filled with pus consisting of white blood cells, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Cystic acne can appear anywhere on the face and body but is quite common on the temples, where it’s also highly likely to leave scars if left untreated.
Therefore, in this article, I will give you tips on how to get rid of cystic acne on the temples and how to prevent this condition in the future to avoid scarring.
What Causes Cystic Temple Acne?
Cystic temple acne is characterized by severe inflammation under the skin that can be caused by various internal and external factors.
Cysts are usually recognized as large, red, or discolored bumps that are painful to the touch and can appear on any area of the face and body but are pretty common in the temple area.
Cystic acne can be particularly frustrating to deal with because it often takes longer to heal and is more prone to scarring.
However, before treating cystic acne, it’s important to understand what’s causing it so that you can start addressing this inflammatory condition by eliminating potential triggers.
Here are some common factors that cause cystic temple acne:
Genetics
Acne, in general, is known to have a genetic component, and cystic temple acne is no exception.
If you have a family history of severe acne, especially cystic acne, then it is likely that you may also experience it.
While you may not be able to control your genetics, understanding this potential cause can help you manage and treat your cystic temple acne more effectively.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances play a significant role in the development of cystic acne on the temples and other areas of the body.
Androgens, which are male hormones present in both males and females, can increase in levels during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or due to certain health conditions.
This increase in androgens can cause the skin’s oil glands to enlarge and produce more sebum, leading to clogged pores and, subsequently, the development of cystic acne.
Diet and Lifestyle Factors
While diet and lifestyle factors may not directly cause cystic temple acne, they can contribute to its development and severity.
Consuming a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can increase inflammation in the body and trigger acne breakouts, which can then become cystic if left untreated.
Additionally, stress levels and lack of sleep can also affect hormone levels and cause spikes in certain hormones, which overstimulate the sebaceous glands and lead to the formation of acne.
Cosmetic Products
Using skincare, makeup, and hair care products that contain clogging ingredients can lead to the formation of acne, which may become cystic if not treated early on.
This is because many cosmetic products contain oils, emollients, and silicones, which help maintain the formula’s consistency and activity.
However, these components often stick to the skin and are difficult to remove, which, with repeated use, results in buildup inside the pores that attracts bacteria and causes breakouts.
Excess Oil Production
Excess oil is the most common cause of acne, as pimples, no matter how mild or severe, begin to form inside the pore due to an oil plug.
Therefore, managing oil production is vital in effectively treating and preventing cystic acne.
Dead Skin Cells
Dead skin cells are another crucial contributor to acne formation.
Dead skin cells travel from the deeper layers of the epidermis to the skin’s surface, where they serve as a barrier, preventing bacteria and other harmful substances from entering the body.
However, when a pore is already clogged with a hardened oil plug, these cells cannot push through and become trapped inside, adhering to the plug and causing it to enlarge.
Bacterial Overgrowth
Bacteria are present on the skin at all times, and while some of them are beneficial, others can cause harm when they overgrow.
When excess oil is produced or dead skin cells are trapped inside a pore, bacteria on the skin feed off these substances and multiply rapidly, leading to inflammation and infection within the pore.
Inflammation
The final component of cystic acne formation is the inflammation our immune system causes when it detects the overgrowth of bacteria and sends white blood cells to the area to fight it off.
This “battle” results in swelling, redness, and pus, which we see on the skin’s surface as a pimple.
How to Treat Cystic Temple Acne?
While frustrating to treat and often unresponsive to traditional acne treatments, cystic acne on the temples can be managed and improved by combining medical and lifestyle interventions.
Here are some tips for treating cystic temple acne:
Over-the-Counter Skincare Products
While over-the-counter products might not be as effective in treating cystic acne as prescription medications, they can help improve the condition and prevent future breakouts.
Look for products containing the following ingredients to reduce the severity of cystic temple acne:
Salicylic Acid: A BHA that dissolves the oil plug inside the pores and reduces inflammation.
Glycolic Acid: An AHA that helps shed dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Mandelic Acid: A gentler AHA that soothes inflammation and clears out debris stuck inside the pores.
Benzoyl Peroxide: An oxygenating agent that destroys the airless environment inside the pore bacteria prefer to live in, reducing their population and soothing active breakouts.
Prescription Medications
Apart from over-the-counter products, cystic acne may require a short course of prescription medications to help reduce inflammation and inhibit bacterial overgrowth.
Some effective prescription medications for moderate to severe cystic acne on the temple include:
Retinoids: Tretinoin or tazarotene, for example, are powerful vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores and prevent dead skin cells from sticking together and creating plugs.
Oral Antibiotics: Such as tetracycline or erythromycin, which help reduce inflammation and control bacterial overgrowth.
Hormonal Medications: Birth control pills containing ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone may help balance hormone levels in women with hormonal acne.
Professional Treatments
In some cases, professional treatments may help control cystic temple acne and prevent future breakouts.
Some effective treatments against cystic temple acne include:
Chemical Peels: Deep peels containing high concentrations of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can help clear out clogged pores and reduce inflammation.
Light Therapy: Blue light therapy targets and destroys acne-causing bacteria, while red light therapy reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
Corticosteroid Injections: A dermatologist can inject a dilute corticosteroid directly into the cyst to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Dietary Adjustments
Research has shown a link between diet and acne, with high-glycemic foods and dairy being the main culprits for many people.
However, even if there is no direct link between diet and cystic acne, a healthy diet can still help improve overall skin health and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Therefore, incorporating more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods into your daily menu can help reduce the severity of cystic acne on the temples.
Here are some examples of foods to include in your diet:
Fruits and vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support skin health.
Healthy fats: Such as avocados, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon, which contain omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation.
Whole grains: Brown rice and quinoa have a lower glycemic index compared to white bread and other refined carbohydrates, making them a better option for skin health.
Stress Management
Stress can trigger acne flare-ups by increasing oil production, disrupting hormonal balance, and weakening the immune system.
Therefore, incorporating stress-management techniques into your daily life can help reduce the severity of cystic temple acne.
Some stress-management techniques include:
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce stress levels by raising dopamine levels, improving overall health and well-being, including skin health.
Mindfulness practices: Such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, can help calm the mind and reduce stress, thus decreasing inflammatory spikes that could potentially be contributing to the severity of acne.
Adequate rest and sleep: Getting enough rest and quality sleep allows the body to repair and regenerate cells, which is crucial for maintaining healthy and clear skin.
How to Prevent Cystic Temple Acne?
Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne that’s most likely to leave scars.
Therefore, preventing cystic temple acne is crucial for avoiding potential scarring and skin damage.
Here’s how to prevent cystic temple acne in the first place:
Regular Skincare Habits
Preventing cystic temple acne requires a consistent skincare routine that focuses on keeping the pores clear.
Some important habits to incorporate into daily skincare include:
Gentle cleansing: Using a gentle cleanser twice a day can help remove excess oil, dead skin cells, and impurities from the skin’s surface without stripping its natural oils.
Exfoliation: Using a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid once or twice a week can help keep the pores clear and prevent oil and dead skin cells from building up.
Retinoids: Over-the-counter retinoids such as adapalene can be useful for daily use to help keep pores clear, while prescription retinoids can be used more long-term to prevent future breakouts.
Moisturizing: Using an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and prevent excess oil production.
Sun protection: Sun exposure can worsen inflammation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially with cystic acne, which already has a higher chance of scarring. Therefore, it is crucial to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day.
Managing Hormonal Fluctuations
If cystic temple acne is hormonal-related, managing hormone fluctuations can help prevent this condition in the long term.
Some ways to manage hormonal fluctuations include:
Diet: Incorporating a healthy diet with less high-glycemic foods and dairy can help balance hormone levels.
Herbal Supplements: Certain herbal supplements have been shown to help regulate hormone levels naturally. For instance, chasteberry tea can improve progesterone production and help balance the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio, which is often beneficial for those suffering from hormonal acne. Similarly, spearmint tea has been studied for its anti-androgen effects, which can help manage acne caused by hormonal fluctuations.
Regular Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise can significantly impact hormonal health by reducing insulin levels and increasing insulin sensitivity. Exercise also reduces stress levels, which can directly affect the production of cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that can exacerbate acne.
Medication: While not the best option for long-term use, as most medications can deplete the body of essential vitamins and nutrients, some medications can help regulate hormone levels in the short term and improve the appearance of existing cystic acne.
Professional Maintenance Treatments
Getting professional treatments once a month can help maintain clear and healthy skin, especially for those prone to cystic acne.
Some of the most effective professional treatments for managing cystic temple acne include:
Chemical peels: An exfoliating treatment that unclogs pores and reduces inflammation to prevent acne formation.
Microdermabrasion: A treatment that involves the use of a hand-held device with a diamond tip or fine crystals to gently exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and keep pores clear of impurities.
Laser therapy: A treatment utilizing light beams to target bacteria and reduce inflammation in the affected areas while stimulating collagen production to improve scarring from cystic acne on the temples.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Difference Between Cystic Acne and Regular Acne?
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that occurs when the pores become blocked with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria.
Unlike regular acne, which is typically mild and can be easily treated with over-the-counter products, cystic acne is characterized by deep, inflamed, and often painful nodules or cysts that can take several weeks or months to heal.
Is There a Way to Pop Cystic Temple Acne Safely?
It is not recommended to pop cystic temple acne.
Attempting to pop or pick at cystic acne can cause further inflammation, spread bacteria and infection, and increase the risk of scarring.
Can Cystic Acne Be Treated at Home?
While cystic acne can be treated with over-the-counter skincare products used at home, DIY treatments are not recommended. These are rarely useful and can sometimes exacerbate inflammation and cause further damage to the skin.
The post How Do You Get Rid of Cystic Temple Acne? first appeared on The Skin Care Culture.