Dealing with acne of any kind can be frustrating. Cystic acne, however, poses a more unique challenge because these nodules develop under the surface of the skin. Standard over-the-counter treatments are rarely effective, but activated carbon may be an option that offers visible results.
Also known as activated charcoal, the popular substance is purifying and highly absorbent. If you’re seeking a natural remedy to stubborn, painful cystic pimples, activated carbon may be an option.
What Is Cystic Acne?
Cystic acne differs from standard blackheads and whiteheads that appear on the face. These types of blemishes are burrowed underneath the skin, creating often large, inflamed bumps. While they can develop anywhere, they’re most likely to occur on the face.
The blemishes are notorious not just for the discomfort they create, but also for being difficult to treat. Like other pimples, they’re the result of bacteria and oil that get trapped under the skin’s surface alongside dead skin cells. If they become infected, they form a cyst, also known as a cystic blemish.
What Causes Cystic Acne?
The root cause of cystic acne is the accumulation of bacteria and sebum. However, there are several factors that can trigger this occurrence.
Hormones: Anything from being a teenager to having a menstrual period could trigger hormones to surge throughout the body. As they shift into overdrive, that causes the glands that produce to work overtime. As it swells with excessive sebum, it causes a pimple under the skin to form.
· Products: Some cosmetics, hair care, and skin care products contain oils that could cause clogged pores and lead to cystic acne formation. Bacteria or oil from an old or unclean makeup brush could also cause it.
· Genetics: While there isn’t a specific gene that contributes to acne formation, heredity can play a significant role in your chances of developing cystic pimples. If others in your family had or have a problem with cystic acne, then your chances of experiencing it may be greater.
Does Activated Carbon Treat Cystic Acne?
There’s evidence that suggests activated charcoal, or carbon, could have a positive effect on the skin. A study found that it may increase the size of the pores, making it easier to clean dead skin cells and sebum to prevent cysts from forming. After treatment, the pores returned to their normal size.
It’s also thought that activated charcoal can be useful in soaking up the excess sebum responsible for clogging those pores. That’s a key factor in acne formation, making it an imperative step in slowing their progress and ultimately preventing them from developing in the first place.
The substance may even have an illuminating effect on the skin, an enormously beneficial benefit. Cystic acne can leave scars, causing lingering evidence of the breakout to remain on the skin long after the pimple is actually gone. A study found that activated charcoal may brighten the skin without causing irritation, making it a valuable addition to your routine if you’re taking a multifaceted approach to treating skin affected by cystic acne.
You’ll find the activated carbon you need to treat your stubborn cystic acne at Puragen. The product is stable and washed for exceptional purity, making it an excellent choice for skin care products.