Natural Remedies for Cystic Acne

Vitamin A

Posted by Stephanie (Napa, Ca) on 12/08/2016
★★★★★

Cystic Acne - I tried everything! Vitamin A is the winner, hands down. I have been giving my son 30mg of zinc for months but it wasn't until I added vitamin A (20,000iu) to the routine that we started to see some real progress. No more cyctic acne!

It took about 5 days to start seeing a noticeable difference, it's been 20 days and it's almost as if he never had the problem in the first place. Purchased the Vitamin A capsules from a major health food store, just research and purchase the best brands and you will see results.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Kelsea (Ventura, Ca) on 01/29/2016
★★★★★

Guys, after dealing with cystic acne for 3 years I have finally found something that works for me... and possibly you too! I know this is a long entry but I swear to you it works.

I had clear skin all through high school and began getting cystic acne in college. I am 24 years old now and my skin is finally clear.

I have experimented with SO many different things hoping to find a cure: yogurt facial masks, grapefruit seed oil extract, lavender oil, vitamin E oil... nothing ever reduced the inflammation, soothed the redness or reduced scaring like the regimen I am about to share with you.

For one, I have completely eliminated Sodium Laureth Sulfate from my shampoos, body washes, face washes, washing detergent, etc. It is a harsh chemical that gives most products the bubbly lather. Key word: it is HARSH!

Second, I have eliminated all dairy from my diet which has helped immensely. Dairy is full of hormones meant to raise calves, it combined with our own is overhaul for our bodies.

Lastly, I want to share the ALL NATURAL things I've been using that have cleared my face 100%.

I use a gentle face wash every morning and follow it with Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner, and lastly coconut oil as a moisturizer.

Every other night I switch off with a home made coffee facial scrub and manuka honey mask + a tumeric/honey spot treatment.

Apple Cider Vinegar toner- equal parts water and ACV on a cotton swab all over the face.

-this evens out the PH balance on your face ridding of blemishes and uneven skin tones.

Coconut Oil- about a teaspoon should cover your entire face... I let it set until its almost dry then wipe off the remaining.

- I know, adding oil to your already oily face is scary.. but it tricks your face into not creating as much oil and also has antibacterial properties all the while moisturizing it

Home made scrub- I took a 1/4 cup used coffee grounds, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil an 1-2 melaluca (tea tree) oil and mixed these all together.

Scrubbing your face very gently for a minute every other day gets rid of all the excess dead skin cells that may block your pores and trap oil under the skin, leading to build up, and eventually.. acne.

When you rinse off this scrub your face feels SO soft.. wipe off the extra coconut oil and wah-lah.

Manuka Honey Mask- I genuinely think this portion of my face regime has been the most impactful.

Manuka honey helps with inflammation and scars. It has antibacterial properties and does a good job moisturizing as well. This specific honey is extracted from the tea tree plant and is extremely raw. It is a bit pricey but worth the money. You simply take this and smear it all over your face. Leave it on as long as possible! Seriously, I'd leave it on over night if it wouldn't get all over my bed. When you rinse it off.. your face feels so refreshed and rejuvenated.

The last thing I'll share is a quick spot treatment that SERIOUSLY works.

Simply take a small amount of honey and add the tumeric spice until you've created a paste like consistency and add it to any incoming, inflamed or ongoing acne. The tumeric will instantly reduce inflammation and redness and speed up the healing process.

Tumeric has been my saving grace..

Be warned though that it does stain your skin slightly, nothing that wont come off with a little facial cleanser though!

PLEASE, give this a try.. you can buy most of these products at most health food stores.

LET ME KNOW!!!!

Coconut Oil

Posted by Activemom (Monmouth County, Nj) on 03/12/2014
★★★★★

After each pregnancy, cystic acne would appear. I had no idea what it was. It was like a clogged pore and then after five pregnancies, it progressed to huge cysts that would stay for months and they were all over my body. I avoid people and wear long sleeves all summer, as it has even gone down my entire arm. After five years, after the final pregnancy, I finally saw a doctor who diagnosed me with cystic acne. It has been horrible and such a blow to my self esteem. I just hide most of the time. I started taking oral antibiotics, monodox, and an avar cream, sodium based, which helped, but didn't solve my problem. One cyst on my face in particular that just persists and refuses to go away. It is extremely painful and extremely obvious.

Thank you to the man who suggested coconut oil. I cannnot begin to express in words how you have helped me. Within two days, my facial cyst has gone down to where I can see the healing skin and the reduction of the build up of fluid underneath the skin. It was sitting in my pantry all along.....

After insurance costs have changed and the price of medicine has escalated greatly, I decided to research alternative natural remedies and this site is amazing. I will continue to use this as a first resource in remedies for my family.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Ashley (Canada) on 02/11/2015
★☆☆☆☆

Doesn't help everyone. I'm vegan, gluten free, sugar free, eat 100% organic and natural foods, nothing processed, exercise daily, use only natural skincare products... I have beautiful soft skin on my body, untreated long glossy hair, strong hard nails... But when it comes to my face? Disaster zone.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Lowstomachacid (NY, NY) on 10/28/2012

I just have to tell all of you who are seeing results from ACV, this may be because you have low stomach acid and the ACV is helping you digest fats better so they're not ending up in your blood stream and then your skin. I just began taking HCL supplements and my face is starting to get better. It's not great but finally it's starting to look better. A few years ago I had stomach problems and took Nexium and then had a huge acne outbreak. It wasn't until I googled and googled that I found out that low stomach acid causes acne. I just went off the birth-control pill and I'm finding myself with awful cystic acne all over my chin, cheeks, forehead even above my eyes! And they all hurt. It's been rough. I know the problem is internal and I know I have other symptoms of low stomach acid so I just started this new regimen of a pill with each meal. Using ACV was on the list of other options to use if you have low stomach acid so that may be your problem as well if taking it orally is helping to clear up your face. I'm going to increase my dosage of HCL and also start using the ACV as a toner. Hope this works!

Urine Therapy

Posted by HoraceGrant (Atlanta, GA) on 05/03/2009
★★★★★

Urine to cure cystic acne. I just want to say urine really does work. In the past I have had to have my dermatologist give me cortisone shots directly into the nodule. This is extremely effective but becomes a hassle and pricey. I have to say urine on a cotton swab has essentially the same results. I recommend taking a swab of your first urine in the morning and hold it with some light pressure for about a minute.

Thanks earth clinic

Urine Therapy

Posted by Jennifer (Lansing, IL) on 05/12/2007
★★★★★

Urine really works for acne. I get really deep or cystic acne. The kind you can't pop and if you do it just gets worse and leaves a scar. After reading about using it for acne on this website, I just had to try it for myself. I peed on a cotton swab when I woke up and held it for a minute or so on the pimple. After just a few minutes it seemed to have brought the pimple to a head. The next day I did it again and now it's almost gone. This will be the way I handle my cystic pimple from now on. Try it and see!

Urine Therapy

Posted by Erin (Seattle, WA) on 01/11/2007
★★★★★

I'm really surprised this hasn't been posted, but the real remedy to acne or cystic acne is your own urine! Soak a cotton ball (first morning pee is best)hold it on the pimple, repeat every time you urinate, the pimple will go away. Contrary to popular belief, human urine is sterile and contains your own wasted antibodies. Don't knock it until you try it, it really works!

Lavender Oil

Posted by Miracles (Santa Monica, Ca, United States) on 07/11/2013
★★★★★

I thought it was crazy that something as simple as lavender oil could actually work on my cystnic acne - after going to doctors for cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and expedite the healing. But you must try Lavender Oil and put it on your acne as soon as they develop. The swelling will go down immediately and the pimple/cystic acne will come to a head within 24-48 hours. Thank you to Earth Clinic and everybody who writes in for these wonderful cures!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Kiana (Atlanta, Ga) on 02/17/2016

Hi,

Can you post the recipe? I'm having a hard time finding the original post. Thanks!

EC: Here is her original post:

[YEA] I am a 43 yr old woman. About ten years ago I started suffering from terrible cystic acne. I am taking testosterone blocker and minocycline. Nothing worked. I also use Duac gel which is an antibiotic and peroxide. Still nothing worked. Tryed thousands of combinations of medications and home remedies. Yesterday I read this blog on apple cider vinegar....thought what the heck. I will try it. I took 2 tablespoons in a glass of water and dabbed some on the exsisting cysts. Then that evening did the same thing only using the cider as a toner.

Today my acne is almost completely clear. Why, I do not know. But be assurred this is no joke. My dermatologist is going to freak out. I am very active in the gym etc. Now I can go in and strut my stuff with confidence.

My regime is:

Morning: Wash face with Oil free cleanser
use apple cider vinegar as a toner with cotton swab
(smell will go away in a second) drink 2 tablespoons in an 8 oz glass of water
afternoon 1-2 tablespoons in a glass of water)

night: Wash face with Oil free cleanser
use apple cider vinegar as a toner with cotton swab
(smell will go away in a second) drink 2 tablespoons in an 8 oz glass of water

Kroger or walmart vinegar works great.....

So for $3.49 I cured my acne or at laest kept it at bay I was spending

$99.00 month minocycline
$68 month aldactone
$70 month duac gel
$20-60 month on every over the counter thing I could find and thought would help

You may contact me if you need advice etc.

Happy in the Sun
Sandra D Grnwd, In

Turmeric

Posted by Ejstewart73 (Las Vegas, Nv, USA) on 12/18/2009
★★★★★

YEA for Turmeric!

I suffered for years with cystic acne/boils due to monthly hormonal changes, and was placed on oral contraception, antibiotics and topical retinoids to mitigate the problem, with little success. Now that I am trying to conceive, I'm unable to take these prescribed medications (and I'm also tired of the cost).

I came across this website looking for natural cures for many ailments yesterday. I ran to the store to buy Turmeric as soon as I read these testimonials, because I HAD two huge, throbbing cysts on my face, and another one that was in the beginning stages (red bump, itchy). After ONE DOSE, I am already noticing a huge difference. I took the following last night around 8pm:

1 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp Honey (to taste)
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1 c Hot Water
2-3 tbsp milk (to taste)

The taste reminds me of Chai so it doesn't bother me at all.

I also applied a hot compress for about 10 minutes to the worst one before I went to bed, and applied antibiotic cream.

I woke up this morning, took a shower and the worst two boils had come to heads. Once the pus drained, they were still somewhat red, but completely flat and no more pain and throbbing. The other one that was forming is reduced in size and redness completely gone!

Thanks to EarthClinic.com and all readers for their suggestions and feedback. I look forward to trying other remedies including those using ACV.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Elisabeth (Belfast, Ireland) on 04/08/2009
★★★★★

My son's SEVERE cystic acne has improved WONDERFULLY since he eliminated DAIRY products from his diet. Previously had been on antibiotics but as soon as he stopped these, the cysts returned. PLEASE share the good news with others.

Turmeric

Posted by Jennifer (Covington, LA) on 07/11/2008
★★★★★

Turmeric and Cystic Acne: I have been battling acne since I was about 26, I am turning 40 this year. I have seen the doctor and taken his useless antibotics, clearly they didn't work. I realized that artifical sweetners caused major breakouts and have completely stopped using them. This has helped a lot but not completely. After reading how many things Tumeric was great for, I added this to my supplements. I noticed in just one day how much the breakouts I had were clearing up. I take 1200 mg a day in capsule form. The flair ups are not as bad and go away much quicker, in just a day or two. Usually they start to form and clear up before completely breaking out. Not to mention how great I feel, no more body aches!!

Turmeric

Posted by Stephanie (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) on 04/17/2008
★★★★★

Turmeric for Cystic Acne. I have had cystic acne on my face for years and have spent thousands of dollars on acne medicine that doesn't work. I finally came upon Turmeric and so far, so good. I apply it to my acne as a paste. I mix Turmeric spice and unrefined sesame oil till it makes a paste. I have been leaving it on for an hour or more a day for the last 3 days. I immediately noticed that the acne comes to the surface and begins to drain and has reduced in size considerably. I am only on day three and had about 7-8 fairly large cystic acne on my face. It is clearing nicely and I will update as to the finished results. Turmeric does turn everything yellow, including your skin. The yellowing of the skin will go away with washing. However, traces of turmeric will be left on your face and will stain pillowcases, sheets, clothing, sinks, and countertops.

Carrot Juice

Posted by Lillian (Akron, Ohio) on 12/02/2007
★★★★★

I read the feedback on this site and agree with the person who said carrot juice worked for cystic acne. I have suffered from acne since my teens and have a 100% guarantee that works! I found a book called Best Face Forward at a thrift store and did some of the things suggested:

1. I started working out daily to get my circulation going and get my pores revved up.
Remember, your circulation flows upward.
2. I kept my hair washed often to keep the scalp free of excess oils.
3. I ate carrots (raw) and sweet potatoes like they were going out of style! You have to eat plenty of them every day. The vitamin A and E are good for skin, nails, and hair. I also cut out anything fried, like chicken, pizza and french fries, etc. and put no mayonnaise or dressing on my salad.
4. I washed my face with Aveeno oatmeal soap and with Palmer's cocoa butter soap, in that order. The oatmeal dries up the pimples and the cocoa butter fades the scars and dark marks. Any oatmeal soap will work though.
5.I drank plenty of water!

I did this in high school starting in june and by the time school started back in august, my face was clear! I mean not a mark anywhere. My classmates remarked how clear my face was and asked what I had done.Even my mom was surprised and a Mary Kay representative that she worked for who had previously tried to get me to try her products asked what I had done.

I hope this helps somebody. I had tried Retin A and tetracycline, but decided to go with the suggestions in that book. Tetracycline can be hard on the stomach and Retin A smells bad and you need to limit your sun exposure.

Urine Therapy

Posted by Jess (Johnson City, TN) on 02/26/2007
★★★★★

I have suffered from severe cystic acne, the most severe, painful, and deepest of acne for at least 13 years (since puberty). I've tried everything. Nothing topical worked because the acne was so deep. I finally found the cure! A form of vitamin B5, pantothenic acid, in extremely high doses cured my acne completely! I have been taking 10g of pantothenic acid a day for almost a month. Within a week I could see huge results and within two weeks I was completely clear. I'm so glad I decided to try this instead of trying Accutane like the rest of my family. If you decide to try this build up to 10g/day over the course of a week (if not, it can cause stomach upset) and continue the 10g/day regimen for 2 months. After that you can gradually decrease the dosage down to a maintenance dose of 1-2g/day. This information is supported by a study done by Dr.Leung in China. The initial 10g/day dosage is extreme-the pills mostly come in 500mg doses which ends up being 20 pills/day but if you're desperate like me then it's worth it. I split mine up into 2 doses/day and dissolve the pills in a drink. It doesn't taste good but its better than having to take so many pills. I've read that smaller doses work but it may take longer to see results.

Manuka Honey, Turmeric

Posted by SR (Duluth, MN) on 08/15/2022
★★★★★

Never had cystic acne before but I began getting this lump on my cheek that was brewing for over a month. It was very hard and just growing larger. I finally figured out what is was and came on here to find remedies today because it started sticking out quite a bit more and the skin looked like it was breaking and was yellowish deep under the skin and soo red around it but nothing came out but liquid. I didn't want to mess with it too much.

After looking though the comments I decided to try organic turmeric powder (from my spice cabinet) mixed in Manuka honey (Kaimai Gold 100+moc, I got it from TJ maxx of all places). Anyway, I mixed it up, applied the paste, then stuck a bandaid on it in the afternoon. By bedtime I went to wash and it off and change it, took the bandaid off and right away thick pus came out. I couldn't believe it! Washed it good then put more paste on and am keeping it on overnight. Truly amazed it worked so quickly. Hoping this on overnight will help pull out whatever is left. If I ever have to deal with this again it will be my first go-to remedy and now I'll be able to treat it much sooner.