The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Kelly (Toronto, Canada) on 12/14/2007
★★★★★
Eat lettuce! I have suffered with acne since childhood and always believed it was diet related. After many years of drugs to treat (including accutane) and experimenting with diet, I do believe it is food sensitivity. To make a long story short, corn caused my cystic acne (especially popcorn) and chocolate. I have eliminated all corn from my diet, including corn oil and have no longer get large painful boil like acne. Chocolate tends to cause the small white or blackheads. If I relapse (popcorn just smells sooo good!) it comes back immediately. My friend also stopped eating popcorn and his cystic acne was eliminated. If only I had know this 30 years ago, life would have been so much better! I guess better late than never, eh? I found eating lettuce daily will make an outbreak heal up quickly and gives a nice glow to the skin. I will add ACV and see if my complexion can even get better! PS. Also, a natural clay mask will draw toxins out of the skin. Thanks so much for this website!
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.
Vitamin C, Zinc
Posted by Kathy (Smyth County, Va) on 06/26/2015
★★★★★
My teen son had really bad cystic acne on his face and shoulders, where it's not just a simple pimple, it's a huge bump! An older friend confided in him that he had the same problem when he was a teen, and after the numerous prescriptions, etc failed, the Dr told him to try vitamin c --- and it worked!
So my son took the following each day:
2000 mg of C (we use timed release)
1 zinc (recommended by another friend)
1 A&D (great for inflammation, and make help heal the scars)
To reduce the redness on new pimples, he would apply the following:
1-2 Drops of Lavender & Tea Tree Oil with Diluted ACV (sprayed on back & shoulders)
Oh, and he also started using Castile Soap, just to be sure he wasn't using anything that would irritate it.
Within a few weeks he was very pleasantly surprised to have his acne disappearing!!
Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Active Mom Of Monmouth County (Marlboro, Nj) on 02/10/2015
★★★★★
I have been using coconut oil for 11 months now (previous post march 2014). Coconut oil soothes the acne and brings the toxins to the surface but does not cure it necessarily. I found after combining tea tree oil and coconut oil, and simultaneously applying topically to the acne, it cures it. Tea tree oil is too strong on its own. 2-3 times a day was enough and of course, the earlier the better. As soon as I feel it starting, if I apply both, it never even fully appears. Hope this helps cystic acne sufferers...this is not a fun condition and wreaks havoc on the self esteem.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Turmeric, Honey
Posted by Amber (North Carolina) on 05/28/2014
★★★★★
I suffered with cystic acne for 10 years before I found anything that worked. I tried everything short of oral medications and injections. Turns out what worked for me was in my kitchen cabinets the whole time.
The routine was based on my daily routine, it can be tweaked as needed. Everyone's skin responds differently to different things.
AM: Was face with equal parts apple cider vinegar and hot water. Liberally apply pure aloe.
PM: (Right before showering) Wash face with hot water and an organic oatmeal based facial soap, I use Grandma's Acne Bar. Mix equal parts honey and turmeric, I use a table spoon of each. Apply to face. Then I jump in the shower and let the steam do it's thing while I wash, washing my face last with hot water and a wash cloth. Pat face dry, rinse again with vinegar/water. Liberally apply aloe.
I always started both the am and pm treatments by laying a hot wet washcloth on my face for about 5 minutes. Don't know whether that makes a difference, though.
I seen a reduction in the size and soreness of bumps the first morning after I tried this, the redness persisted for a few weeks. I found that my skin was a little sensitive at the end of the first week just from the vinegar, only slightly though, nothing compared to the painful bumps. I pureed a cucumber and mixed it with a little green tea and left this on my face for about 20 minutes. Made a world of difference.
You may have to adjust the frequency of treatment depending on your skin's sensitivity to vinegar and the soap. Also, turmeric will stain clothes and skin. Supposedly the turmeric stain can be removed from your face with a mild toner but I never leave it on long enough to find out, usually just the 15 minutes or so that I'm in the shower. I would suggest starting the honey and turmeric on a weekend so the stain goes away if it happens. Everyone's skin will absorb the color at different speeds, so just be cautious at first.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Charlotte (Dallas, Tx) on 06/04/2015
Be careful with the baking soda masks; always remember to re-adjust your external pH with a slightly acidic toner, because baking soda has a very alkaline pH, which can destroy your natural "acid mantle", over time, if left unbalanced. The acid mantle is a defense against bacteria entering pores.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Myra (Camden, New Jersey) on 11/13/2015
I just read all of the post and I'm excited about trying out the ACV. I have been just diagnosed with Cystic Acne today, I have been affected by this for the last two months. I have tried using a-lot of products but so far it only made it worse. I never heard of such serious acne. When I was young er I had acne., but never this bad. I'm 29 yrs old and this year alone I have experienced major changes with my body, and this serious acne is one of them. I just recently within the last year got of birth control. My primary DR. just prescribed me a anti-body gel to put on my face. I don't want to use it. But I feel helpless in this situation right now. I'm going to get me some ACV and use that with the gel. I hope everything works out. Wish me luck please.. ???? Is it ok to coconut oil??
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lena (Kalamazoo, Mi) on 01/21/2013
★★★★★
The problem is GMOs!!! I'm 22 and I have worse acne now than I ever did as a teenager. Like, "I don't want to go out in public ever again" bad. But about 2 weeks ago I started on an organic vegan type diet and my acne disappeared within days! The ACV and vitamin c treatments helped me a little, but this diet change has been miraculous for my skin!
I've come to find out that the trigger foods for the cystic acne which is really a type of allergic reaction are US wheat, US dairy, US soy, US corn, canola oil, and really anything else that's been taken too far out of its natural state. Try eating organic just for like 4 days and I'm sure you'll see a difference!
References: Personal Experience, The Natural Independent
Dietary Changes
Posted by Juliet (Los Angeles, Ca) on 01/18/2013
★★★★★
Yes! Diet is definitely a HUGE factor despite the fact that medication driven dermatologists are STILL so in the dark about this! Try eliminating chocolate and dairy (esp. from a cow) completely!! Then eliminate sugar dense foods - no honey, mapyle syrup, fruit juice (stick to eating fruit! ), soda, etc. You will see such a change in your face - not to mention your weight!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Mmsg (Europe) on 02/12/2015
Ashley, two thoughts:
1. Have you tried swapping vegan for dairy-free?
2. An interesting read: a few Ebook called Skin Deep by Grossbart. Google it.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Miss Lori (Charlotte, Nc) on 12/01/2012
★★★★★
I've recently learned that after over 20 years of experiencing acne/cystic acne breakouts that excessive consumption of milk was the culprit. I love milk and drank it with most meals and also drank it just because. My sister shared with me that when my niece stop drinking milk it helped her acne breakouts(and yes my skin sensitivites are hereditary, also somethign to consider), so I put it to a 2 month test and low and behold I only have the usual "lady time of the month" breakouts. I'm now testing drinking no more than 2 cups per week and so far so good. I'm so happy that I can stop using & taking prescription meds(Retin A Micro was the only one that worked best for me & has yet to be recalled and been using as needed since age 10). Oh.... and to add, Soy & Almond milks are nasty to me.
Cystic acne is just something trying to escape your body that not agreeing with it. I always knew this and have took this long to pinpint what exactly my body was reacting to, but better late than never! Now I just use oatmeal soap (Sappo Hill Brand from local healthfood store) to wash my face and witchhazel as an astringent and a light moisturizer when needed.
So don't believe all the hype that acne is just bacteria, it's more than that. Your body may be reacting to something that's being put into, just take the time to figure out what it is. Hopes this helps someone....
Lava Soap
Posted by Skin Reborn (West Coast, Ca) on 11/14/2012
★★★★☆
All my teen years, I had horrific acne. All kinds, tiny specks to giant cysts. All was due to poor diet. All treatments worked for a few weeks, then didn't help anymore. Witch hazel, noxema, aloe, medicated pads, oxy... So, one day I use my two brothers Lava soap they used after working on motors in the garage. That lava soap didn't cure my acne, but reduced it to half what it had been. Best - not a single scar. Photos from before are terrible, from after is skin like new. Today almost 60 yrs old, and still get compliments on baby-like smooth face skin. It didn't burn or hurt, just exfoliated r-e-a-l-l-y well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Margaret (California) on 06/06/2016
I know this is an old post, but I wanted to reply anyway. I was a big fan of African Black Soap for washing my face, and recently made the connection between my dehydrated oily skin and the alkalinity of the soap! Because ACV is a way lower ph, applying it afterward may be responsible for the tingling (especially as the alkaline cleanser has likely damaged your moisture barrier). A low ph cleanser is more skin-friendly!
Vitamin B
Posted by Ashley (Vancouver, Bc) on 05/24/2012
For the past month I have had terrible trouble with Cystic acne. The type that is painful, then itchy, then becomes a large hard red bump, then will become squishy and filled with puss that is "popable" but will leave a nasty red mark for a week (if you're like me and pop it). I was on minocycline in the past but do not have the money to buy such medication and was really looking for something that was a more natural remedy. I tried all the natural topical treatments, such as Apple cider vinegar, turmeric, regular astringent, and clearasile benzile peroxide ointment.
I knew I needed something internal to do the trick, so I started taking vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) its actually a vitamin that breaks down fat, carbs and protein and also helps with acne. I've been taking it for 2 weeks now and all my previous cysts have gone away and all the ones that I could feel under this skin are starting to get smaller! I'm so happy! I also started taking Zinc which is very similar to B5! I did take some vitamin c but I didn't get "instant" results like some did, then again the vitamins need sometime to kick in and have your body get used to them. If you have acne like mine I would 100% suggest an internal medication such as these vitamins! They work wonders, are natural ( I found mine in the organic section of superstore) and help keep a healthy body! Hope this helps!!
Oregano Oil
Posted by Skep (Charlotte, Nc) on 04/10/2012
★★★★★
For cystic acne, clean your face really well with a mild cleanser... But it must clean off your OIL.. That is what the bacteria likes to eat. Then use a moisturizer with feverfew in it.. Do this 3 or 4 times a day, depending on your oil production. Take WILD OIL OF OREGANO.. 4 drops in 4 oz. Of water.. 1 or 2 times a day. Stay away from all sweet tasting foods... Even sugar free gum. No STARCHY carbs, no potatoes, rice, but sprouted breads - organic- and low glycemic noodles are okay in limited amounts. NO SUGARS, no vegetable oil fried foods. Just use a little butter to saute, if necessary. I have discovered for my son that he really can't handle carbs and sugars. Just staying away from wheat didn't help him and he still broke out. LOW GLYCEMIC FOODS ARE GREAT! ... DO THIS and you should see a difference... Hope this helps... We have had a horrible 3 years. Light ahead!!
Vitamin A
Posted by Fellowsufferer (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 01/22/2012
★★★★★
For cystic acne, I know accutane helps, but it has a large amount of side effects. Accutane is only a chemically engineered version of vitamin A though, so I decided to simply take that instead. At first I took 2 in the morning and 2 at night, and it helped, but not as much as I would have like, so now I'm taking 3 in the morning, and 3 at night. It works so well!
Hope this helps!
Turmeric
Posted by Crystal (Salyersvile, Ky) on 12/23/2011
★★★★★
I cannot say enough about turmeric!!! It is the best stuff for any kind of skin conditions.. I had a lot of skin tags coming on and had started taking the turmeric for cystic acne and rosacea... And to my surprise the skin tags are barely feelable now.. And I only take one per day.. I have my aunts taking it for different skin ailments and its also working for them!!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Vitamin C
Posted by Christa (Huntsville, Tx) on 12/19/2011
★★★★★
Thank you to everyone who recommended the ACV or vitamin c to help with cystic acne. Here is my story. I've been suffering with bad cystic acne for the last 3-4 months and have spent much time trying to figure out what was causing it and how to fix it. I thought it was my Adderall causing it, but when I quit taking it, I was still breaking out, just at a slower rate. I finally based it down to hormonal changes caused by going off of birth control after having been on it for over 8 years, but adderall does seem to severly compound the problem, so for those with cystic acne that are taking that, it's something to think about. I graduated this December and didn't want to go to graduation with this horrible painful acne. I couldn't even get pictures done because of it. I found this site about a week before my graduation and started on a regimen of ACV and vitamin c to see if I could get the praiseworthy results so many have boasted on this site. I had little faith but it was worth a shot. Like many others have said, when you're desperate and you've tried everything else, you're willing to try just about anything that might have a chance of working. On the site, people seemed to recommend either the ACV or the vitamin c, so I decided to try the two together to see if I could get results fast! After just one night of using the ACV I woke up to better skin. The new huge cyst I had forming had been significantly reduced and the pain was gone, and my face as a whole looked better. My other scars, cysts and acne were reduced, less red, and my skin really did look brighter just as someone else on here had said. I was amazed. I have since continued on my regimen and now my face is almost completely clear. And it's only been a little over a week! Now that's what I call results!
I have been on face medication (spironolactone and bactrim) from my dermatologist for over 10 years for milder acne but it wouldn't phase this new cystic acne I've been dealing with. In fact, I could almost hear the acne laughing at it. No OTC face products worked on it either, which makes since because this type of acne is caused by something inside you, not by surface oils or hygiene related causes. I did talk to my doctor about the ACV and vitamin c working and she said it works because it is changing the pH of the body. This is because both the ACV and vitamin c are highly acidic. (In the vitamin c packet that I take, it is the high amt. of vitamin C, a. K. A. Ascorbic acid that makes it work). I thought I had discovered something natural I could use during pregnancy but my doc said no, even on the ACV. It's too potent. So much for that idea, but I can still use it until that time comes, and can still use it on my face when pregnant. She said you just can't drink it if pregnant.
I would recommend anybody with cystic acne to try this out. It has worked great for me. Also, a benefit to using both the ACV and vitamin c together is that the ACV is cheap which saves you from spending so much on the vitamin c, and the vitamin c tastes better, which saves you from having to drink so much of the ACV. To those of you having trouble downing the ACV, I feel you. I don't recommend diluting it with water as many others have. You guys must have mild mannered taste buds. I tried the water thing, and threw up. I have found that mixing it with Hawaiian Punch (most flavors work), or V8 Splash helps me get it down. They are strong flavored and have a sort of twang alredy which helps mask the ACVs twang. It is truely some gnarly stuff!
Here is my regimen:
Drink 1-2 tbs ACV morning and night
Drink 1 pkg or tablet of vitamin c in afternoon
Spot treat cysts with straight ACV holding on each one for at least 10 seconds
All over face with a 50/50 water dilution of ACV as a toner
You can also mix it up and do the vitamin c morning and night and drink the ACV in the afternoon. Just play with it. I would start out being aggressive with it and back off slowly until you get to a maintanence point.
Good luck and I hope this helps!!!
Pantethine
Posted by Jf Sense (Mobile, Alabama, Usa) on 10/18/2011
★★★★★
I have suffered cystic acne for most of my life, have tryed qall the treatments and dermatologists. I have speent thousands of dollars aand experienced some relief, but it would come back. Have tried the latest remedies and very little success.
Finally after much research, have come across a supplement named;
Pantethine
A pill or capsule that will internally heal the cause of the acne, all these creams do fine, does not stop the cause of the acne, you can buy this online, just type in this name and it will bring you to it, not Panethetic acid, that is not it.
It has given me great success and I have tried everything.
Also watch your diet, stop eating peanuts and foods with oil.
It will not work overnight, but give it a week or 2 and you will see a wonderful difference.
Try this and take it as it states.
