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.
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.
Vitamin B
Posted by Queen (North Carolina) on 03/19/2014
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
WARNING!
Be very careful with using B5 for Cystic Acne. Its been a year now and although my face cleared up, I've lost all my hair in the top of my head. I noticed a few months into taking the B5 that my hair was thinning but didn't put two and two together. It wasn't until it got really bad that I decided to pull out my diary and see when it started. I remember before breaking down and taking it because my face looked horrible, I had read about a woman who suffered major hair loss from this supplement. I wish I would've listened because now my hair is falling out at an alarming rate. There are tons of stories about similar experiences with this vitamin. Can someone help me please? And only herbs and while foods, I am done with supplements!!!
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 Wendy (Columbus, Oh) on 08/08/2013
There is absolutely NO reason to be "sad" when eliminating dairy. There are so many alternatives these days to dairy: e.g., almond milk is yummy and can be used in cereal and in your coffee and for smoothies. You can get coconut milk ice "cream" which is amazing! Just be careful not to eat a whole pint at a time or you may get diarrhea! (Yeah, this happened to me).
Dietary Changes
Posted by Crankybanana (North Carolina ) on 08/07/2013
★★★★★
I have had cystic acne for over 15 years, always worsening right before my period. My skin was pretty clear overall except for one or two large cysts on my chin coming or going at all times. Long story short, I found that eliminating dairy has almost completely resolved the problem. I can still have small amounts, like the occasional slice of pizza, but when I let loose on a milkshake, it shows a few days later.
My esthetician told me that the acne profile of cystic zits on the chin and clear skin elsewhere is a good indication that the acne is hormonal. Not everyone has this reaction to dairy, acne can be caused by many things, but it has worked really well for me and a friend of mine. It is quite sad to have to dramatically reduce my dairy consumption, but it's worth it if it works.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Charlotte (Dfw, Tx) on 07/28/2013
That is untrue about bacteria being unable to feed on honey because of the size of the molecules. When you eat honey, the molecules are broken down by your own body's processes into 2 smaller molecules which are regular forms of sugar (which bacteria *can* feed on).
What you're talking about would only be true if you were using the honey externally, like on your face or a wound, but internally, your body will break up the molecule.
Honey
Posted by Andrea L (Glendale, Ca) on 07/22/2013
★★★★★
I use Makuna Honey for my adult acne AND all other wounds. THE UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) tells you how much healing properties the jarred honey posses. I began with UMF 12 to save a few bucks, but after having success with that one, I splurged for the UMF 16... It works like a dream! I leave it on my face for hours sometimes; it makes my whole face glow! It very moisturizing, while purifying. Manuka honey acts as an antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal treatment. ; it heals nearly anything in record time. It ALSO works great internally (not for acne) and it good just to snack on!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Earthwoman2 (Memphis, Tn, USA) on 07/12/2013
★★★★★
I have suffered from Cystic acne on my chin since I was in high school (for over 10 years). Anyone who has cystic acne knows that it is painful and hard to cover up wth make up (not to mention the deep purplish colored scars that they leave behind).
I tried every natural topical treatment available and nothing helped. About 5 months ago, my mom gave me her masticating juicer to juice greens (the omega J8004) and I started juicing a few ounces a day (varying between 4-10 oz). After 2 weeks of juicing, my cystic acne, which usually just form into painful mountains on my chin without every coming to a head, starting getting filled with puss (gross, I know- just bear with me) so I popped them (thinking they'd come back in a matter of days). But they never came back! I have been free from my cystic acne for over 5 months and I owe it all to the green juice! I usually juice Kale, ginger, lemon and mix them with other stuff like apples, cucumbers, carrots, brocoli, watermelon rinds or any other veggie I have lying around. I always use organic too.
The scars are fading away too and for that I use a combination of jojoba oil and calendula balm. I know a juicer is a big investment, so maybe start with a less expensive one like this one: breville compact juicer.
I hope this helps someone out there as much as it has helped me!
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!
Honey
Posted by Jack (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 06/18/2013
★★★★★
I have a 17oz jar of 100% raw manuka honey which is a product of New Zealand. It works wonders as an antibiotic for cystic acne. I use this anytime I feel one coming and it is a miracle product. A lot stronger than honey in the US. 17oz will last years.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Coloradopnutbutrcup (Aurora, Colorado, Usa) on 06/04/2013
★★★★★
Hi everyone, I found this site approx 4 weeks ago and I'd just learned from a co-worker the various benefits of ACV. The key however was buying a brand that had the "mother" in it as it's unfiltered. I had the chicken pox at age 20 and cystic acne took up residence on my face on and off for the last 20 years. It's hormonal plain and simple. After tons of otc products and optioning against accutane and spiralactone, finally at age 40, I can honestly say I found my cure and ACV works. After reading this site and copying the recipe routine posted by 05/12/2009: Sandra D from Greenwood, IN I began the ACV treatment on my cystic acne and began to see immediate results and now 4 weeks later I'm testifying (with tears in eyes) that it worked. The ACV balances internal PH, aids in digestion and gave my skin a healthy glow. Without let up, I drink 2 tbspns of ACV in 8 ounces of water first thing in the morning and either after lunch or before bed. I don't add honey as I don't mind the bitter taste. I wash my face in the morning with either CeraVe or Dove, and use a cotton swab with the ACV as a toner. Personally, I don't think the smell goes away much but after I put on my Mederma (for scars) and Palmer's Cocoa Butter Fade cream, then Aveeno moisturizer (LOL) I don't smell anything. I'm a flight attendant and facing customers with cystic acne plays on your self esteem big time. Well get this, 4 days ago I didn't wear any make up except lip gloss and got compliments from co-workers familiar with my skin ailments. Thank you all for sharing and thank you for this site. I've also started making a baking soda & water paste to exfoliate my face 2 - 3 times a week which absords oil, and make a mask of mango pulp, fresh lemon juice and water and leave on for 1 hour, then rinse with warm water. My skin in smooth, 90% blemish free 95% acne free. I'm elated.
Iodine
Posted by Kathy (Colosprings, Co) on 05/30/2013
Regarding cystic acne. I saw a show on TV today that discussed this problem today. The show is Your Health With Dr. Richard and Cindy Becker, they talked about Lugol's Iodine helping cystic acne by correcting the hormone problems many people have. The show also said that people with other problems such as low thyroid, hair loss, headaches, keloids, ringworm, and many other ailments could be helped by adding 12.5 milligrams of iodine to our diet daily. They said this could be accomplished by taking tablets purchased at the health store or by painting iodine on the skin. Clear iodine can also be used instead of the red stuff we all remember for wound healing. Some may think that we get all of the iodine we need from iodized salt, but other added chemicals we incure in our diets obstruct the absorption our bodies need. I am going to try this on myself and others in my family and let you know.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tolwich (NH) on 05/14/2013
★★★★★
I tried eliminating diary, sugar, and gluten with a major improvement for adult cystic acne. I then eliminated coffee which cleared the rest of the acne. I take fremented cod liver oil, probiotic, etc.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Hopefully (USA) on 05/13/2013
Have you tried moisturing with coconut oil (anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial) and cutting out milk (dairy may cause acne cycts)? Best Wishes!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Valerie (New York) on 05/13/2013
I just went to the vitamin store and bought Turmeric caps and a gallon of ACV. I am 51 years old and NEVER had to deal with acne much less this painful cystic acne until I started menopause about 3 years ago! I have been put on birth control pills, numerous topical prescription creams, lotions and oral pills all with no resolution to the problem! I have had it! I work with the public as a Medical Assiatant by day and group exercise instructor by night! I am so self conscious of this and SICK and tired of gobbing on makeup to cover the cysts and redness caused by them! I hope the turmeric and ACV works!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dr J (Dallas, Tx) on 04/20/2013
Apple cider vinegar is very beneficial, however I would not recommend taking it straight. It is too acidic and can harm the enamel on your teeth. Be sure to take it diluted.
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!
Tea Trea Oil
Posted by Sarah (Nashville, Tn, Usa) on 01/15/2013
★★★★★
Hi everyone, I know there is already a bunch of stuff on here about how to cure and prevent cystic acne. I was on here last week looking for quick remedies due to a bad outbreak. After a lot of testing things, I have found a good combination that seems to be working.
At night before bed, I mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a little bit of aloe vera gel and apply that to the bumps. I have done this for the past 2 nights, and the bumps are finally going away/reducing/about to peel off. Maybe this can work for someone else out there! Good luck to all.
Turmeric
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 01/11/2013
Sarah... The turmeric may have a staining effect on your skin. Mine didn't stain too badly with the coconut oil mixture. It will wash off and you can also use a diluted ACV for rest of staining. I take 4 capsules a day internally.... Mainly for inflammation, but I know it does help with the skin, also. The oil of oregano, (if you take internally... I do 2 to 3 drops under tongue for about 10 to 15 seconds, then drink full glass of water) I don't take everyday, as it can deplete your iron levels. Just have to pay attention to what your body says.
I have never considered my complexion as "glowing, or beautiful, etc" and have come to the conclusion that it is gut related. So, I am concentrating on that. I take a 30 billion probotic and also Kombucha capsule (raw) 2 capsules twice a day. This protocol has only been the past month or so, but so far I think I'm on the right track. You may consider checking into that, too. Keep me posted... I hope I've helped.
Turmeric
Posted by Sarah (Nashville, Tn) on 01/10/2013
Sue, thank you so much for your advice! I did my research, and I just placed an order for some tumeric powder and oil of oregano. I am so excited for it to get here so I can try it! I just used some ACV on my cysts about 30 minutes ago, and my face does seem a bit calmer, although still red. And I have been eating these a------e tablets all day. I will report back on what happens. (fingers crossed) :)
Turmeric
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 01/10/2013
★★★★★
I'm gonna throw about 3 things out there for you regarding cystic acne Do the research on neem, turmeric and oil of oregano.
In my reading, all three have huge value and help with skin ailments.... Both internal and external. The neem is suppose to be on the same level as the oil of oregano as far as doing the "anti-" work and the turmeric is for me, BIG. I had a cyst in my right armpit and I thought it was an ingrown hair. It wasn't.... There was no soreness and nothing would come out. At my yearly physical, the Dr. dismissed it and said it was nothing to be concerned about. That's when I decided to try a turmeric paste. I mixed a very small batch of turmeric with virgin coconut oil (the oil keeps the turmeric from drying out), put it on a bandaid and put the bandaid on my armpit and left on overnight. I did this for 2 nights. The following morning, I was able to extract 2 hard white( the size of a click pen) pcs. From that cyst. The excess fluid came with it and it has healed beautifully.
I would see which one of these may click with you. The oil of oregano is wonderful to dab on externally. The oregano never lets my cold sores grow or get that healing scab... Just kinda zaps them. I hope this helps...
