Top 14 Time-Tested Home Remedies For Cystic Acne On Face, Nose, Neck, And While Pregnant

Acne vulgaris is always an annoying problem for many people, not only for teenagers. Cystic acne is a serious kind of acne with fluid-filled and soft lumps under the skin^[1]. These acne appear with the painful feeling and skin damage. After removing them, you can have the scars – which badly affect beauty. The main reason for the acne and cystic acne, in particular, is the stimulation of sebum production because of the hormonal changes. Too much sebum clogs the pores leading to cystic acne. Besides, cystic acne can come from greasy cosmetics, excessive humidity or sweating, even the use of some drugs.

Nowadays, there are many kinds of drugs, which can treat cystic acne. However, using drugs can harm you, especially while pregnant. Therefore, it is easy to use natural ingredients to make the home remedies for this problem. Moreover, these ingredients are quite safe for everyone. Continue reading to find out more about the best-proven home remedies for cystic acne on face, nose, neck, and while pregnant.

• Top 43 effective cures for acne on the face and body
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• Top 14 Natural Solutions For Boils On Body And Face Skin. This article was medically reviewed/fact checked by Sarah Brewer MSc, MA (Cantab), MB, BChir, RNutr, MBANT, CNHC.

14 Home Remedies For Cystic Acne On Face, Nose, Neck, Or While Pregnant

I. Natural Remedies

The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies, so always consult your doctor and check out your health condition regularly to know if a remedy is working for you.

A. Cystic Acne On Face, Nose, And Neck

1. Turmeric

Why:

Turmeric is an amazing spice for treating acne. That is the reason why people use turmeric to make acne-treating products. The benefit of turmeric on acne comes from the curcumin, which works as an anti-inflammatory compound^[2] [3]. Moreover, thanks to the antiseptic, antitumor and astringent properties, it makes the acne dehydrate, removes the pus, and relieves the inflammation and pain.

Option 1:

What you need:

• 1 – 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder
• Water or sesame oil

How to do:

• Mix turmeric powder with water or sesame oil to have a paste
• Apply this paste to the acne
• Wait for 30 minutes before washing with water
• Do it once or twice every day

Note: You can use the combination of turmeric powder and water to treat cystic acne while pregnant.

Option 2:

What you need:

• 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

How to do:

• Mix these ingredients to have a paste
• Apply this paste to the acne after cleansing your face
• Wait for at least 10 minutes
• Do it 3 times daily

Option 3:

What you need:

• ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
• A glass of warm milk

How to do:

• Put the turmeric powder into the warm milk
• Drink it twice every day

Note: Do not consume turmeric if you have gallbladder problems or you are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, or under anticoagulant medication.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Why:

Like turmeric, apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitumor, and astringent properties^[4] [5]. It is beneficial for reducing the excess oil – one of the reasons for cystic acne. It also helps us maintain the pH levels of the skin and refresh the skin.

Option 1:

What you need:

• Apple cider vinegar
• A cotton ball

How to do:

• Cleanse your skin and pat dry
• Apply the apple cider vinegar to the acne by using a cotton ball
• Leave it overnight
• Wash with water in the next morning
• Do it regularly

Option 2:

What you need:

• Raw, unfiltered ACV and water (same amount)
• A cotton ball

How to do:

• Mix apple cider vinegar with water
• Apply this mixture to the acne by using a cotton ball
• Wait for 15 minutes before washing it off
• Do it twice daily until you see the improvement

Option 3:

What you need:

• 1 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• A little honey
• A glass of warm water

How to do:

• Add apple cider vinegar and honey to the water
• Drink this solution once or twice daily

Option 4: For pregnant women

What you need:

• One-part vinegar
• Three-parts distilled water
• Cotton ball

How to do:

• Add vinegar to water
• Apply this mixture to the affected skin by using a cotton ball
• Wash it off with water

3. Tea Tree Oil

Why:

Because of containing the antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is an effective way to treat cystic acne^[6] [7]. Besides, it easily goes into the skin, then helps unclog the sebaceous glands and disinfect pores. Therefore, acne will be dried.

Option 1:

What you need:

• 1 – 2 drops of tea tree oil
• A cotton ball

How to do:

• Use a cotton ball to apply the tea tree oil to the affected areas
• Leave it overnight
• Wash with lukewarm water the next morning
• Do it daily

Note: If you have sensitive skin, you should mix 1 part of tea tree oil with 3 parts of water to avoid irritation or burning sensation

Option 2

What you need:

• 4 – 5 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey

How to do:

• Mix the tea tree oil with honey
• Apply this mixture to the affected areas
• Wash with water after 15 minutes
• Do it daily to have the improvement

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda can reduce inflammation because it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to its antibacterial agents, it may help reduce the excess oil, dead skin and the infection^[8]. It is also a great solution for pimples, whiteheads or blackheads. Besides, it maintains the pH level of the skin, thus making your skin become healthier and softer.

Option 1:

What you need:

• 1 – 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• The water of cucumber juice

How to do:

• Mix baking soda with water or cucumber juice to make a thin paste
• Put this paste on the affected skin
• Let it on for 15 – 20 minutes
• Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry
• Moisturize the skin
• Do it once or twice daily

Option 2:

What you need:

• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 1/2 tablespoon each of Epsom salt
• Warm water

How to do:

• Mix all the ingredients to have a paste
• Apply this paste to the affected skin
• Wait for it dries completely
• Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Do it once on the first day. On the second day, do it twice. Continue repeating this remedy to have a better result. After three days, you can see some improvement.

Note: Remember to moisturize your skin after using baking soda.

If you are pregnant, you can use the following remedy:

Option 3:

What you need:

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1 tablespoon of water

How to do:

• Mix baking soda with water
• Apply this mixture to the affected skin
• Let it dry and wash with warm water

5. Egg White

Why:

Egg white not only contains a lot of proteins but also is rich in albumin, which fights the virus. Moreover, the lysozyme in egg white destroys the cell walls of bacteria^[9] [10]. Egg white is helpful for people who have oily skin because it helps remove the excess oil.

Option 1:

What you need:

• 2 eggs

How to do:

• Take the egg white from 2 eggs
• Apply egg white to the affected skin
• Let it on for 5 – 8 minutes
• Wash with warm water
• Do it regularly until you get the improvement

Option 2:

What you need:

• 1 white egg
• 1 teaspoon of milk
• ½ teaspoon of honey

How to do:

• Mix all the ingredients
• Apply this mixture to your face except for the areas around the eyes and mouth
• Wait for 30 minutes or wait until it dry
• Apply some water to your face and massage with circular motions by using the fingers
• Wash with water and pat dry
• Do it twice weekly until you see the improvement

6. Lavender Oil

Why:

Lavender can help you reduce the inflammation and the pain. Moreover, it heals the damage and prevents your skin from the scars.

Option 1:

What you need:

• Lavender oil
• A cotton ball

How to do:

• Apply lavender oil to the affected skin by using a cotton ball
• Do it 2 – 3 times daily

Option 2:

What you need

• Few drops of lavender oil
• A mild cleanser

How to do:

• Add lavender oil to the mild cleanser
• Wash your face twice daily

Option 3:

What you need:

• A bowl of hot water
• 4 – 5 drops of lavender oil
• A towel

How to do:

• Add the oil to a bowl of hot water
• Use a towel to cover your head and let the steam your face
• Wash with water after 5 – 10 minutes
• Do it 2 – 3 weekly

7. Green Tea

Why:

Nowadays, green tea is used popularly for beauty purposes. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology said that the epigallocatechin-3-gallate in green tea could inhibit acne bacteria, reduce sebum production, and fight inflammation^[11]. Furthermore, green tea contains flavonoids and tannins, which fight bacteria and decrease inflammation.

Option 1:

What you need:

• ¼ cup of green tea
• ¼ cup of water
• A cotton ball

How to do:

• Mix the green tea with water
• Apply the mixture to the affected skin by using a cotton ball
• Wait for 15 minutes
• Do it twice daily for quick effects
• You can use the remedy up to 2 weeks.

Option 2:

What you need:

• ¼ cup of green tea
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup of water

How to do:

• Mix all the ingredients
• Apply the mixture to the skin before you use a moisturizer
• Do it twice every day
• You can use the mixture up to two weeks.

Option 3:

What you need:

• Green tea

How to do:

Brew green tea and drink 3 – 4 cups of green tea every day. In case that green tea has little caffeine, you can drink up to 6 cups of green tea daily.

8. Indian Lilac

Why:

Indian lilac has other names: neem or margosa is an amazing treatment for cystic acne. The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties in this ingredient may help struggle against the cause of acne^[12]. It also reduces pain and inflammation. It can also detoxify your body and purify your blood.

Option 1:

What you need:

• Some neem leaves

How to do:

• Blend the leaves to have a paste
• Apply this paste to the affected skin
• Let it dry
• Wash with warm water
• Do it twice daily

Option 2:

What you need:

• Few drops of neem oil
• A cotton ball

How to do:

• Apply the neem oil to the affected skin by using a cotton ball
• Leave it on for 10 minutes
• Wash with warm water
• Do it twice daily

9. Clay

Why:

Clay mask is a helpful solution for acne. It removes the excess sebum, toxins and impurities and cleanses the pores^[13]. Moreover, it has the absorbent, exfoliating, and astringent properties. There are different kinds of clay masks such as brown clay with a lot of exfoliating properties but people with dry skin should avoid using it. The white and green clay both are suitable for all skin types since they’re gentle.

What you need:

• Fullers Earth or Green Clay or  Bentonite Clay
• Water for oily skin, milk for combination skin, and jojoba oil for dry skin
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 – 2 drops of tea tree oil

How to do:

• Mix all the ingredients to have a paste
• Apply this mixture to the affected skin
• Wait for 15 – 20 minutes or until it dries before washing with water
• If your skin is dry, apply moisturizer
• Do it once to twice a week.

10. Lemon Juice

Why:

Lemon juice has citric acid, which can destroy the bacteria. Lemon juice also removes the dead skin cells and breakdowns the cystic acne.

What you need:

• Lemon juice
• A cotton ball

How to do:

• Clean your face with lukewarm water and soap
• Apply lemon juice to the affected skin by using a cotton ball
• Wash with water after 10 minutes
• Do it twice daily

Note: You may have the irritation if you have sensitive skin. Therefore, to avoid this problem, you can use a mixture of lemon juice and rosewater. Let it on for 15 – 20 minutes before washing with water. Pregnant women can also use this remedy

B. Cystic Acne While Pregnant

Pregnant women easily have cystic acne because of the hormone’s change. However, medicine is not safe for the baby. Therefore, the use of natural ingredients to treat cystic acne is necessary.

11. Aloe Vera

Why:

Aloe vera gel is helpful for healing wounds, treating burns, and reducing inflammation. Aloe vera can reduce cystic acne because it contains salicylic acid^[14] and sulfur.

What you need:

• An aloe vera leaf

How to do:

• Apply the gel from aloe vera leaf to the affected skin
• Massage for 2 – 3 minutes
• Wash with water
• Do it twice daily until you see the good result

12. Coconut Oil

Why:

The lauric and caprylic acids present in coconut oil have antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties^[15] [16]. Therefore, coconut oil can fight against the bacteria causing cystic acne. Moreover, it has vitamin E, which nourishes the skin and removes acne scars.

What you need:

• Few drops of coconut oil

How to do:

• Clean or steam the affected areas
• Apply the coconut oil to these areas and massage by using the circular motions
• Wash with mild soap and water

Note: In case you have dry skin, apply 1 – 2 drops of coconut oil after washing. You can also leave the coconut oil overnight.

13. Honey

Why:

Honey is not only good for your health but also your skincare^[17]. It treats the scars caused by cystic acne and moisturizes your skin due to its antioxidant property. It can also absorb the oils and protect your skin from the growth of microorganisms trapped in the pores – which can lead to cystic acne.

Option 1:

What you need:

• A little raw honey

How to do:

• Apply the honey to the acne by using the fingers
• Let it on for 10 – 15 minutes
• Wash with warm water
• Do it 2 to 3 times daily to have the best result

Option 2:

What you need:

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• ½ teaspoon of honey

How to do:

• Make a paste from honey and cinnamon powder
• Apply this paste to the affected skin
• Wait for 10 minutes before rinsing it off
• Follow this remedy daily

14. Oatmeal

Why:

Oatmeal may help you remove the dead skin cells, ameliorate the skin texture, and promote the healing process^[18]. Soothing and cooling properties in oatmeal are helpful when you are treating acne.

What you need:

• 1 tablespoon of oatmeal powder
• 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric

How to do:

• Mix all the ingredients to have a paste
• Apply this mixture to the affected skin
• Massage for 2 minutes by using circular motions
• After ten minutes, wash it off with warm water
• Do it once weekly

Note: All the remedies for pregnant women can be applied for anyone on face, nose and neck

II. Facts About Cystic Acne

• In the U.S, 60 million people have acne, including any kinds of acne such as cysts and 20% have scars after treating acne. A study in 2016 reported that 85% of people have acne in their lives. In this study, women represent 80%.
• Women are easier to suffer from acne than men, especially when they are pregnant.
• Teenagers are the most likely ones who can experience acne.
• 99% of people have acne on the face. 60% of people see the acne on other parts of the body (usually the back and butt), and 15% have this issue on their chests.
• Americans spend over 3 million dollars per year to find the treatment.

III. Frequently Asked/Unasked Questions

• Question 1: Is Cystic Acne Contagious?

Answer: No. However, cystic acne can be contagious to different parts of your own body. If you touch open cystic acne and touch another part of your skin quickly (before the bacteria die), the P. acne can live on the other parts and cause acne.

• Question 2: The Acne Appears Because Of What I Eat?

Answer: Generally, no. The acne can appear when you have hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, the teen years. However, there are some studies that show the relationship between what you eat and acne such as dairy products.

• Question 3: Why Does Acne Appear Most Often In Teenagers?

Answer: Because teenagers are the period when the hormone has significant changes.

IV. Prevent From Starting

1. Protect Your Skin

• Wash your face: Wash your face twice daily. Before doing it, remember to remove all your makeup. Washing your face helps you remove the dirt, dead skin cells, and the extra oil. You should use a mild facial cleanser and warm water. Therefore, even if you are very tired, it is necessary to wash your face to keep it clean.
• Use sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun damage.

2. Diet

• Drink enough water every day.
• Eat vegetables, fruit and nuts rich in vitamin E and A. Lack of vitamin A can cause rough, scaly skin, and acne. Don’t use synthetic vitamin A supplements because the birth defects may be caused by them.
• Take vitamin B3 because it regulates skin antimicrobials.
• Vitamin C is also important if you want healthy skin because it maintains the elasticity of the skin^[19].
• When you have acne, reduce the dairy products and oily, fatty foods, and spicy foods and avoid smoking because they do harm the acne.

3. Lifestyle

• Avoid being stressful
• Sleep enough
• Do regular physical exercise
• Do not pick or squeeze your acne

Although the above remedies are almost safe for people since these ingredients are natural, it’s important to test them before using to ensure that they will not make your problems become more serious or lead to any allergic problems for you, especially when you are pregnant. Do you know other effective home remedies for cystic acne? If yes, share with us in the comments box below.

All content provided are for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.