How to Shrink a Cystic Pimple Overnight

Almost everyone deals with the discomfort of pimples at some point in their life. The severity of that discomfort, however, depends on the type of acne you experience. Cystic acne is a type of inflammatory acne characterized by large, painful, specifically pus-filled pimples that form deep under your skin. Unlike nodular acne, a cystic pimple has fluid in it, and cystic acne breakouts in their most severe form can cause painful infections.

For people suffering from this kind of breakout, it becomes important to find effective overnight solutions that soothe the immediate pain of a cystic pimple and speed up its healing process.

Understanding cystic acne

Cystic pimples are a relatively severe form of inflammatory acne that can be either temporary or chronic. Cystic acne is caused by infection; your skin overproduces sebum, a waxy oil that should act as a protective layer against dirt and grime, but when overproduced, it can clog pores and follicles. Acne-producing bacteria can then get caught in the sebum-filled hair follicles. In some cases, the follicles become infected. If the infection is deep and severe enough, your body attacks it too aggressively, causing high levels of inflammation and the painful bumps or boils that characterize cystic acne.

These acne lesions are filled with a deep tunnel of fluid beneath the skin. This acne is known for being painful both to the touch and when left alone. Because of the fluid-filled cysts that develop, cystic breakouts are ironically more vulnerable to bacteria, and any acne lesions that develop as part of the breakout can get further infected, worsening your condition. These breakouts can take weeks to go away and heal completely and often come back cyclically.

Cystic acne can affect large areas of the skin, including the face, back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms. The depth of cystic acne means that even when treated swiftly and gently, it can sometimes leave scars.

What distinguishes cystic pimples from nodular pimples?

Cystic acne is identified specifically by the development of cysts. While there are other forms of acne that can present deep under the skin as painful bumps or nodes, those do not have fluid buildup in them; cystic acne does. As a result, it's more at risk of compounded infection and demands specific methods of treatment.

Causes for cystic acne can be hormonal, dietary, or topical; in other words, when excess skin oil and dead skin cells are not cleansed appropriately and subsequently clog the pores in the skin.

Hormone imbalance and cystic acne

Hormonal acne happens as a result of changes or imbalances in your body's hormone levels. Fluctuations in androgen hormones such as estrogen and progesterone caused by a menstrual cycle or reproductive condition like polycystic ovary syndrome, changes in cortisol levels triggered by stress, and changes in testosterone due to medication or other health conditions may all contribute to a cystic breakout.

These fluctuations can all increase the amount of sebum your skin produces, making you more vulnerable to acne.

Dietary causes

Like hormonal causes, our diets can influence the condition of our skin health. Because one of the contributing factors to cystic acne may be inflammation, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can potentially help regulate the risk of developing a cystic pimple.

The consumption of milk, sugary drinks, highly processed foods, and fatty foods can contribute to the risk of acne development in acne-prone people as well. Diet can also influence the hormonal fluctuations we just discussed. For example, the stimulation and production of reproductive hormones such as estrogen can be altered by an absence or deficiency of certain micronutrients in your diet.

Acne-causing bacteria

The most downstream cause of cystic acne is the overproduction of oils and sebum in the hair follicles. When this happens, skin follicles become a great breeding ground for a bacteria called propionibacterium acnes which then may trigger inflammation and lead to the deep pus-filled lesions that characterize cystic acne.

Why are cystic pimples different from regular pimples?

Cystic acne affects deeper layers of your skin compared to other types of acne like whiteheads or blackheads. The body's inflammatory response is more intense, and the compound infection that can happen because of this severe acne may lead to wounds on the surface of the skin, and sometimes scarring. Common symptoms of cystic acne can include:

• Large fluid-filled bumps or nodules that present deep under the skin
• Inflammation and swelling
• Redness, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation of the skin around the pimples
• Tenderness and pain in the affected area
• Chronic and cyclical appearance

Effective overnight approaches to treat cystic acne

There are a few different approaches available to treat cystic acne. Longer-term strategies to prevent acne can focus on diet and hormonal balance management, but the acne itself can be challenging to experience; short-term relief is sometimes desperately needed.

If you need to shrink a cystic pimple ASAP, here are some go-to, effective overnight management options that may help reduce inflammation and calm swelling in a shorter period of time.

Over-the-counter solutions

Over-the-counter (OTC) topical products with ingredients that may help manage acne are one way of supporting the reduction of immediate symptoms of cystic acne. The application of topical treatments can involve full face cleansing or spot treatments. Always consult with a doctor before beginning an OTC treatment, as each individual's skin is unique and may react differently to different products.

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties that may help reduce the bacteria that cause and worsen cystic acne breakouts. It can also slightly reduce the amount of oil produced by your skin and reduce redness around your acne. Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, irritation, and allergic reactions for some people; make sure to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning treatment and monitor your skin's reactions after your first few uses.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid can be used as part of a skincare regimen for some people and is commonly found in pimple patches. It may contribute to the management of cystic acne by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores. It penetrates below the skin's surface to dissolve dead skin cells and excess oil. Salicylic acid can interact negatively with other topical medications and even herbal products; its use must always be considered with caution and healthcare professional's advice.

Retinoids

Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A that promote cell turnover and help prevent clogged pores. Topical retinoids may have the potential to help support skin texture and manage clearer skin. It's best to avoid topical retinoids if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

Home remedies

Home remedies for acne have been around for centuries, but if choosing herbal remedies, it is important to rely on ones backed by scientific research. In general, make sure you're always aware of the active ingredients in the remedies you may consider using, as well as whether your acne management is meant to be short-term or preventative. Not all the home remedies we discuss are scientifically proven, but scientific evidence of their efficacy does exist.

Cold compresses

Home remedies as simple as a cold compress may potentially reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected areas of your skin by constricting blood vessels, which may decrease blood flow to the affected area, thus limiting fluid accumulation and reducing tissue swelling. While this does not address the acne at its root, it can be used in symptomatic management to potentially dull the pain and shrink the affected area temporarily.

Tea tree oil

Studies show that tee tree oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the inflammation associated with acne and encourage clearer skin if used correctly. It's important to dilute the oil before applying it to your skin, as undiluted tea tree oil may cause irritation. You can dilute tea tree oil with warm or hot water at a ratio of two to three drops per ounce. Then dab in affected spots with a Q-tip or your clean finger. Avoid diluting it with carrier oils that can further clog your pores.

Prescription treatments

Some cases of cystic acne are too severe to be managed with OTC or home remedies. In severe cases, prescription-grade oral medication, spot treatment, and steroid injections prescribed by healthcare providers may help improve your skin condition and treat acne.

Cortisone injections

Cortisone is a type of corticosteroid that may be prescribed as a treatment for cystic acne. We discussed earlier that cortisol, a naturally-produced hormone, can be a contributor to acne production; cortisone is a man-made version of that hormone. It is a temporary treatment only.

Oral antibiotics

Because cystic acne is caused by bacterial infection, one of the fastest short-term ways of reducing its symptoms may be oral antibiotics. An example of the type of antibiotics that would be prescribed for cystic acne in some cases is tetracyclines.

Prescription creams and gels

Creams and gels in which the active ingredient is an antibiotic like clindamycin or erythromycin target acne-causing bacteria directly under the surface of the skin. These creams are typically used in conjunction with other treatments and are generally optimal when a person is experiencing lesions. If you have acne-prone skin, a combination of long-term and short-term approaches may be necessary for managing acne.

A step-by-step guide to shrinking a cystic pimple overnight

Are you feeling the beginnings of a painful, oozy lump? Have you been struggling with a breakout for a while? We've prepared a step-by-step guide for you to temporarily soothe some of the symptoms overnight while you find the longer-term prevention approach that works best for your skin.

Step 1: Preparing your skin

Think of yourself as a painter. Your face is your canvas; the first step before applying any of the options discussed above is to make sure it is clean and dry. Begin with a gentle cleanser that doesn't have any pore-clogging ingredients. These ingredients could include things like coconut or shea oils and lanolin. Instead, look for lighter ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Remember that everyone's skin reacts uniquely to different ingredients; be prepared to try a few cleansers on your journey to finding the best routine for clear skin.

Next, gently exfoliate — that is, rub away dead skin and open clogged pores — by using an exfoliant such as glycolic acid. Because cystic breakouts cause irritation, swelling, and open sores, physical exfoliants like face and body scrubs may only irritate your skin more and make you even more vulnerable to infection. With both the cleanser and exfoliant, work the product into your skin with gentle motions. Be careful to blot your face dry instead of rubbing it to prevent your acne from becoming more aggravated.

If you feel overwhelmed by which products to choose, it is always best to consult with a dermatologist, who can help you narrow down scientifically approved options that meet your specific needs.

Step 2: Applying treatments

Now that you're working with a fresh canvas, you can begin to apply your remedies. Whether you're using an OTC product, home remedy, or prescription ointment, remember to monitor your skin's reactions and always consult with a healthcare professional or board-certified dermatologist when or before using these treatments.

How to use OTC products

1. Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is available in various concentrations, typically ranging from 2.5% to 10%. Lower concentrations are often recommended to start with to minimize irritation. It's generally effective when used alongside other remedies, like retinoids or salycilic acid.
2. Salicylic acid. Most commonly available in the form of pimple patches, this product can be applied to your worst breakout spots and left on overnight to draw out excess acne fluid and disinfect the area. You can use it alongside other solutions for optimal effect.
3. Retinoids. The main forms of retinoids sold for cystic acne are tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene. These are suggested options for cystic acne because they may help the skin shed its dead cells more efficiently. Dosages vary, but all retinoids are typically applied once daily, before bed at night.

Look for the following dosages when purchasing retinoid products:

• Tretinoin (0.025% to 0.1%)
• Adapalene (0.1% to 0.3%)
• Tazarotene (0.05% to 0.1%)

Unfortunately, retinoids can also cause dryness, redness, and irritation, especially when first introduced. It's important to introduce them as topical spot treatments, and to combine them with a gentle skincare routine to minimize side effects.

How to apply home remedies

1. Compresses. Once you've washed your face, wrap an ice cube in a clean, dry towel and hold it gently over affected areas to reduce the symptoms of swelling and inflammation. You can apply compresses before using OTC or prescription creams and gels
2. Tea tree spot treatment. If you've invested in tea tree essential oils, you can dab a pea-sized amount to your aggravated skin as an antibacterial. Tea tree oil is good for milder cases of cystic breakouts. You can also buy pimple patches with tee tree oil in them as a more formal method of application that doesn't get your hands dirty. Make sure that any version of the oil you're using is pure.

Make sure that any version of the oil you're using is pure and not diluted with other carrier oils like jojoba or shea; if the oil is mixed, it may worsen your acne by clogging pores.

Step 3: Post-treatment care

Because acne treatment can be drying and irritating to your skin, it's important to include a gentle moisturizer in your routine. As discussed, avoid moisturizers with ingredients that may clog pores which could make breakouts worse or create more pimples. Always monitor your progress — not just overnight, but over the next few weeks after you've introduced new products into your routine.

Stop using any products if you see your symptoms worsening.

Preventive measures for cystic acne

The causes of cystic acne are more than skin-deep. Longer-term preventative measures are necessary to sustainably reduce symptoms. Consult with your doctor about doing a hormone test and tailoring your diet and lifestyle to address any imbalances you may find.

When do I consult a doctor?

Cystic acne is an infection, and after a certain point, infections cannot be treated by topical ointments alone. You should consider seeing a doctor for cystic acne in the following situations:

• Persistent symptoms. If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective.
• Severe symptoms. If you experience painful, deep cysts or widespread inflammation that causes systemic pain.
• Scarring. If acne is causing significant scarring or dark spots on your skin.
• Concurrent conditions. If you have other skin issues or symptoms alongside your acne.

A dermatologist can provide a tailored treatment plan, which may include the prescription medications we spoke of. They can also help you identify longer-term causes and solutions for the acne.