Skin Care

"How I Cured My Cystic Acne"

What do you do when you've been struggling with cystic acne for years? You find a way to make it go away. Read on to see how one reader finally figured out a cure

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Phase 3: I'm Officially a Science Experiment A couple weeks later, I'm back at the derm's office for the next phase in my journey to clear skin: I'm getting a chemical peel. Eubanks says this liquid nitrogen peel will "help stimulate my skin, bringing the acne to the surface layer," which will help the next part of my treatment -- the lasers -- actually work.

The facialist begins by applying retinol and salicylic acid-soaked strips across my face. Once the strips have dried, she takes them off and applies a high-frequency light, which is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. It feels like tiny, prickly shocks on my skin.

But the shocks are child's play compared to the next step of the peel: The liquid nitrogen. Eubanks assures me that it's safe as she dips q-tips into the chemical. It hurts more than I can express, and I'm scared out of my mind -- but not as scared as I am when I see my face the next morning.

SEE NEXT PAGE: They Weren't Kidding About the "Peeling" Part

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Older comments

Very useful information, Thanks for sharing this article this has been a major disease affecting personal life

by fakargian Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 02:02AM Report as inappropriate

"I have terrible cystic acne but I don't want to take prescription medication!" she whines. Puh-leeze! You are given treatment, have access to products other than cleansers, but won't use them. This is a ridiculous article. I cleared my skin with soap, water, alcohol, and a complete dietary adjustment. Zero sugar, starch, breads, oils, fried and processed foods. I eat broccoli, greens (lots of greens), steamed and poached veggies, broiled or canned salmon, tofu, quinoa, brown rice, half a lemon a day over food or in unsweetened green tea, and blueberries. Someone else mentioned the sugar/insulin/hormonal imbalance link. You have to take responsibility for your lifestyle, as well as your treatment.

by sandra_lewis Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 02:13AM Report as inappropriate

I can't disagree with much of this. I was almost half expecting some wild remedy. :) When I was younger I had very bad cystic acne. I took tetracycline, minocycline, doxicycline, I used topicals like Retin-A, Cleocin-T, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide. I began using the Citrus Clear products on a regular, daily basis. Also I never touch my hands to my face, and the result has been acne free. NOt even an occasional pimple.

by melissa_locks Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 03:33PM Report as inappropriate

I am so glad that I have never suffered from acne like this; what a difference in the end, but also what an ordeal!

by GigiSD Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 08:27PM Report as inappropriate

very helpful!!

by rna Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 03:45PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks to Doxycycline, I am now acne free!

by EricaC123 Friday, February 22, 2013 at 03:35AM Report as inappropriate

I suffer from acne and I found this article extremely helpful. Thanks

by Misselizabeth Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 07:37PM Report as inappropriate

Adult acne is tough to clear, women or man it is tough. I am wondering if she stayed with her treatments long enough for them to help. Hormonal acne is the toughest, and findin the right balance for the hormones is a hit and miss process.

by duncan101 Monday, December 24, 2012 at 04:56PM Report as inappropriate

Good for her. I just started suffering from acne (weird) but i think i'll try a different approach.

by nicky22 Monday, December 24, 2012 at 12:03PM Report as inappropriate

good for her( :

by aishak55 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 06:28PM Report as inappropriate