Acne cysts are painful, pus filled bumps deep under the skin. They form when oil and dead skin block pores and bacteria trigger inflammation. Hormone changes and family history contribute, so prevention is not just a matter of washing more.2

What should you do every day?

  1. 1Wash with a mild cleanser, lukewarm water and your fingertips when you wake up and before bed. Cleanse after exercise or sweating, too. Avoid scrubbing and repeated washing.
  2. 2Apply an oil free moisturizer if your skin feels dry. Choose makeup and facial products labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.
  3. 3Remove makeup before bed, because its working day ends when yours does.
  4. 4Apply prescribed acne medicine exactly as directed. Topical retinoids, medicines that help clear pores, are often applied in the evening.
  5. 5Protect exposed skin with noncomedogenic sunscreen offering broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance, especially while using a retinoid.
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What else can reduce flare ups?

Wash oily hair regularly and keep it away from your face. Keep greasy styling products off facial skin, because hair products already have a department to run. Avoid touching or rubbing your face and wearing tight headbands or hats. Do not squeeze, pick or drain cysts: doing so increases infection and scarring risk.23

Diets high in refined sugars or dairy may be linked to acne in some people, but the connection is disputed. Cutting out particular foods is not an established way to prevent cysts. Research does not show that chocolate, nuts or greasy foods cause acne.3

How do you prevent cysts from returning?

A dermatologist can prescribe oral medicine alongside treatment applied to the skin. Severe acne treatment often starts with an antibiotic plus topical medicine. Other options include isotretinoin, or hormonal treatment such as spironolactone or certain birth control pills for suitable women. Isotretinoin requires close monitoring and must not be taken during pregnancy because it causes severe birth defects.123

Continue the maintenance treatment your dermatologist recommends once skin clears. Most people can keep severe acne away with appropriate skincare and topical medicine; stopping treatment can allow acne to return quickly. A topical retinoid is one maintenance option. If a retinoid irritates your skin, ask your dermatologist about adjusting the amount, frequency or moisturizer placement rather than changing a prescription yourself.14

How long should you wait?

Acne treatment usually needs at least 6 to 8 weeks before fewer breakouts appear, and clearing cysts can take three months or longer. Do not wait months to seek help for deep, painful bumps. Contact a clinician for worsening acne, developing scars, signs of infection or emotional distress. A dermatologist can also treat a large painful cyst with an injection or a drainage procedure when needed.1234

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1What can clear severe acne?aad.org
  2. 2Cystic Acne: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes and Treatmentmy.clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3Acne: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopediamedlineplus.gov
  4. 4Acne: Diagnosis and treatmentaad.org