Cystic Acne

Cystic acne includes deep infections that are nodule or cyst-like. The infections do not raise to the surface and do not discharge infectious waste material. With cystic acne blackheads and whiteheads may or may not be present. The infections heal very slowly and scarring is possible. Before finding effective acne control, people with cystic acne try a number of over-the-counter products without success. If you have been to a dermatologist you have probably tried an antibiotic. Antibiotics work by killing propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) but approximately 30%-45% of today's P. acnes strains are resistant to one or more of the more common antibiotics, making antibiotic treatments useless. Additionally long-term use of antibiotics is associated with increased cancer risks and immune system damage. Over-the-counter acne products focus on the symptoms of acne rather than the biochemical causes of acne. While this approach may be okay for light acne, it is not suited for moderate to severe cystic acne and won't prevent light acne from progressing into the severe stages. For more information on the biochemistry of acne, please see ourUnderstanding Acne page. In the sidebar, you will find 3 acne kits specially formulated for cystic acne Select the right kit for you by choosing the kit that best describes your skin type.

Skintactix Acne Products:

Skintactix acne products kill P. acnes and a variety of other undesirable bacteria (such as E. coli, staphylococcus, salmonella, etc.) that produce lipases that promote acne. In addition to very small amounts of salicylic acid Skintactix acne products use unique antibacterial ingredients such as cinnamon extract, sage extract, turmeric extract and wild marjoram extract. In addition to very effectively eliminating P. acnes, these ingredients were selected because each of them has multiple functions. Cinnamon extract, for example, also blocks the action of 5alpha-reductase, as does green tea. These ingredients reduce sebum production and prevent the development of new infections. Green tea and wild marjoram down-regulate the production of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha which cause the inflammation that promotes new cystic acne infections.

Zinc (contained in the mineral clay used in several Skintactix acne products) blocks 5alpha-reductase as well as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a. Since zinc is absolutely essential for healing and repair it is an essential ingredient to promote quick and complete healing and a complete acne cure. Slow and incomplete healing of cystic acne leads to acne scars and more information can be found on the Acne Scar page.

Skintactix acne cleansers (Normal/Oily Cleanser, Dry/Sensitive Cleanser, and Glycolic ) and Green Tea Poultice contain ten very unique ingredients that eliminate or reduce P. acnes, 5alpha-reductase, sebum production, free fatty acids, lipase production and inflammatory cascades. Manufacturers of most other cystic acne products just use the traditional salicylic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide which have little influence on the full chemistry of acne.

While Skintactix Glycolic Exfoliator may seem basic, it is twice as effective as traditional acne products because it uses two types of enzymes to keep the follicles clear, plus anti-inflammatory agents to reduce follicular exfoliation and blockage. The salicylic acid is only one percent of the total formula so the product is not irritating or drying and can be used by almost all skin types.

Skintactix cystic acne products achieve control of acne in 90% of cases because of our comprehensive approach of treating the multiple causes of acne, rather than focusing on the symptoms like most other over-the-counter products. The dermatologist and biochemist who developed Skintactix acne products have a clear understanding of the skin biochemistry involved with acne and the natural plant extracts for a natural acne treatment. Skintactix products have proven through research that it corrects this skin chemistry and provides the best acne treatment which can become an effective acne cure.

Skintactix natural acne products contain linoleic acid to ensure it is available for production of non-irritating sebum and to act as a powerful antioxidant and reduce skin inflammation. People with continual follicle blockage (blackheads, whiteheads and/or cystic acne) may benefit from increasing their consumption of foods rich in a balance of linoleic acid/omega 6 and omega oils or taking supplements.

Chronic Moderate to Severe Acne:

People who have had moderate to severe acne for several years and have tried multiple forms of prescriptive and non-prescriptive treatments without success should review the Acne & Wheat, Acne & Essential Fatty Acids and Acne & Milk pages to determine if these factors may be involved. People with chronic moderate to severe acne may also benefit from the use of Inhibiting Gel to correct the chemical imbalances in the skin's chemistry that have resulted from chronic cystic acne infections.