You know the familiar twinge beneath the skin.

The sore spot that grows, until it reaches epic proportions.

The pain, inflammation, embarrassment, and time spent trying to cover them up.

Maybe you know exactly when your cysts like to make an appearance, or maybe there is no rhyme or reason to when they take up residency on your currently clear face.

Whatever the case, you are not alone and there is hope!  

As far back as I can remember, I struggled with cystic acne. It all started during that lovely phase known as puberty and continued through my twenties and thirties.

After the birth of my daughter five years ago, my skin had never been clearer.

Was that part of my life finally behind me?!

Not so much…. something began to shift. Blame it on hormones, stress, lack of sleep, but around 18 months post-partum, my cystic acne returned. This time with a vengeance.

At any given time, there were five cysts on my face. One would disappear, and another would take its place.  

In agony, and determined to find a permanent solution, I sought the advice of a dermatologist.

Hormonal cystic acne. Well…yes, this I suspected.

There are several causes of cystic acne. Sebum (oil) overproduction is one, fluctuating hormone states: pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and polycystic ovarian syndrome are some others.

One of the main causes is a hormonal imbalance in the body, particularly for women.

Higher levels of testosterone are often the culprit (we make testosterone too, just not as much as men), but it is important to note imbalances in estrogen or progesterone can also be an issue.

According to Brzezinski and Martini, 2018 causes of higher testosterone in women may be the result of: “insulin resistance; estrogen/progesterone imbalances (PMS/PMDD, with estrogen dominance); lack of exercise (especially weight training); adrenal disease (high DHEA levels); high leptin levels (leptin resistance) weight gain or obesity; oligomenorrhea (absent or irregular periods).

Having low progesterone in relation to estrogen can lead to acne by way of increasing insulin, which can lead to an excess of androgens, as well as amplify testosterone and thus DHT conversion in the skin.

DHT is a potent acne causing form of testosterone that other forms of testosterone get converted into in the skin via an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. Having a normal progesterone level in relation to estrogen can prevent 5-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone to DHT, which will, in turn, prevent acne”.

There are several prescription options, and while they offer short- and sometimes long-term relief, the issue remains, once you stop them, the cystic acne returns.

Since I was still nursing a toddler at the time, there was not much my dermatologist could do. I begged for high doses of vitamin A she recommended, but even this, she was not comfortable providing. Knowing I had no interest in prescription options, especially long-term, she injected my current situation and we agreed on a mild cleanser.    

I went home and cried and cried some more. Then did what I always do and scoured the internet for hours researching. I knew balancing hormones was key, but how to go about it, a mystery.

Enter……. acupuncture.

With nothing to lose (and to be honest I was desperate), I made my fist appointment.

Not only were my results immediate, but I started using this miracle modality for EVERYTHING.  

My love affair with needles started four years ago, and my skin has been clear ever since.   

Here are my top tips for healing cystic acne and that healthy glow, naturally:

1.Get to the root of the problem.  

Yep, this means seeing a doctor, dermatologist, functional medicine specialist, holistic nutritionist, etc. and getting to the root cause of the issue, so you can best support your system.

2. Acupuncture

My top suggestion for balancing hormones and hormone related issues. If you invest in just one thing for your skin, let it be this. Local friends, I am happy to make practitioner recommendations! Please be aware artificial hormone supplementation is NOT working with the body to balance hormones. These are masking the issue, and typically acne and cystic acne return (often worse) once stopped.

3. Natural hormone supplementation (if needed).

I use a natural, topical form of progesterone derived from wild yams, which can be found here: happy hormones.

DO NOT use with artificial hormones. Many practitioners are familiar with this product, or may recommend other herbs for hormone balance. Be sure to check with your doctor to see if this is a good fit for you!

4. Optimal Nutrition

By optimal nutrition, the bulk of your diet needs to come from fruits and veggies, including a SH** ton of fiber. Skin, hair, and nails are the last place to receive nutrients. The health of your skin and hair is an indication your diet may need adjusting, or there is a food intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy.  Highly recommend a gut healing diet, or hormone balancing diet as well!

5. Alkalize and cleanse your system.

There are a few ways to do this, but the easiest way to start is with warm lemon water.  Celery juice is another incredible super food. There are many benefits to consuming both beverages before you start your day including: helping with inflammation, supporting the liver, supporting the digestive tract, aiding with detoxifying the body and liver, and alkalizing your system. Not to mention ditching the dirt internally, which can wreak havoc on your skin.

6. Skin Supporting Supplements

Skin and hair LOVE Zinc, B vitamins (especially biotin), and higher doses of vitamins A, C, D, E + K. A lot of people are deficient in D, K, and magnesium. Do not be afraid to discuss supplementation with your practitioner or have your levels checked.

7. Clean, Simple, Toxin-Free Skin Care

Less is more here! Skin care is a 17-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone. There are tons of protocols online, some using multiple products from different brands! It can be overwhelming. I will let you in on a little secret…. you do not need them. Here is my preferred line, basic, simple and legit makes my skin glow: glowing skin.

Wherever you are in your skin healing journey, do no be afraid to adjust your routine, or ask for help. Have you had success with any of the items above? What other natural options have helped to heal your cystic acne?

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. The information contained here is not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek the advice of a healthcare professional if needed. The statements above are not intended to treat, cure diagnose or prevent any illness, disease, or condition, and are for educational purposes only.