Acne - Cystic Acne

Cystic Acne

Characteristics of Cystic Acne:
1.  Deep cystic acne infections that are nodule or cyst-like and can become large.
2.  Cystic acne infections do not raise to the surface and do not discharge their infection waste material.
3.  Blackheads, whiteheads and milia may or may not be present.
4.  Acne infections heal very slowly and scarring is possible.

Before finding effective cystic acne control, people with cystic acne usually try a number of over-the-counter acne treatments without success.  If they have been to a dermatologist, they have probably tried an antibiotic.  Oral antibiotics work by killing propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) but approximately 35%-55% of today's P. acnes strains are resistant to one or more of the more common antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin, doxycycline and minocycline) making the antibiotic useless. Additionally long-term use of antibiotics is associated with resistant strains of P. acnes and increased cancer risks and immune system damage.  (See the Acne Tips page for additional information on this subject.)  Resistance to P. acnes develops in 50% of individuals with acne vulgaris and cystic acne following treatment with both topical and oral antibiotics. 

Over-the-counter products and acne treatments for cystic acne focus on the symptoms of acne rather than the biochemical causes of cystic acne.  While this approach may be okay for light acne, it is not suited to moderate to severe cystic acne and won't prevent light acne from progressing into the severe cystic acne stages.

Biochemically Speaking, Acne Is Easy To Understand:  Testosterone (an androgen hormone) targets the skin and sebaceous glands where sebum is produced.  Testosterone combines with the enzyme, 5alpha-reductase, to produce dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce increased volumes of sebum.  Sebum is expelled out of the follicular tube.

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and other bacteria on the skin and within the follicles produce bacterial lipases (enzymes) that move into the follicle openings and convert sebum into free fatty acids, which irritates the follicle linings.  This irritation causes excessive production of cells and cellular debris, which blocks the follicles and traps P. acnes inside.  The P. acnes bacteria inside the blocked follicles breed and produce cystic acne infections.  Infections grow and inflame the skin.  Macrophage cells produce inflammatory histamines that cause the skin to become red, puffy and painful.  This causes more follicle blockage and promotes more cystic acne infections.  In the case of cystic acne, the infections are very deep in the follicles and the acne infections may not rise to the surface where the infection and its waste can be expelled.  This causes the healing process with cystic acne to be slow. 

Most Other Acne Products:  Most acne products and acne treatments attempt to kill P. acnes with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.  They do not address the other issues that cause cystic acne, such as excessive sebum production and dry to form sebum plugs..  Benzoyl peroxide tends to dry the skin which actually promotes dry to firm sebum plugs and increased cysts.  Benzoyl peroxide can cause premature skin aging, slow healing, bleaching of hair, towels and clothing, and is associated with increased skin cancer risks.  In 1995 the FDA issued warnings regarding the use of benzoyl peroxide and changed its status from safe to uncertain.  (See the Acne Tips and the Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Damage pages for additional information on this subject.)

BiON Acne Products:  BiON 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, BiON's 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 acne treatment 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 acne treatment 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 BiON 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 Scars page.  .

BiON's acne cleansers (Antibacterial Cleanser and Bacteriostat Cleanser) and Green Tea/Clay Poultice contain ten very unique ingredients that eliminate or reduce P. acnes, 5alpha-reductase, sebum production, free fatty acids, lipase production and inflammatory cascades.  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 BiON's Salicylic-Glycolic Gel 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 0.25% of the total formula so the product is not irritating or drying and can be used by almost all skin types.   

BiON cystic acne products achieve control of acne in 90% of cases because of this comprehensive approach of acne treatment which treats the multiple causes of acne, rather than focusing only on the symptoms, like most other over-the-counter products.  The dermatologist and biochemist who develop BiON products have a clear understanding of the skin biochemistry involved with acne and the natural plant extracts for a natural acne treatment that has been shown through research to correct this skin chemistry and provide an effective acne cure.

More Biochemistry:  Linoleic acid is a normal component of sebum.  It is an "essential fatty acid" required by the body. We are more familiar with this bio-chemical as omega oil (omega 6),  such as safflower oil (as contained in Green Tea/Clay Poultice) or a number of other terms.  In the right combinations essential fatty acids are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents and sebum made with linoleic acid is calming to the skin.  Modern foods have avoided these essential oils in favor of "designer" lipids like trans-fats. Research has found links suggesting trans-fats may break down the body's supply of essential fatty acids.  When linoleic acid is not available in the skin, the sebaceous glands produce sebum with oleic acid and this form of sebum is irritating to the skin and promotes cystic acne.  It has been suggested that oleic acid sebum is drier, firmer and more prone to cause blackheads, whiteheads and the promotion of follicular plugs that lead to cystic acne infections.  There is more information on this aspect of acne and acne related conditions (cystic acne, whiteheads or milia and blackheads) in the Acne & Essential Fatty Acids page.

BiON acne products take a natural acne treatment approach and 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 3 oils or taking supplements such as flax seed oil.  Do not take flax seed supplements if pregnant or nursing without the knowledge of the physician.

Chronic Moderate to Severe Acne:  People who have had moderate acne to severe acne may also benefit from the use of Acne Inhibiting Gel to correct the chemical imbalances in the skin's chemistry that have resulted from chronic cystic acne infections.  Please also review the Acne & Wheat, Acne & Essential Fatty Acids, and Acne & Milk sections to determine if these factors may be involved in long term, unresolved cystic acne.

PRODUCTS (See the Acne Treatment Product pages by clicking the green "Acne Products" button at the top of this page for a listing of acne product ingredients.)

Cleanser Group:
Antibacterial Cleanser:   For most skin types.  Provides extraordinary acne benefits with maximum bacterial control against P. acnes and other undesirable bacteria (such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, etc.) and their acne promoting lipases.  Blocks 5alpha-reductase.  (Note:  One percent of the population is allergic to topical cinnamon extract and may develop redness and stinging following use on approximately the second or third day.  Switch this small number of patients who react to cinnamon to the Bacteriostat Cleanser.)
Bacteriostat Cleanser:   Ideal for rosacea, acne rosacea and dry or sensitive skin types.  Effective bacterial control against P. acnes and other undesirable bacteria (such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, etc.) and their acne promoting lipases. Has additional anti-inflammatory benefits, including blocking histamines in the skin that promote irritation in dry and dry, sensitive skin types.
Glycolic Cleanser:  For excessively oily skin types, with or without acne.  Keeps follicles clear of cellular debris and has minor antibacterial properties. 

Follicle Exfoliation Group:
Salicylic-Glycolic Gel:   For most skin types.  Maximum power to keep follicles clear.  Effective bacterial control against P. acnes and other undesirable bacteria and their acne-promoting lipases.  Powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.  Uses glycolic acid, salicylic acid and plant enzymes to help keep follicles clear and free of infections. 
Follicle Clearing Lotion:   Ideal for rosacea, acne rosacea, dry and sensitive skin types.  Keeps follicles clear.  Effective bacterial control against P. acnes and other undesirable bacteria and their acne promoting lipases.  Powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.   

Poultice Group:
Green Tea/Clay Poultice:   For all skin types.  Poultice action literally pulls infection and developing infection up and out of the skin.  Provides extraordinary acne benefits against P. acnes and other undesirable bacteria and their acne promoting lipases.  Blocks the action of 5alpha-reductase.  Powerful antihistamine and anti-inflammatory benefits.  Delivers linoleic acid to the skin.

Acne Treatment Progress:                                                                                          Be sure to review the Acne Cure Photographs page.  It explains with words and photographs how the skin responds, including time-frames.

Acne – Oily, Combination or Normal Skin
Light, Moderate or Severe Acne

AM         Antibacterial Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off.

Salicylic-Glycolic Gel - Apply very thinly, lightly rub into skin to disappear, leave on Green Tea/Clay Poultice – Apply very thinly to problem areas and rub in to disappear.

PM    Antibacterial Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Salicylic-Glycolic Gel – Apply very thinly, leave on
         Green Tea/Clay Poultice – Apply more liberally than in AM, rub into skin, leave on
Note: For severe acne cases Acne Inhibiting Gel can be added to the twice daily
         regimen, following the Antibacterial Cleanser and before the Salicylic-Glycolic   Gel.
Note:  If the Green Tea/Clay Poultice rolls or doesn't absorb when applied, the       Salicylic-Glycolic Gel has been applied too liberally and is creating a barrier.

 Acne – Dry or Sensitive Skin or Acne Rosacea
Light, Moderate or Severe Acne

AM    Bacteriostat Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Follicle Clearing Lotion – Apply thinly following cleansing, leave on
         Green Tea/Clay Poultice – Apply very thinly to problem areas, rub in to disappear
         Moisture Complex – Optional, for dry skin.  Use as needed, leave on
PM    Bacteriostat Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Follicle Clearing Lotion – Apply following cleansing, leave on
         Green Tea/Clay Poultice – Apply more liberally than in AM, leave on
         Moisture Complex – Optional, for dry skin.  Use as needed, leave on
Note: For severe acne cases Acne Inhibiting Gel can be added to the twice daily
         regimen, following the Bacteriostat Cleanser and before the Follicle Clearing Lotion.
Note:  If the Green Tea/Clay Poultice rolls or doesn't absorb when applied, the Salicylic-Glycolic Gel has been applied too liberally and is creating a barrier.