What You Need to Know About Treating Cystic Pimples Fast (Without Making Them Worse)

What Is a Cystic Pimple?

The term cystic on its own relates to a cyst, or a sac that may be filled with air, fluid, or other material. So in the case of a cystic pimple, “It’s generally considered more severe than a classic pimple, and located deeper in the skin,” explainsboard-certified dermatologist and surgeon Jacquiline Habashy Hakim, MD. “Like any pimple, it begins by a pore being clogged by oil and dead skin cells, which becomes a feeding ground for bacteria. This leads to inflammation, making the pimple red and tender to touch. Many causes include genetic predisposition to excess oil production, hormonal changes, and bacteria on skin.”

Overnight Remedies for Cystic Pimples

Dr. Hakim suggests making an appointment to see your derm stat. “One of the quickest medical solutions for a cystic pimple is a Kenalog injection by your local board-certified dermatologist,” she shares. “This injection can bring down the inflammation and reduce redness within 24-48 hours.” 

But if you don’t have access to this option, “The best treatment for any form of acne is a consistent full-face skincare routine curated by your board-certified dermatologist,” she says. “Although spot treatments for cystic breakouts are not first-line therapy, items that can help reduce inflammation at home are spot treatments with topical or patch-infused benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, hydrocolloid, or salicylic acid.”

In fact, she stands by the just-launched PANOXYL Daytime Invisible Patches, which are actually recommended for more serious blemishes (in addition to “regular” zits). 

If a patient needs a more targeted option for active breakouts, dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Anetta Reszko, MD, is all about the LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Duo. “It combines benzoyl peroxide with LHA [lipohydroxy acid], which helps clear clogged pores and reduce inflammation,” she says. “And it does it without causing too much dryness, which is a common issue with many spot treatments.”

And you knew this was coming, but obviously sunscreen is “non-negotiable,” she says, “especially when using active ingredients like salicylic acid or vitamin A.” She recommends the ELTAMD UV Clear SPF 46 because it’s lightweight and non-comedogenic. And fun fact: We agree! But if you’re looking for a sunblock with built-in moisturizer, we love the FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

Lastly, if you’re looking for immediate, on-the-spot care, your kitchen is a great place to start. We’re personally big on grabbing a washcloth with ice cubes to help the swelling go down. We’ll also use a warm compress to ease the pain.

What to Avoid When Treating Cystic Pimples

We know picking at your skin is a natural urge, but when it comes to these pimples especially, “do not pick at the lesions,” Dr. Hakim stresses. “Be extremely gentle. Picking can lead to a worsening bacterial infection and permanent scarring. In addition, protecting the skin with gentle skincare products is advantageous because it minimizes further irritation and supports your skin barrier.”

Echoes Dr. Reszko, “When it comes to cystic acne, less is more. Avoid popping or squeezing cystic pimples. This can drive inflammation deeper, worsen scarring, and prolong healing.” 

And leaning into the “less is more” approach, Dr. Reszko warns against over-exfoliating. “Many patients do this in an attempt to ‘clear out’ the breakout, which only compromises the skin barrier and causes more irritation,” she says.

She’s also adamant about avoiding harsh, alcohol-based products or abrasive scrubs. “They can strip the skin and exacerbate inflammation,” she says. “Instead, look for ingredients that reduce inflammation and support healing, like salicylic acid or niacinamide, but always introduce these gradually.”

If you’re looking for a plant-based budget-buy with sensitive or compromised skin in mind, we always turn to our trusty PACIFICA BEAUTY Vegan Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Wash. 

Long-Term Acne Prevention Tips

Whether you have a compromised skin barrier or you have naturally regulated skin, a skincare routine is of utmost importance. And we’re not talking 10 steps here. We’re talking about consistency. 

“A daily skincare routine can make a major difference over time,” Dr. Reszko says. “Also, be patient. Cystic acne typically requires weeks to months of consistent treatment to see lasting improvements.”

It’s also important to approach acne care in multifaceted layers. “When I’m treating patients with cystic acne, I focus on calming inflammation, supporting the skin barrier, and using ingredients that don't over-dry the skin,” the pro shares. “A great place to start is with a gentle, but effective, cleanser. I usually recommend the ENVIRON Clarity+ Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser, which contains salicylic acid. It helps unclog pores and reduce oil without stripping the skin, which is something that’s really important when dealing with inflamed acne.” 

If you’re more into a milky consistency, the plant-based REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk is packed with nature’s finest to offer a non-stripping skin detox at the end of the day. We’re also big fans of the BEAUTY BIO Clarifying Booster to help clarify skin and balance oiliness to prevent more breakouts from arising.

Final Thoughts

Cystic pimples are powerful enough to ruin a whole mood. There’s nothing fun about them, but with careful care, you can defeat them and even stop them in their tracks. Maintaining a consistent, derm-suggested skincare routine is key, while picking at those types of blemishes is the ultimate faux pas. Above all else, it’s important to chat with your derm, who can potentially offer on-the-spot injectable treatments that can help kick those bad boys to the curb. In the meantime, you’ll want to explore IPSY’s curated acne care products, ranging from moisturizers and serums, to SPFs, cleansers, and more.