For nearly everyone, acne is an inevitable frustration. From mild teenage acne to severe adult acne, nobody enjoys having acne on any part of their body, especially on the face. Even in its simplest form, acne can be the reason that some people choose to avoid fun social activities, or stay home from work and school. This is especially true for those who are suffering from severe acne. However, there is hope for all acne sufferers, even those who are dealing with the most severe cases of acne.

What is Severe Acne?

Severe acne doesn’t simply mean having “bad acne.” Most teenagers and some adults experience mild to moderate acne breakouts from time to time, but severe acne consists of acne that becomes a true nuisance, is difficult to manage and frustrating to treat. To take an example, chronic cystic, or nodular (Nodulocystic acne) acne is one of the most severe forms of acne. It can occur on the face, neck, back and shoulders, and due to its nature, the pimples last longer and are more susceptible to scarring.

What Causes Severe Acne?

In order to understand how to best treat severe acne, it helps to understand how severe acne forms. Yes, it is true that hormones are a factor in the development of acne. Yes, it is true that genetics also plays a factor, but ultimately, all acne forms in the same manner. It is based on naturally occurring skin cycles, and for this reason, everyone is susceptible to the common skin disease.

As the skin moves through its natural regeneration process, it will shed dead skin cells. These dead skin cells have a natural “stickiness” that will cause them to hang on to the new layers of skin. The outer layer of the skin is also where the natural “P-Acne” bacteria that exists. Combined, the two will find their way into follicles, where they will mix with sebum from the sebaceous gland. These three components are what cause acne to develop, in all its forms. Whiteheads, blackheads and even cystic acne.

Cystic acne occurs in the depths of the skin’s dermis—the inner layer of skin. This is what makes it so severe, difficult to treat and painful to deal with.

Treating Severe Acne

It is highly recommended that for any case of severe acne, a dermatologist be consulted. They are the professionals dealing with such problems on a daily basis, and can help guide the severe acne sufferer towards the best possible treatment.

Along those lines, a consistent skin care regimen will also help in making severe acne less severe. Exfoliating the skin with a mild exfoliant, combined with ingredients such as the natural salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide will aid in the skin shedding process. Using a cleanser after the exfoliation will help to calm the skin and prepare it for its natural regeneration process. Following the cleansing with a product like benzoyl peroxide will also help in the management of severe acne.

Many have used benzoyl peroxide, but few have used it in a way that allows it to be a truly effective acne treatment. While it can be somewhat effective as a spot treatment, it is far more effective when used liberally on all problem areas. Following up an application with a moisturizer once the benzoyl peroxide has dried, will help to keep the skin from drying out from the effects of the treatment.

It is worth mentioning that present cystic acne cannot be treated externally, yet a quality skin care regimen will help to fight the development of more severe acne in the future.