Cystic Ance: what causes it and how to get relief
Struggling with Cystic Acne? We can help!
f you’re dealing with stubborn breakouts or painful cystic acne in Ottawa, you do not have to figure it out alone. At Face First Permanent Makeup & Esthetics in Ottawa, Ontario, we create personalized acne treatment plans for every skin type to calm inflammation, clear congestion, and protect your skin barrier. From dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone, our in-clinic treatments and customized home-care routines are designed to move you toward clearer, more confident skin.
Cystic Acne Treatment in Ottawa: How Face First Permanent Makeup & Esthetics Can Help
If you struggle with deep, painful cystic acne, you are not alone. At Face First Permanent Makeup & Esthetics in Ottawa, Ontario, we specialize in acne treatments for every skin type – from dry and sensitive to oily and combination. Understanding what drives cystic acne is the first step toward clearer, calmer skin and a personalized treatment plan that actually works.
What Causes Cystic Acne?
Multiple internal and external factors contribute to cystic acne. Identifying your unique triggers allows us to design a targeted acne program for you.
Hormonal shifts- Fluctuations in hormones during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or periods of high stress can increase oil production and inflammation, leading to deep, painful breakouts.
Stress and inflammation -High stress levels can disrupt hormonal balance and increase skin inflammation, making cystic acne more frequent and harder to control.
Excess oil and dead skin cells - When sebum (oil) mixes with dead skin cells, pores can clog and form inflamed cystic lesions, especially on acne-prone skin.
Pore-clogging products: Heavy or comedogenic makeup and skincare can clog pores and trigger new breakouts or worsen existing acne.
Genetics: If cystic acne runs in your family, your skin is more likely to experience deep, stubborn breakouts
At Face First PMU & Esthetics in Ottawa, we look at the full picture – including lifestyle, product use, and skin type – to customize an acne treatment plan just for you.
Your Clear-Skin Plan at Face First in Ottawa
Managing cystic acne requires more than a single product. It takes a consistent routine, professional guidance, and the right mix of active and calming ingredients. Our Ottawa acne treatments are designed to:
Calm inflammation
Clear and refine pores
Protect your skin barrier
Support long-term skin health for every skin type
During your consultation, we create a personalized acne treatment plan that combines in-clinic treatments with a home-care routine tailored to your skin type and sensitivity.
Step 1: Gentle, Consistent Cleansing
Over-cleansing or using harsh products can damage your barrier and worsen cystic acne. Instead, we recommend a gentle, non-stripping cleanser used twice daily.
Look for formulas with ingredients like Salicylic Acid to help clear pores without dehydrating your skin. A product such as GlyMed’s Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid can be a great option for acne-prone skin when used correctly as part of a balanced routine.
During your appointment at Face First in Ottawa, we’ll help you choose the right cleanser for your specific skin type, whether you are oily, dry, or somewhere in between.
Step 2: Calm Redness and Visible Swelling
Cystic acne is often painful, red, and swollen. Supporting your skin with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients can make a big difference in comfort and healing.
Ingredients like Arnica and Tea Tree Oil can help calm visible swelling and redness.
Barrier-supporting textures prevent further irritation.
A product such as Comfort Cream with Aloe Vera can help reduce inflammation and support healing when used as part of a professional plan.
In the treatment room, we choose masks, serums, and modalities that calm the skin while still addressing congestion and breakouts.
Step 3: Maintain Hydration (Even for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin)
Dehydrated skin can become more reactive and produce even more oil. That is why every skin type, including oily and acne-prone, still needs hydration.
Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that supports the barrier without clogging pores.
Look for formulas that also contain ingredients to fight acne-causing bacteria.
A product like Daily Repair Cream offers hydration suitable for most skin types while supporting acne management.
At Face First Permanent Makeup & Esthetics in Ottawa, we match your moisturizer to your current skin condition, not just your skin type.
Step 4: Smart, Controlled Exfoliation
Exfoliation can help clear pores, but over-exfoliating is one of the fastest ways to irritate cystic acne.
Instead of daily scrubs, we focus on smart exfoliation:
Use gentle chemical exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, or enzymes a few times per week (as tolerated).
Avoid harsh physical scrubs that can scratch or inflame acne lesions.
An option like Hydrating Masque with Enzymes can help remove dead skin cells while maintaining hydration, especially when guided by a professional.
In the clinic, we may pair this with customized exfoliating treatments such as enzyme facials or gentle peels that are tailored to your skin type and sensitivity level.
Step 5: Targeted Spot Support for Cystic Breakouts
For individual cysts, spot treatments can help reduce size and discomfort more quickly.
Look for ingredients like:
Salicylic Acid
Benzoyl Peroxide
Sulfur
A focused treatment like GlyMed’s Mattifying Sulfur Masque can be used on specific problem areas instead of your entire face, depending on your skin’s needs.
During your acne program at Face First in Ottawa, we guide you on how often and where to use these active products for best results.
Step 6: Avoid Common Irritants That Make Cystic Acne Worse
Protecting your skin barrier is just as important as treating acne itself. To avoid worsening inflammation and scarring, we coach our clients to avoid:
Harsh scrubs or stiff cleansing brushes that scratch and sensitize the skin
Heavy, non–acne-safe oils that are not formulated for breakout-prone skin
Over-cleansing and over-exfoliating, which strip natural oils and trigger more irritation
Picking, squeezing, or trying to “pop” cysts, which increases redness, swelling, and the risk of permanent scars
We provide clear, step-by-step guidance so you know exactly what to do — and what to stop doing — at home.
When to See a Professional for Cystic Acne:
A consistent home-care routine is essential, but cystic acne often needs professional support to truly calm down and stay under control.
At Face First Permanent Makeup & Esthetics in Ottawa, Ontario, we offer:
Customized acne facials for every skin type
Gentle chemical peels designed to support barrier function while improving congestion
Enzyme treatments that help digest dead skin cells and reduce buildup
Professional, hygienic extractions when appropriate
We also know when to collaborate with medical professionals. For severe or persistent cystic acne, we may recommend you see a dermatologist for options like topical retinoids or oral medications, while we continue to support your skin barrier and recovery with professional treatments.
Acne Treatments for Every Skin Type in Ottawa
Whether your skin is:
Dry and sensitive
Oily and congested
Combination with both breakout-prone and dehydrated areas
Prone to post-inflammatory marks or hyperpigmentation
We create an acne treatment plan tailored to your skin type, lifestyle, and goals. Our approach is not one-size-fits-all. Every step, from cleanser to treatment mask, is chosen to support your specific skin.
Ready to Start Your Clear-Skin Journey with Face First in Ottawa?
If you are ready to finally get professional support for your cystic acne, we would love to help.
At Face First Permanent Makeup & Esthetics in Ottawa, Ontario, we offer:
Personalized skin consultations
Acne treatment plans for every skin type
Professional in-clinic treatments plus home-care coaching
Book your acne consultation and start your clear-skin journey with a treatment plan designed just for you at Face First in Ottawa.
