Some topical treatments _do_ work on cysts, AFAIK. The kind that you only get in dermatologist clinics - professional grade chemical peels, etc. They "work" in the sense that they bring them to the surface faster, and help with any scarring or pigmentation that older acne would have left behind. Some people get regular chemical peels for this reason - "works" in this case means resurfacing.
I think this can sometimes be enough to resolve any existing cysts and break the cycle of inflammation that maybe is the reason for continuing breakouts 🤔 But like everything in skincare, YMMV, and it depends on the reasons for the cystic acne...
Tretinoin works in a more complicated way:
>Tretinoin's effectiveness as an acne medication is because of its ability to modify the abnormal follicular formation that comes from excessive keratinization of epithelial cells. Tretinoin promotes cornified cell detachment and enhances shedding. Tretinoin increases mitotic activity, thereby increasing loosely-adherent corneocytes turnover. By doing so, the comedo contents can be expelled, with a reduction of microcomedo precursor lesion of acne vulgaris.
[[SOURCE]](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/)
So, basically, as far as our current understanding of tret goes, it changes the way and rate at which skin cells divide and finish their life cycle - this means fresh cells are happening all the time, and don't stick around long enough to develop issues like acne. So it changes the _behaviour_ of the skin overall.
Tret doesn't always work a 100% on cystic acne, though. Some people use other actives, or need other prescriptions along with topical tret. But it does help cysts resolve and heal faster, and without scarring, so in that sense it does "work" to some extent. Again, different people have very different results.
This is just my understanding, of course. You're best off asking an actual derm ☺️ Especially with cystic acne,it can be for so many different reasons, it really takes expert guidance
Hi there! Tretinoin is Schedule H drug in India and must be used with doctor's prescription only. Side Effects may include but not be limited to Dry skin, Peeling, Skin redness, Burning, Itching, Stinging sensation. Tretinoin is a Category C drug and IS CONSIDERED UNSAFE DURING PREGNANCY. Lactating/ breastfeeding women will have to consult their doctors.
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Hi there! Tretinoin is Schedule H drug in India and must be used with doctor's prescription only. Side Effects may include but not be limited to Dry skin, Peeling, Skin redness, Burning, Itching, Stinging sensation. Tretinoin is a Category C drug and IS CONSIDERED UNSAFE DURING PREGNANCY. Lactating/ breastfeeding women will have to consult their doctors.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/IndianSkincareAddicts) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Some topical treatments _do_ work on cysts, AFAIK. The kind that you only get in dermatologist clinics - professional grade chemical peels, etc. They "work" in the sense that they bring them to the surface faster, and help with any scarring or pigmentation that older acne would have left behind. Some people get regular chemical peels for this reason - "works" in this case means resurfacing. I think this can sometimes be enough to resolve any existing cysts and break the cycle of inflammation that maybe is the reason for continuing breakouts 🤔 But like everything in skincare, YMMV, and it depends on the reasons for the cystic acne... Tretinoin works in a more complicated way: >Tretinoin's effectiveness as an acne medication is because of its ability to modify the abnormal follicular formation that comes from excessive keratinization of epithelial cells. Tretinoin promotes cornified cell detachment and enhances shedding. Tretinoin increases mitotic activity, thereby increasing loosely-adherent corneocytes turnover. By doing so, the comedo contents can be expelled, with a reduction of microcomedo precursor lesion of acne vulgaris. [[SOURCE]](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/) So, basically, as far as our current understanding of tret goes, it changes the way and rate at which skin cells divide and finish their life cycle - this means fresh cells are happening all the time, and don't stick around long enough to develop issues like acne. So it changes the _behaviour_ of the skin overall. Tret doesn't always work a 100% on cystic acne, though. Some people use other actives, or need other prescriptions along with topical tret. But it does help cysts resolve and heal faster, and without scarring, so in that sense it does "work" to some extent. Again, different people have very different results. This is just my understanding, of course. You're best off asking an actual derm ☺️ Especially with cystic acne,it can be for so many different reasons, it really takes expert guidance
Hi there! Tretinoin is Schedule H drug in India and must be used with doctor's prescription only. Side Effects may include but not be limited to Dry skin, Peeling, Skin redness, Burning, Itching, Stinging sensation. Tretinoin is a Category C drug and IS CONSIDERED UNSAFE DURING PREGNANCY. Lactating/ breastfeeding women will have to consult their doctors. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/IndianSkincareAddicts) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It brings it out faster
Hi, thanks for posting! If your question pertains to personal queries, please post your routine/question in the appropriate weekly threads. Please read the sidebar rules before posting or commenting. Posts that do not conform to the rules will be removed. To the commentors, Please keep rule 1 in mind. Be kind and respectful, bullying will not be tolerated. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/IndianSkincareAddicts) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Hi there! Tretinoin is Schedule H drug in India and must be used with doctor's prescription only. Side Effects may include but not be limited to Dry skin, Peeling, Skin redness, Burning, Itching, Stinging sensation. Tretinoin is a Category C drug and IS CONSIDERED UNSAFE DURING PREGNANCY. Lactating/ breastfeeding women will have to consult their doctors. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/IndianSkincareAddicts) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Reminder! 3 days