My mountain of a chin cyst was flattened in hours with a $9 Amazon acne purchase
I have suffered from cystic acne most of my life, starting in my teens, including on my face and back.
After trying just about everything from over-the-counter medications to prescription medications, there’s one product I swear by for clearer skin.
My acne problem started at the age of 13, with giant cystic nodules on my face, chest and back.
When I was 17 years old, I found out that the skin condition was due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a hormonal condition that can cause different symptoms depending on the individual.
For me, it meant struggling with often painful cystic acne, and now, at age 33, the mega-pimples usually settled exclusively on my chin.
GROW OUT
After coming to terms with my struggle with adult acne, I decided to look for as many natural or non-invasive ways as possible to keep my skin clear.
As a lifestyle reporter, I’m often at events that focus on beauty and wellness, and having a monstrous pimple on my face can really put a damper on the party.
Once I noticed pimples while strolling the aisles of Sephora, I decided to give hydrocolloid bandages a try to see if they worked.
I could tell right away that the product would absorb oil from my skin, but the painful cysts remained intact.
I decided to branch out and check out other brands, and eventually came across one that was infused with tea tree oil – an ingredient known for its antimicrobial powers.
Finally I came across Basic Concepts’ Hydrocolloid Plasters with Tea Tree Oil$8.69, from Amazon.
THE SARA METHOD
The patches work much better with a specific approach to application.
Firstly, I make sure to thoroughly clean and dry the seat itself, using a cleanser or alcohol wipe, to ensure that all excess oil has been removed and the area is completely dry.
I also never apply the patch itself with my fingers, but instead use sterilized tweezers to remove the patch from the package and apply it to the pimple.
I really saw the power of this product when I woke up the morning of an event knowing there would be cameras flashing in my direction.
It was horrifying to wake up with a mountain of chin cyst on my face – no amount of makeup could really cover this up.
Instead, I opted for my favorite pimple patch, cleaning and drying the area before gently applying it with tweezers.
I also made sure to press on it to make sure it stuck firmly to the giant cystic acne.
MIRACLE PATCH
During the day I felt the throbbing of the infection stop and then the pimple was completely flat, although still a little red.
Within a few hours, my cystic acne became something I could work with.
Wearing makeup on top of a healing pimple isn’t ideal, but for a few hours and several photos, I took the risk.
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After the event, I went home, cleaned the area thoroughly and applied a new bandage.
The next day, the pimple was completely unnoticeable – something my teenage self could never have imagined.
THE SCIENCE TO SUPPORT IT
Before I discovered Basic Concepts’ Hydrocolloid Patches with tea tree oil, I mostly accepted my fate of a pimple that lasted for days – with roots so deep that they often left a scar even when left alone to heal.
The patches completely changed my skin, preventing new ugly memories of acne deep under the skin.
For those struggling with adult acne or health conditions that contribute to acne, I highly recommend giving tea tree oil infused patches a try.
a 2023 study found that the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil could see a difference in acne nodules.
Between living an active lifestyle, frequently disinfecting personal items like phones and pillowcases, eating clean foods, and avoiding full-coverage foundation, I’m never caught without my patches.
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