All acne lesions start out as “micro comedos”. As that lesion grows it has two different pathways that it can go down. One way turns the lesion into a noninflamed lesion (whitehead or blackhead). The other route will develop into a pustule or cyst; and it will take about 90 days to run its course. Cystic Acne occurs when a person not only has an inherited propensity for acne, but also has the inherited propensity for inflammation.

The good news about cystic acne (inflamed acne) is that it can be much easier than noninflamed acne to clear. It is closer to the surface than noninflamed acne and therefore more receptive to the products used to get it under control.  By using a combination of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory topical products such as mandelic acid, benzoyl peroxide and benzoyl peroxide with sulfur all used in the right way,  can bring existing inflammation levels down and keep it from returning. 

Having your client ice their inflamed lesions after cleansing is also key to bringing down inflammation quickly.  Give them dixie cups which they will fill up with water, put in the freezer and use to ice their face.

There are also many supplements that I recommend along with your client's home-care that can help to bring inflammation levels down such as zinc monomethionine, omega-3 fish oil, and vitamin B-5.