Kusha Kapila has always been honest — whether it is about her professional journey, divorce, or adult acne. In a recent conversation, Kusha Kapila opened up about her experience of dealing with cystic acne. “ aap chupa nahi sakte, itna 3D hota hai ye pimple. Aap chahe duniya ke best makeup artist le aaye..aapka pimple dikhega,” she told the interviewer.
“I have had to make insane changes to my lifestyle to be able to combat acne. It is PCOD-related, and it is cystic acne. Zindagi hi badal di maine..jaise main khaati hoon, peeti hoon, sab badal diya aur phir bhi poori tarah peecha nahi chuta. I have also taken injections to calm it down,” she told Hauterfly, adding that “Women are only asked to lose weight, but they are not explained the science behind it. The more we understand our body, the more we’ll get why this is happening to us.”
Dr Ameesha Mahajan, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Eden Skin Clinic, told that cystic acne is a severe form of inflammatory acne characterized by deep, painful cysts or nodules under the skin’s layer.
“They are not like , as they are larger and filled with pus, leading to significant skin scarring. Cystic acne often appears on the lower face, jawline, neck, chest, and back, and tends to be more persistent and resistant to over‑the‑counter treatments,” she said.
Dr Mahajan shares some possible reasons:
1. Hormonal Fluctuations—Both males and females possess androgen hormones, and a rise in these hormones secretes more sebum, which clogs the skin pores. This makes the environment conducive for bacterial overgrowth (Cutibacterium acnes) and thus cystic acne.
2. Genetic history – A family history of severe acne increases your risk.
3. Inflammation and Immune Response – When clogged follicles rupture deep in the skin, the body mounts an inflammatory response, forming red, swollen nodules.
PCOD is characterized by insulin resistance and elevated androgen levels. Here’s what happens when you have PCOD:
“There is insulin resistance where circulating insulin stimulates ovarian androgen production. Elevated androgens indicate increased sebum and follicular blockage. This leads to chronic inflammation that worsens lesion formation and slows healing,” explained Dr Mahajan.
Dr Mahajan shared a 5-step blueprint to tackle cystic acne:
1. Dietary changes—Choose whole grains, legumes, millets, or non-starchy vegetables, as their high fiber content and low glycemic load help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels. Prefer anti-inflammatory foods in the diet, which include fatty fish, berries, green leafy vegetables, nuts, etc. Refrain from consuming sugary foods and excessively high-fat dairy products.
2. Regular Physical Activity—Engaging in regular aerobic physical exercises for at least 30-45 minutes a day, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, helps to improve insulin sensitivity. Also, opt for strength training exercises twice or thrice a week to build muscle mass and lower insulin resistance.
3. Stress Management—Yoga, meditation, or deep‑breathing exercises lower cortisol, which can otherwise elevate androgens. Get quality sleep, aiming for 7–8 hours per night, to regulate hormones and promote skin repair.
4. Skin Care Habits – Prefer to use a mild, twice a day to remove excessive sebum, without disturbing the skin’s barrier defense. Ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene target clogged pores and have an anti-inflammatory role. Always consult a dermatologist before starting prescription retinoids.
5. Medical Follow‑Up – Under medical supervision, combined oral contraceptives or insulin‑sensitizing agents (like metformin) can rebalance hormones. Track menstrual cycles, weight, and acne severity to adjust treatments as needed.
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