Dry Skin and Cystic Acne? [ Edited ]

[#1]

I had dry skin before I started college with few breakouts and during my first year of college my skin turned very oily and I developed cystic acne. It got so bad that I couldn't open my mouth the whole way! I went to the dermatologist and went through three courses of antibiotics which eventually cleared it up. My doctor's ruled it as stress and hormone changes that caused the massive breakout. Now I have graduated from college and my skin since returned to dry skin, but now it is SUPER dry and I still get the occasional cystic acne. I am lucky, I don't have any scaring from the cystic acne. I use a Clarisonic and I have also used ExfoliKate exfoliate my skin well. I suppose what I am wondering is if anyone who has dry skin and cystic acne has found any products that they swear by to help prevent and treat their cystic acne? Thanks for any suggestions!

EDIT: I guess I forgot to mention, I no longer get bad cystic acne breakouts, I am talking about 1 or two cysts every few months, I am interested in products that others have found that are useful in helping spot treat and/or prevent their cystic acne from popping up every once and awhile.

[#2]

If it is still really painful and anything that "does not look right" shows up, go back to the dermatologist.  If it is truly hard to control other than an Rx, the prescription is the way to go for the cystic acne. 

It also depends on what acne products work with your skin.  Salicylic Acid may do wonders for some while others swear by Sulfur, antibiotics, etc.  Be careful when trying out new products and treatments.  Some formulas are prone to cause allergic reactions (IE sulfur) in some.  It will be trial and error; no way around it.

Cut back on exfoliation and maybe change some habits in the skincare routine.  Also mind diet habits.  Limit intake of sugary drinks for example.  Drink plenty of water. 

Hope that helps. 

[#3]

My skin has recently gone from pretty manageable to having moderate and even sometimes sever acne all the time. My dermatologist is crediting it to hormone changes, and has put me on a new routine that has begun to work pretty well. Along with taking antibiotics I have started to use CeraVe cleanser and moisturizes. I use it with my Clarisonic 3 nights a week and the other times just massage with my fingers. I also spot treat my acne with Murad Acne Spot Treatment. It's a sulfur treatment and if I use it morning and night the size of my blemish shrinks after the first day. I really like it. When ever I feel a large breakout coming on I will use a mask to get a jump on things, but I always have to moisturize because my skin will get dry and peel. Good luck!

[#4]

Dermadoctor's AHA/BHA cleanser works really well for cystic acne, and while it's really strong stuff, it hasn't dried out my skin. In fact, there's no redness whatsoever even after cleansing. If you go to the product page, a lot people with cystic acne, who are not teenagers, have a lot of success with this cleanser. I hope this helps and good luck!