Best acne treatment for men

Acne is an unfortunate part of life that only a few lucky guys don’t experience. Statistics show that over 80% of the general population deals with pimple breakouts at some point in their life. As one of the top three most prevalent skin conditions in people, acne can ruin one’s appearance and self-esteem. Thankfully, there are plenty options to get rid of it, even during adulthood. Let’s find out together what is the best acne treatment for men.

Table of contents

1. Causes and symptoms
2. Adult male acne vs teen acne
3. General dermatologist advice
4. Best natural ingredients that help dealing with acne in men
5. Natural remedies
6. Costs

Causes and symptoms of acne in men

About 85% of girls aged 14-17 and 95% of boys aged 16-19 suffer from acne. Pimples usually clear up once they reach adulthood. However, the evidence shows that almost 20% of adults will still deal with acne flare-ups throughout their life. Hormonal changes, stress, diet, and pollution are the primary causes of acne in both, men and women. If you think you might have an acne problem, consider following a plant based diet.

The symptoms are easily detectable: when testosterone cranks up the skin’s oil production, the pores can inflame all over the body. Blackheads, whiteheads, and red zits can cover the face and the rest of the body. The small red papules and pustules might have pus at their tips, and the inflammation due to the infected hair follicles triggers discomfort.

Is adult acne different from teen acne?

The simplified answer is yes. If most teens get zits on the cheeks and forehead, adult men get pimples on the lower face, including the jawline and neck. You may have to use the best acne treatment on a daily basis but remember that the sebum production decreases with age – the oil glands will become less active, and you’ll eventually get rid of acne.

At some point in your adult life, large and painful lumps or nodules can swell beneath the skin. Depending on the type of acne you have – be it mild, moderate, or severe – you should discuss with your dermatologist and find what the best treatment for your skin condition is.

Dermatologists’ advice on pimples in men

First, you must keep your pores open. And here is a tip only few of you may think of: whether you choose to use over-the-counter solutions or prescription drugs, holding the pores vented is the best thing to do for men with acne. Use skin cleansers that unclog the follicles and exfoliate the dead cells. This way, you will prevent plug formation and the occurrence of acne. Peel away the dead tissue and impurities with peroxide or glycolic acids and keep the pimple flare-ups under control. Here are the most common types of acne that affect men and how to address them adequately:

1. Acne Vulgaris – manifests with different kinds of acne lesions, including whiteheads, blackheads, nodules, cysts, pustules, and papules that can invade the face and the rest of the body. The skin specialists advise treatments that target the pathogenic factor behind the condition: excess sebum, follicular hyperproliferation, inflammation, and C. acnes. Your dermatologist will decide whether you need antibiotic pills, retinoids, hormone-based drugs, or acne products with tretinoin or antibiotics.
2. Acne Mechanica – is common in athletes, soldiers, students, and other guys who lead an active lifestyle. When men workout or wear sporty clothing too often, the heat and friction cause folliculitis. The inflamed pores become infected, and zits will be difficult to treat. The condition flares up during the hot summer months and, according to the dermatologists, it can be kept under control by wearing breathable clothes. Furthermore, the specialists recommend cleansing the pores without scrubbing and applying topical treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
3. Acne Fulminans – also referred to as acne maligna – is a rare, yet painful and hemorrhagic form of acne. Based on the information published on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459326/, the condition could be associated with fever and might cause bone lesions and laboratory abnormalities. It affects mostly males aged 13-22, but the incidence is rather low. Doctors prescribe a combination of isotretinoin and corticosteroids to reduce pimples and diminish the discomfort.
4. Pityrosporum Folliculitis – or fungal acne – is often misdiagnosed as acne vulgaris. If left untreated, the skin condition may persist for years. What should you use for this type of acne that manifests as clusters of raised, red bumps of various sizes on the back, face, and the rest of the body? Successful treatment for Pityrosporum Folliculitis involves oral antifungal medication – fluconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole. Your health care provider will provide you the prescription after establishing the correct diagnosis.
5. Severe Nodulocystic Acne – occurs mostly on the face and frequently results in acne scars. Men who want to get rid of the skin problem must take isotretinoin to prevent scarring and oral antibiotics to eliminate the condition. Sometimes, the dermatologist will recommend intralesional steroid injections with corticosteroid preparations immediately below the skin.

What are the best ingredients to clear acne in men?

When you decide to use over the counter medicines to clear acne, you must stop taking it if it causes any side effects. Keep in mind that the skin condition doesn’t go away overnight. You might have to use the acne treatment for several months until you see any improvements and eliminate the blackheads. The most commonly used ingredients used in pimple treatments for men are:

• Retinoids – Vitamin A derivatives – will help you to get rid of acne naturally. The compounds can be used for moderate to severe acne symptoms. Retinoids can reduce the acne breakouts, unclog pores, and prevent the formation of acne scars. How to use a retinoid cream? Take a pea-sized amount and smooth it over the skin once a day, at approximately 30 minutes after cleansing the face.
• Salicylic acid – is one of acne’s biggest enemies. The natural ingredient softens and exfoliates the top layer of the skin cells, unclogging pores and dissolving the blackheads. Because it penetrates the oily skin and reduces the sebum production, salicylic acid helps to prevent acne in men. The dermatologists state you shouldn’t use it on your face or body if you have dry skin or cystic acne.
• Benzoyl peroxide – acts as an antiseptic and works by flushing out the dead skin cells and bacteria. This ingredient is frequently used in acne treatments for men because it reduces the pores size and helps to create a clearer complexion.
• Antibiotics – are used both internally and topically as an acne treatment for men. Antibiotics are prescribed to reduce the number of bacteria in the follicles and on the skin surface. Your doctor will recommend you topical acne creams, solutions, and gels with erythromycin or clindamycin, ingredients that penetrate the skin and clear the deep-seated acne. Systemic antibiotics (pills, capsules, or tablets) with tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline usually cause side effects, the reason why they are prescribed only in more severe cases of acne.
• Sulfur – is helpful for patients with acne or rosacea. How to treat pimples with sulfur? The natural compound was added to the composition of soaps, lotions, and numerous other topical products that cure acne in men. Sulfur works by reducing inflammation, exfoliating the epidermis, and decreasing excessive sebum production.
• Glycolic acid – minimizes the appearance of acne scars and removes pimples. The fruit-derived acid removes the dry, flaky skin and stimulates the growth of new, healthy epidermis cells. The acne medication decreases pimple breakouts and can be used successfully for acne on face, neck, and the rest of the body.
• Bentonite clay – provides oxygen to the skin cells and clears out the excess hydrogen. Its health benefits include soothing the irritated skin and removing the impurities and toxins from the epidermis. The blackhead treatment unclogs and minimizes the pores naturally and without causing any adverse results.
• Zinc – eliminates the microorganisms that trigger acne in men. The mineral also fights off inflammation, unblocks pores, and reduces the skin damage caused by hormones – hormonal acne.
• Tea tree oil – has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Here’s how to clear acne with tea tree oil: clean your face with your skin care product, then apply pure or diluted tea tree oil on a cotton swab and gently dab it onto zits and spots. Leave it overnight and enjoy the effects the next day! Plus, the natural ingredient can remove acne scars, leaving your complexion smooth and clear.

How to get rid of acne using natural treatments

Witch hazel, aloe vera, baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, raw potatoes, and green tea are amazing acne treatments. These natural remedies combat the cause of pimples, clean the pores, and control the sebum production in men. You can use them alone or in various combinations, depending on your skin type.

The skin care routines for men with acne should include products that cleanse the face, correct, conceal, hydrate, and protect the skin. Avoid using gels or lotions that contain harsh chemicals and request the assistance of your health care provider when you want to minimize the acne flare-ups. The best skin care products for acne in men keep the follicles open, kill the germs, prevent plug formation, and reduce the inflammation without damaging the skin.

Start the day by cleansing your face with a bar soap that contains zinc or sulfur, or use a mild gel wash cleanser with Benzoyl peroxide. Treat the facial acne with ointments that contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid, then hydrate your skin with a daily moisturizing cream. Before leaving the house, apply sunscreen and prevent acne, hyperpigmentation, or other skin problems.

The best acne treatment for men shouldn’t cost a fortune

Do not use your girlfriend’s skin care products, either! Ask for acne cream samples at the drugstore and get help to determine what is your skin type. Keep your skin pimple-free using the right ingredients for your complexion and needs, but do not expect miracles overnight. Focus on a healthy acne skin care routine, diminish the pimple breakouts, and improve your self-image!