Best Acne Treatment for Men

Acne doesn’t discriminate. It can pop up at any age and for any gender. But that’s where the similarities end. When acne hits men, it’s often based on hormonal fluctuations and lifestyle habits and demands solutions tailored to a man’s constitution. If you’re searching for the best men’s acne treatments to keep skin clear and healthy, here’s what you need to know.

Common Types of Acne in Men

“Men are prone to several types of acne,” explains Dr. Brian Zelickson, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Minnesota. The most common type is hormonal acne, he says, which is when testosterone fluctuates, activating oil glands that clog pores and causes breakouts. He also sees other types of acne commonly occurring in men:

• Acne mechanica is caused by friction, pressure or heat often experienced by athletes.
• Cystic acne occurs when oil, dead skin cells and bacteria get trapped in hair follicles, causing painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin.
• Pseudofolliculitis (also known as razor bumps) happens when shaved hairs curl back into the skin stimulating inflammation, bumps and redness.
• Back and body acne are triggered when tight clothing and sports gear trap sweat.

What Causes Acne in Men?

Men experience acne differently than adolescents and women. And treatments differ too. Dr. Christina Lee Chung, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in Pennsylvania, explained to Huffington Post that most of these differences can be attributed to hormones. “First, testosterone tends to make men’s skin thicker than women’s,” she explains. “As a result, men may need stronger exfoliating products or stronger concentrations of active ingredients [to resolve acne].”

The six most common causes of acne in men, according to Dr. Zelickson, are hormonal changes, genetics, stress, diet and the use of certain medications or anabolic steroids, and include:

• Hormones, like testosterone, can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, as can hormonal changes from medications.
• Genetics including a family history of acne can increase the likelihood of developing it.
• Lifestyle like a poor diet, lack of sleep, stress and sweating can all contribute to breakouts.
• Shaving can trap hair follicles in pores. Using dull blades or improper shaving techniques can irritate the skin too.
• Medications, such as lithium and corticosteroids, can lead to acne.
• Skincare products can contribute to acne so consult with a dermatology provider to ensure what in your routine is good for your skin.

The Best Acne Treatments for Men

What is the best acne treatment for men? “Treatment plans differ for men,” Dr. Zelickson says. “Men often have more oily skin due to having larger sebaceous glands so they can typically tolerate harsher treatments, like higher concentrations of retinoids, products with a gel or solution as a base instead of lotions or creams,” he says. “And they may tolerate a harsher cleansing routine.”

Depending on the cause, type and severity of your acne, there are a variety of men’s acne treatment options to consider:

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Topical acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids can be applied to the skin as a cream or serum to directly target the affected area. Some can lead to dryness and flaking so find the right product for your skin.

Prescription Medications

Prescribed for moderate to severe acne or when topical treatments haven’t been effective, oral medications like antibiotics and isotretinoin for severe cases.

Dermatologist Treatments

Laser and light therapies for acne are good choices for acne treatment for men because they kill the bacteria responsible for breakouts. Chemical peels, facials and extractions performed by a professional are another great way to control acne without medication. AviClear, a new laser approved for the treatment of acne, is showing promising results. Up to 92% of AviClear patients saw at least half of their acne resolved 12 months after their final AviClear treatment.

Change Your Ways

There are lifestyle changes that every man can make to limit acne breakouts, such as “regular cleansing, avoiding heavy or greasy products and managing stress,” says Dr. Zelickson. Acne solutions can be impacted by healthy dietary choices. “There’s a connection between what we eat and acne breakouts,” adds Dr. Jeremy Fenton, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York. Carbohydrates, dairy and sugar top the list of acne-causing culprits, he says, and high glycemic foods stimulate the production of acne-causing oil on the skin.

The first item to limit is dairy. “It isn’t exactly clear why, but dairy (especially skim milk, which often replaces fat with sugar) has been shown to affect both testosterone and estrogen levels in people who consume it, both of which can affect acne,” he says. More than anything, avoid stress, he says. “Stress triggers the release of a variety of hormones that can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, a major cause of acne. It is what leads to those large and deep red cystic pimples.”

When to Seek a Dermatologist for Men’s Acne Care

If at-home methods aren’t giving you the results you want, it’s time to see a dermatology provider who can determine the cause of your breakouts and has expertise in the best acne treatment for men. In addition, your diet and stress level will be taken into account with the goal of reducing inflammation by prioritizing sleep, exercise and relaxation techniques.

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Men Acne Dermatology at Schweiger Dermatology Group

If you struggle with acne, consult with one of our dermatology providers, who can pinpoint the cause of your breakouts, help clear your complexion and prevent future outbreaks. They can also provide treatments for acne complications like scarring.

To make an appointment, book online or call or text (844) DERM-DOC / (844) 337-6362.