Most of us are familiar with acne from our teenage years, but some men continue to struggle with acne vulgaris — the medical term for spots — well into adulthood. In this blog post, I’ll discuss what causes acne and what you can do yourself to help reduce it.
What is acne?
Acne is essentially an inflammation of the sebaceous gland follicles. When your skin produces too much sebum and it can no longer find its way out, the pore becomes blocked, leading to impurities or inflammation.
When you have small inflammations with a black tip, we commonly refer to these as blackheads. Then there are the spots with a white head, which usually sit a bit deeper in the skin.
What causes acne?
There are many reasons why acne can develop, and in many cases, there’s not much you can do to prevent it. If you have oily skin, you’re more likely to experience acne, but there are definitely some things you can watch out for to reduce it.
Genetics
Firstly, acne is influenced by genetics. If you have family members who were prone to acne, you’re more likely to suffer from it as well. The structure and composition of your skin are genetically determined and can result in similar issues.
Hormonal fluctuations
Hormonal factors also play a role in the development of acne. That’s why many boys (and girls) experience it during puberty. The sebaceous glands become larger, and the composition of sebum changes. Sebum is the natural oil your skin produces, but too much of it can lead to impurities.
Hormonal changes can also be triggered by certain medications, such as steroids or drugs that increase testosterone levels.
High stress levels
Stress and picking at spots don’t directly cause acne, but they do make it worse. Stress takes a toll on your body and can exacerbate acne.
The same goes for squeezing spots — doing so spreads the bacteria that cause acne, making it worse.
Diet
Finally, diet can be a factor. There are many myths about food and acne, but there is indeed a link between certain foods and breakouts. Foods high in carbohydrates with quick sugars and dairy products can contribute to spots and blackheads.
Common myths about the causes of acne
Since there are so many misconceptions about acne, let’s quickly debunk a few of them. In many cases, these claims are false or have been disproven by more recent research.
Poor hygiene
Acne is not caused by poor hygiene. Over-cleansing and drying out your skin can actually *cause* acne. When your skin becomes too dry, it compensates by producing excess oil, which can then lead to clogged pores and inflammation.
Greasy food, chocolate, and fast food
People often think that eating fatty foods causes acne, but it’s mainly refined sugars and dairy that can contribute. Chocolate is frequently mentioned too, but there’s currently little scientific evidence to support that claim.
Using too many skincare products
As long as you use oil-free skincare products and cleanse your skin properly, skincare products don’t contribute to acne. Always opt for high-quality products made with natural ingredients.
What can you do yourself to combat acne?
There are a few things you can do to help fight acne. As mentioned earlier, try to reduce stress as much as possible, as it only makes acne worse.
It’s also important to cut back on fast carbohydrates and limit your intake of dairy. In other words, maintain a healthy and nutrient-rich diet.
There are also various skincare products designed to help combat acne. Certain ingredients have been proven to reduce acne and prevent skin inflammation. Use a face wash or cleanser that contains one of these ingredients and follow up with a non-greasy moisturiser.
Ingredients that help fight acne
Benzoyl peroxide
This is probably the most effective ingredient against acne and is available over the counter in the UK. It kills the bacteria that cause acne and reduces sebum production to prevent pores from becoming blocked.
Salicylic acid
This acid has anti-inflammatory properties and is great for exfoliating your skin. It helps keep your pores clear and reduces the risk of impurities.
Clay
A natural clay, such as kaolin, can draw impurities out of your skin. This ingredient is also used to absorb excess oil from your hair, and it works in the same way on your skin — pulling out dirt to cleanse it.
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
This acid helps to loosen dead skin cells from the surface layer of your skin. Dead skin cells can clog your pores, which in turn leads to spots and acne. This ingredient tackles impurities before they have the chance to develop into acne.
Tea tree oil
This ingredient is often mentioned when it comes to fighting acne. It’s an antioxidant that protects against free radicals and has soothing properties. However, most skincare products don’t contain enough tea tree oil to be highly effective, though it’s a great addition alongside more powerful ingredients.
Daily skincare routine for men with acne
If you suffer from acne, it’s important to have a proper skincare routine. In our Moquer shop, we carry an excellent American brand of men’s skincare called Brickell Men’s Products. Their range includes several effective products designed to help combat acne.
Step 1: cleansing
Start with the Brickell Men’s Acne Controlling Face Wash. Apply a small amount to your damp hands to create a lather. Gently massage it onto your damp face, then rinse off with cold water. A good facial cleanser is an essential first step — one that should never be skipped.
For an even deeper cleanse, you can also consider using a facial scrub. This type of product is excellent for removing dead skin cells and impurities. Use a scrub about twice a week. A facial mask can also be helpful, but in most cases, applying it once a week is sufficient.
Step 2: hydration
After cleansing your skin, it’s always important to ensure proper hydration by using a moisturiser or face cream. Drying out your skin will only make acne worse.
Apply the Brickell Men’s Acne Controlling Face Moisturizer Treatment to your dry skin after using the face wash above. The best time to apply this treatment is in the morning and before going to bed.
Step 3: skincare
If you have small scars caused by acne, this product can help reduce and fade them. The Brickell Men’s Clearing Scar Cream contains antioxidants and vitamin C to nourish and restore your skin. Apply this product once a day before going to bed.
This acne-fighting routine will gradually reduce your acne. The best results are usually visible after about two weeks. These products always need a little time to work effectively.
Of course, we have many more men’s skincare products in the Moquer shop to help you deal with acne. Brickell Men’s Products is just one great example, but there are also brands like Neal’s Yard Remedies, Lumin Skin, and Baxter of California, to name just a few.
Conclusion
Acne is a common problem, and many of its causes are beyond our control. Reducing stress and maintaining a healthy diet are the best behavioural changes you can make to experience fewer breakouts. There are also many myths surrounding acne, so don’t let them mislead you.
Fortunately, there are now plenty of skincare products for men that help fight acne. The most important thing is to use products containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide — these ingredients are the most effective.
Use natural, high-quality products, as they contain fewer or no harmful chemicals that could irritate your skin. In this blog post, we’ve highlighted several excellent examples that you can find in our Moquer shop!