Adult Acne in Men: A Dermatologist's Guide to Treatment
Stocksy
Medically reviewed by Lily Talakoub, MD, FAAD
Anyone can have acne. It doesn’t matter your age nor your gender. Although some studies show that acne most commonly occurs in women, men can also be prone to pimples and rashes throughout their adult years. Acne can have several causes–from environmental factors to diet and hormonal changes. The condition, which can lead to scarring, may also impact one’s mental health and social life. There are several solutions to acne, whether you’ve had it for years or have recently started experiencing it for the first time.
We spoke to board-certified dermatologists Dr. Jeannette Graf, Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali and Dr. Dendy Engelman to understand the most common causes of acne in adulthood. Keep reading to learn about what you can do to prevent and treat acne.
Meet Our Expert
Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery.
Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon specialized in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
What Is Adult Acne?
“Acne is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged,” according to the National Institutes of Health. Sebum (the oil found on the skin) and dead skin cells plug the pores, which may lead to pimples. It is often believed that acne only occurs in teenagers. Although it tends to go away when individuals reach their thirties, adults in their forties and fifties may continue to have the condition.
Acne is most commonly found on the face, back, chest and shoulders, although it can show up anywhere on the body. It typically occurs in areas that trap sweat. In adult men, “we often see it on the back/groin in those who workout often,” Dr. Bhanusali says. “Men with facial hair tend to have it in their beard area mostly due to shaving habits,” Dr. Graf adds.
What Causes Acne?
Acne in adult men can be due to a wide set of causes. It is essential to understand what may be triggering acne in order to treat it efficiently. “Generally, acne is pretty common in pretty much anyone,” Dr. Bhanusali says. “Those with oilier skin tend to have more issues but thankfully, we have many fixes.”
Hormonal changes and testosterone. Hormones are one of the leading causes of acne in adult men, especially in individuals who are experiencing hormonal changes due to medication. Fluctuations in hormones may cause an increase in sebum production, which in turn, cause breakouts, Dr. Graf says. Testosterone levels may also be a cause. “The male body produces higher levels of testosterone (compared to women), which is linked to oil production in the sebaceous glands, leading to more oily skin and clogged pores,” Dr. Engelman notes.
Lifestyle choices and habits. “Our lifestyle choices as adults can play a role in the formation of adult acne that men face,” Dr. Engelman says. Pollution, diet, poor sleep quality, not washing sheets or towels often enough can all be potential causes.
Stress. Acne commonly happens during periods of stress because of its connection to a rise in cortisol levels. Cortisol is associated with a rise in sebum production, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts.
Facial hair and grooming habits. Beards and mustaches can act as a trap for acne-causing bacteria and oil, Dr. Engelman says. It is essential to use cosmetic products that are appropriate for the skin and don’t strip it of its natural oils. “Men tend to use harsh cleansing and scrubbing products, which strip the skin of natural oils and weaken the skin barrier, putting them at greater risk of developing acne,” Dr. Engelman says. “And when acne is present, they don’t go through the necessary steps to get rid of it in a safe, effective way.” Forgoing the classic 3-in-1 type of cleansers marketed towards men and opting for appropriate products is recommended.
When to consult a dermatologist
In some cases, adult acne in men may be a sign of underlying health conditions and severe hormonal balance. If you notice recurring rashes and pimples over an extended period of time, it is recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist for a professional diagnosis.
How to Treat and Prevent Acne
Dr. Engelman, Dr. Graf and Dr. Bhanusali detail several solutions to treat and prevent acne in adult men–from skincare ingredients to prioritize to lifestyle changes to consider.
Consider Seeing a Dermatologist
Consulting a board-certified dermatologist is recommended for those unfamiliar with skin care, as well as those seeking consistent treatment. “A dermatologist can help spot any visible issues and establish a skincare regimen tailored to your specific skin type,” Dr. Graf says. A professional will be able to prescribe medication and conduct in-office treatments if required.
Make Some Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes such as adjusting your diet or your exercise routine can be especially helpful in preventing acne. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and changing habits like smoking can be efficient solutions.
Use Clean Towels
“Using clean towels to dry your face can help prevent the further spread of bacteria,” Dr. Graf says. Don’t forget to change your sheets regularly and clean objects that you use regularly such as your phone, workout equipment or water bottle.
Make Washing Your Face a Priority
Washing your face in the morning and at night is essential, whether or not you have acne, Dr. Engelman notes. She recommends using a cleanser with salicylic or glycolic acid to help slough away dead skin cells that may clog pores and prevent breakouts. La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser contains salicylic acid to target acne and glycerin for a soothing and moisturizing effect.
If you wear makeup, Dr. Engelman recommends double cleansing. Use an oil cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin like Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil before following with your cleanser of choice.
Familiarize Yourself with The Right Products and Ingredients
There are specific products and ingredients you should know as they help target acne.
Retinoid. Dr. Bhanusali says everyone should consider using a retinoid as it helps with acne, texture, tone, wrinkles, scars and more. Retinoids are vitamin-A based skincare products that can be prescribed or bought over-the-counter like Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum.
Salicylic acid. This ingredient may be especially helpful in treating acne. Dr. Bhanusali recommends using products containing salicylic acid a few times a week “to help penetrate oil glands and decrease production.” Try using La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser or Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash with 2% Salicylic Acid.
Spot treatments. Consider using products targeting specific areas of the face and body that have acne, Dr. Engelman recommends. They should contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, found in Humane Acne Spot Treatment Gel, or adapalene, present in Differin Gel.
Exfoliating treatments. Regular treatments using chemical exfoliants promote cell turnover and help unclog pores, which is essential when treating and preventing adult acne in men, Dr. Engelman says. Try using Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads.
Do you need to use a toner?
Dr. Engelman suggests using a clarifying toner that contains salicylic or glycolic acid to help further relieve congestion and breakouts. It is important to note that doubling up on these ingredients after cleansing may lead to dryness. This step is optional and may be skipped if it dries your skin.
Don't Forget to Moisturize
Moisturizing is an essential step in both the morning and at night in order to treat and prevent acne. It helps maintain a balanced barrier function and lock in essential moisture. Try using a lightweight formula like Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion or Paula’s Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer. Dr. Engelman also recommends layering a vitamin C serum under your moisturizer like Glo Skin Beauty C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops. It will help fade dark spots and improve the appearance of fine lines.
Eye creams can be especially useful in keeping the eye area moisturized. Try using a lightweight formula if you have acne, like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream containing hyaluronic acid.
Always Use Sunscreen
Sun exposure is never beneficial to acne contrary to popular belief. Dr. Engelman recommends using an oil-free sunscreen to keep your skin protected without clogging your pores like Glo Skin Beauty Oil Free SPF 40+.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes acne in a 20-year-old man vs a 30-year-old man?
Dr. Graf says the same factors may cause acne in adult men regardless of their age, including lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, shaving methods and grooming routines. “In your 20s, oily skin tends to be the largest culprit,” Dr. Bhanusali adds. As men age, acne can be due to a variety of factors.
Are there differences between acne in men vs women?
It depends. “Women tend to have many hormonal causes of breakouts whereas men may just have more oily skin or more sweating on a daily basis,” Dr. Bhanusali says. Men may be more prone to getting acne on their shoulders, neck, chest and back than women because they have more sebaceous glands in those areas. “Higher androgen and testosterone levels are associated with male acne,” Dr. Graf says. Also, “many men shave and wax their chest and back hair which increases breakouts.”
Read the original article on Byrdie.