Acne Treatments for Men

Adult acne, although common, can leave you feeling embarrassed and self-conscious. For severe cases of acne, or acne that won't go away with at home treatments, the most important and effective thing you can do is see a dermatologist.

You'll also want to see a dermatologist before your acne leads to acne scars. If you do have acne scars, a dermatologist can offer new advances in laser treatments and peels that may reduce the appearance of scars. To get a better understanding of the causes of acne and options for acne remedies, read on.

What is Acne?

Acne vulgaris starts when oil and dead skin cells clog the pores in the skin, causing inflammation. Although acne usually starts in the teen years, many adults can experience acne later in life.

Contrary to what you may have heard, you won't get acne by eating chocolate or greasy foods. However, acne can ensue from using oily or heavy facial products that can clog the pores. Acne can manifest in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples or even more severe forms, like cystic lesions.

At Home Acne Treatments

Acne treatments at home are based around a simple cleansing and spot treatment process, but it's important to remember that anti-acne treatments take time - sometimes up to two months - so be patient.

If you're thinking about starting an at-home acne treatment plan:

• Consider a treatment with benzoyl peroxide. Though it may take weeks to work, benzoyl peroxide destroys the bacteria associated with acne.
• Consider a treatment with salicylic acid, which can help unclog the pores.
• Gently cleanse the face two to three times a day with lukewarm water and a gentle formula made specifically for acne prone skin.
• Stop squeezing or popping your pimples. Squeezing your pimples can lead to acne scars.

Anti-Acne Treatments From Your Dermatologist

Some forms of acne need to be treated by a medical professional, who can prescribe medications and offer advanced treatments.

You should also see a dermatologist if your acne hasn't cleared up with at home treatments in over two months, you develop acne scars or your acne started after you were prescribed a new medication by a doctor. A dermatologist can offer help with the following:

• A prescription of antibiotics can help reduce inflammation and rid the skin of the bacteria that causes acne.
• Dermabrasion and chemical peeling can help skin that has been scarred from acne. These processes remove surface skin, exposing undamaged layers.
• Laser acne treatments, like laser resurfacing, can work to literally burn away the scar tissue from acne scars.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology Staff. (2009). What is a dermatologist? Retrieved December 29, 2009, from the AAD Web site: http://www.aad.org/public/specialty/what.html.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2009). Over-the-counter acne products: What works and why. Retrieved March 16, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne-products/sn00039.