The #1 Skincare Mistake Men Make: Essential Acne Relief Tips for Men

Men, because of the dominant male hormone, testosterone, have thicker skin. So they - especially younger men - are more likely to have excessively oily skin. When this happens, acne incidents are usually more prevailing, more persistent and difficult to get rid of.

Based on subscribed stereotypes, many men chose a regimen that may actually be harming their skin instead of helping it.  Here's how to tell if you're one of those people, and how to steer clear of the #1 skincare mistake that men make that may make their breakouts worse.     

Cleaning your skin

Because of the intense oil production, it is VERY important for men to maintain skin (face and body) hygiene while not irritating and stripping their skin from all the skin oil. Washing excessively won't help you get clear skin. Taking showers after physical activity and washing your face in the morning and at night are essential.  There are highly effective ways to wash and moisturize skin that is prone to breakouts.  

Treating your skin: Here's the #1 skincare mistake that men make!

Men are less likely to reach out for an acne treatment, which leads to a more aggravating condition of chronic acne and often to acne scars - and this is one of the main reasons why it may take longer for a man to get rid of the breakouts. With more testosterone stimulating the sebaceous (oil) glands, men should start with an acne treatment for the face and body acne as soon as they see the symptoms.

Protecting your skin

Just because men have thicker skin doesn't mean they are less prone to skin problems including skin damage, skin cancer, premature aging or dry and sensitive skin. Many men forfeit the protection against those problems and end up injuring their skin just because of what they don't (or do) use on their skin. Many products that contain harsh chemicals, like salicylic acid or alchohol, can do more harm than good. The skin goes in to defense mode since ingredients like this can dry and irritate the skin - in turn, the sebaceous glands produce more oil, which is the exact opposite of what you want to happen!

Lifestyle effects on your skin

When blood sugar and insulin levels rise, whether from a poor diet or from stress, a serious increase in inflammatory body chemicals occurs. This reaction prompts the adrenal steroid level to rise, which prompts a rise in androgens to stimulate the sebaceous glands, resulting in a flare-up of acne.  Try as best you can not to add additional stress to your life, consider not drinking coffee or larger amounts of alcohol and beer. Drink plenty of water (especially on those business trips) and try to get atleast 6 hours of sleep per night.

Dealing with razor bumps and burns  

Many men find themselves with pimples and inflammation resulting from razor bumps and ingrown hairs caused by shaving. Using a chamomile astringent may help in preventing or soothing the inflammation. Also, opt for blades that give a very close shave, and avoid the harsh aftershave lotions and splashes. When the bumps and pimples prevail, treatment is needed.