Teens of both sexes are prone to acne, with eight of every 10 youngsters suffering through bouts of pimples around the time of puberty. Women are more prone to acne problems in adulthood, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, but some men struggle with pimples throughout their 20s and beyond. Men get acne for a variety of reasons and can usually control it successfully.
Teen Acne
All adolescents, whether male or female, go through major hormonal changes as they become sexually mature. These hormones affect the body in various ways, including production of the skin oil called sebum. The skin naturally sheds dead cells, which mix with the sebum and are joined by bacteria. This blend blocks hair follicle openings, either partially or completely, resulting in a pimple. Some pimples are mild, while others get inflamed and fill with pus. The skin condition typically is treated with over-the-counter medications, although doctors have stronger remedies when self-treatments fail.
Adult Acne
Some men continue to get pimples throughout adulthood, often for the same reasons as teenage outbreaks. The oil glands sometimes continue to produce large amounts of sebum, even in young and middle-aged adults. Men also get acne because of stress or their environment. Males who work in damp environment around grease, oil or other chemicals are more prone to adult acne outbreaks, according to Netdoctor. The environmental grease blends with sebum, making pore blockages more likely. Showering as soon as possible after exposure helps prevent pimples, but men should use mild soaps or cleansers and avoid scrubbing off the grease or oil in pimple-prone areas. Vigorous scrubbing makes the skin more irritated and likely to break out.
Treatment
Adult men can treat acne with the same products used by male and female teenagers. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, the two most common acne remedy ingredients, work effectively for adult pimples. Salicylic acid works well in cleansers, while benzoyl peroxide is a good spot treatment, according to dermatologist Jeannette Graf. Men who do not get relief from over-the-counter creams and cleansers can get stronger preparations, antibiotics and other medications from a dermatologist.
Considerations
Acne in adult men can cause scars if left untreated, just as it can in male and female teenagers. Scars often are removable by a doctor through microdermabrasion or dermabrasion, depending on the severity of the mark. Other techniques, such as cortisone shots, laser skin resurfacing and surgical removal, are available for especially severe acne scars.
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