Acne Treatments for Men
Acne is a skin condition typically associated with those awkward teen years when appearance starts to become a concern for people of both genders. However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, adult acne can affect grown men as well and may be noted in one's 30s, 40s and even 50s and older. There are many effective acne treatments for men, but when your acne won't go away using over-the-counter topical treatments, you may need some help from a dermatologist.
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Will You Get Acne?
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Here's the bad news: according to the AAD, almost 50 percent of all adults experience acne. However, the good news for men is that adult acne is more likely to affect women more than men. One of the factors that causes acne is increased sebum (oil), which is a result of changing or fluctuating hormones. Women, who experience these changes during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, are more likely candidates for adult acne. However, men aren't immune to getting adult or late-onset acne. According to Dr. Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist, you may simply be genetically predisposed to acne. Stress may also be a factor as well.
Good Hygiene
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When it comes to preventing acne at home, the same rules apply to men as they do to women: start with good hygiene. The AAD recommends cleansing acne-afflicted skin twice daily using a mild cleanser and only the fingertips or hands. Washcloths and Buff Puffs, coarse in texture, can actually cause the skin to produce more oil--thereby exacerbating your problems. There are numerous niche brand acne treatments for men that are marketed specifically to male consumers, such as Anthony Logistics and Zihr, there are numerous drugstore products that can help men accomplish the same goal. The Mayo Clinic advises looking for acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or a combination of sulfur and resorcinol or alcohol and acetone. Some of these can be drying, so start with milder over-the-counter treatments first.
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Prescription Treatments
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According to the Mayo Clinic, it can take between six to eight weeks before men using drugstore treatments can expect to see mild acne cured. However, when acne is moderate to moderately severe, a prescription topical or oral medication may be more appropriate. Prescription topicals address some causes of acne. Antimicrobials reduce the bacteria that causes acne, and retinoids prevent clogged pores by encouraging the sloughing of dead skin cells. But oral antibiotics, a mainstay in the treatment of acne for teenagers and adult men, is also an option. Light and laser therapies can also help resolve acne; however, these are usually most effective when paired with other treatments, such as antibiotics or topical applications.
Help For Severe Acne
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According to the AAD, if your acne is severe--if you notice deep cysts or nodules--you need a dermatologist's help. This type of acne can cause disfiguration and scarring. Individual cysts can be addressed through in-office procedures, such as draining, surgical excision or injections of a dilute corticosteroid. However, the most effective treatment for this type of acne is an oral medication called isotretinoin, which is taken daily for 14 to 20 weeks, after which severe acne resolves in most people, be they teens or adults, men or women. Isotretinoin is a strong medication, and it might not be the right course of treatment for all men, as it can affect cholesterol levels and liver function. Men who opt for isotretinoin are monitored closely by their physicians during the course of treatment, as this medication can sometimes cause severe side-effects, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, severe diarrhea and diminished vision and hearing.
When To See a Dermatologist
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Acne can have a profound effect on a man's self-esteem and confidence, just as it did when he was a teen. If your acne has an effect on the way you perceive yourself--as well as your social interactions--don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. According to the AAD, while adult acne takes longer to resolve, treatment is more effective when you work with a dermatologist toward an effective resolution.
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