Although men get acne just as often as women, there are very few products offered that are specifically tailored for their needs.
For some reason, most cosmetic acne products are usually targeted for females. This is unfortunate because men generally know less about skin care than women do, so when they are hit with acne, they are often at a loss about what to do. For the purposes of this article, we are going to give some acne advice that is “for men only.”
Soften before shaving
Before you put that razor to your face, soften your facial skin and facial hair first by holding a soft, warm cloth to it for a few minutes. This will aid in removing dead skin and will also have a smoothing affect on your skin. Softening your skin before shaving will result in fewer nicks to your skin, particularly in the acne-affected areas. Nicking those areas with a razor serves to aggravate them and could contribute to them spreading to other areas of your face.
Protect your skin with sun-block lotion
If you find yourself in the sun very often (during work or play), be sure to use a good sun-block lotion or cream on your skin first. This will help to protect your skin from acne or other skin conditions. Look at the label of the sun block first, though, to ensure that it is non-comedogenic and has no oil. Skin products containing oil are not very good to use if you have acne because they will worsen the problem.
No drinking or smoking
Avoid using alcohol or tobacco products if at all possible. Both of these can result in bad circulation and pre-mature aging of the skin. They also both hinder the body’s ability to heal itself naturally and contribute to many diseases.
Eat a well-balanced diet
Pay close attention to your diet by consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Get adequate amounts of all of the necessary nutrients to keep your skin from aging pre-maturely and developing other diseases (such as acne).
Exercise
Make sure you get an adequate amount of exercise. It not only reduces stress and improves circulation, it also helps in the fight against acne.
Drink Water
Drink plenty of water each and every day (up to 8 glasses). Water keeps your skin hydrated and also cleans toxins and impurities from your body.
If you already have serious acne problems, see your dermatologist. He can prescribe medications specifically tailored to your needs. He also can offer solutions for skin that is already scarred by acne, such as peels or light therapy. There are all kinds of new acne solutions on the horizon and you might be a perfect candidate for one of them.