Men's Acne Facts versus Fiction

MenScience gives the inside scoop on myths and facts about men's acne and acne treatments. How much do you really know about breakouts? Take our quiz and see for yourself!

1. Popping acne pimples makes them go away faster.

o True

o False

2. You should wash your face several times a day if you have acne.

o True

o False

3. Eating greasy or oily foods causes acne.

o True

o False

4. Tanning clears up acne in men's skin.

o True

o False

5. Where you work can affect your skin and cause acne.

o True

o False

6. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective ingredient for acne treatment.

o True

o False

7. Glycolic and Salicylic Acids are effective against acne.

o True

o False

8. If an acne medication causes your skin to get worse, you should stop using the acne product.

o True

o False

9. It takes 28 days for new cells to appear on the surface of men's skin.

o True

o False

10. Acne-prone men should use noncomedogenic products.

o True

o False

11. Perspiration cleanses skin.

o True

o False

12. Teenagers (not real men) get acne.

o True

o False

13. Only men with oily skin get acne.

o True

o False

14. Acne is caused by bacteria.

o True

o False

15. Using a face scrub can control acne.

o True

o False

16. Acne is no big deal.

o True

o False

ANSWER KEY:

1. FALSE: Popping pimples may seem to reduce their size, but it can actually aggravate blemishes by spreading bacteria, causing them to take longer to heal. Not only that, but popping or picking at pimples causes scars and dark spots to form.

2. FALSE: It's important to have a clean face, but washing your face with force several times a day can cause your skin to produce more oil to make up for the moisture being washed away. Not to mention skin will become red and irritated. Your best bet is to wash once or twice a day with a gentle liquid cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree extract.

3. FALSE: Pizza, chocolate and junk food have long been labeled "acne magnets," but there's very little scientific evidence to back up this claim. However, men should aim to eat a balanced diet full of vitamins from fruits and vegetables, and drink a lot of water for overall well-being.

4. FALSE: When you tan, dead cells build up on your skin's surface. This can often cause your pores to look tighter and the surface to look smoother. Tanning also masks redness caused by acne. However, once the tan disappears, you'll be left with greater outbreaks and darker acne scars and marks. Protect skin exposed to direct sunlight by regularly applying sunscreen (especially if using a treatment containing Benzoyl Peroxide).

5. TRUE: Men who work in places that put them in constant contact with grease and oil (restaurants and garages, for example) may find themselves breaking out more because oil creates an ideal environment for bacteria to reproduce. Although there's no simple way to rectify this, they should clean skin gently at least twice a day and try to keep their hands from their faces at all times.

6. TRUE: Benzoyl Peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient prescribed by dermatologists as the preferred topical medicine for safe treatment for acne. It clears acne-causing bacteria on the surface, absorbs excessive oils and clear pores, while promoting greater cell exfoliation and renewal. Doctors also prescribe Green Tea, Urea and Allantoin to help soothe acne-irritated skin. Because Benzoyl Peroxide has powerful antibacterial and exfoliating qualities, it may take some time for skin to get used to the treatment. Once skin has become accustomed to the treatment however, irritation, redness or dryness usually disappears. The best bet is to apply a small amount only once a day, and then increase frequency gradually over 5 - 6 days. If too much dryness occurs, decrease frequency and gradually increase again.

7. TRUE: Glycolic and Salicylic Acids work very effectively to exfoliate dead skin cells and clear pores. By reducing pore blockage, acne has less of a chance to form and breakouts are reduced. Exfoliation with gentle products that contain Glycolic and Salicylic Acids helps smooth and clean skin, while also reducing instances of ingrown hairs as well.

8. FALSE: During acne treatment, skin often seems to take a turn for the worse before it begins getting better. This is due in part to the need to become accustomed to a treatment and the exfoliating process of shedding dead skin cells. The important thing is to keep usage regular. If, however, skin remains irritated for a long period of time, stop acne treatment and consult a doctor.

9. TRUE: It takes new cells 28 days to form and move through the epidermal layer of skin to finally appear on the surface. This is why results are not always immediately apparent. Using a product with Glycolic Acid may accelerate this process and help clear away dead skin cells.

10. TRUE: Noncomedogenic means ingredients in the product do not clog pores or provoke acne. Although it's definitely recommended for men with oily skin, you should use non-irritating, noncomedogenic products no matter what skin type you have. All MenScience products have been developed by doctors and are noncomedogenic.

11. FALSE: Perspiration helps flush toxins from the body and maintains body temperature, but it does not cleanse skin at all. In fact, leaving sweat on your body can actually cause acne breakouts. Because of this, remember to take a shower or wash your face immediately after sweating heavily with a gentle cleanser several times a day.

12. FALSE: If only this were true! While acne outbreaks are often strongest during teen years (due to hormonal imbalances and improper skincare), acne can affect men their entire lives. Good skin health needs to be regularly maintained to avoid falling prey to blemishes.

13. FALSE: Acne can affect guys with any skin type, from dry to combination and even normal. Men with oily skin might be more susceptible to outbreaks, but they are by no means alone.

14. TRUE: Bacteria (P. acnes) play a big part in the creation of acne. Once a skin pore becomes clogged, acne bacteria begin to grow, causing blemishes to form. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective treatment for acne because it introduces oxygen into the bacteria, which kills it.

15. TRUE: Using a gentle exfoliating face scrub that contains Salicylic and Glycolic Acids can help clear pores of dirt and blockage, cutting down on the instances of acne. However, do not use a scrub if your acne is severe; it could aggravate your skin further.

16. TRUE....and FALSE: Acne is a painful, annoying condition, but it doesn't need to negatively affect your lifestyle. While healthy skin is something we should all aim for, an occasional pimple or breakout is nothing to freak out about and can be treated with the right acne products. Remember: almost everyone is affected by acne. By using the most effective acne products and skincare techniques, there's nothing to stop you from attaining a clear, healthy complexion.

SCORING:

13-16 Answers Correct: Acne Expert

9-12 Answers Correct: Good job! Add to your acne know-how with more tips.

5-8 Answers Correct: Knowledgeable, but check out our articles for more info.

0-4 Answers Correct: Needs work. Discover how to treat acne with our expert advice.

Deidra Garcia is a freelance writer and communications manager for MenScience Androceuticals, a men's skincare, grooming and nutritional company. You can find more articles by Deidra, as well as further tips and advice, at http://www.MenScience.com .

Acne - The Facts and the Myths

There are certain periods of our lives we rather forget. And acne is one of them. It can be an embarrassing phase which affects not only our skin but also affect our self confidence.

Acne is a common non-contagious skin condition relating to blocked skin pores that results in skin lesions. It affects most of us at sometime during our lifetime, more commonly during our teenage years. It can be grouped broadly into two main categories: 1) Non-inflammatory acne: Here acne lesions appear as whiteheads (closed comedones) or blackheads (open comedones). When bacteria and sebum are trapped in the pores below the skins surface, they appear as white spots and are known as 'whiteheads'. When the pore opens up to the surface of the skin and the contents gets oxidized and turns black, the lesions are then known as 'blackheads'. 2) Inflammatory acne: Here the acne lesions are inflamed and may appear as papules, pustules, cysts, nodules. With nodules being the most severe.

Incidence:

o Majority of acne cases occur between 10-17 years in females, and 14-19 years in males.

o But late onset acne can sometimes occur in persons 25 years old or older. Some women develop acne in their 30 & 40's often with pre-menstrual exacerbations.

o The incidence of acne is actually lower in Asians and blacks, and even rarer in China.

o It can occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders.

Myths about Acne:

1. Acne is NOT caused by chocolate or fatty foods.

2. Acne is NOT caused by poor personal hygiene (otherwise we would have acne between our toes too)

3. Acne is NOT caused by diet. Foods do not cause acne.

4. Acne is NOT caused by masturbation

5. Acne is NOT improved by sun exposure.

The Pathogenesis of Acne:

By pathogenesis we mean how does a condition develop? Acne is caused by a complex interaction between the sex hormones known as androgens and bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes), along with abnormal keratinisation in the hair follicles of individuals ( usually on the face, neck, chest and back).

The androgens (usually in normal amounts) stimulate the sebaceous glands of the hair follicles to produce increased amount of sebum. Normally the sebum journeys along the hair follicle to the surface of the skin keeping it soft and supple. However in the development of acne, the combination of the increased amount of sebum, with the abnormal hyperkeratinisation of the lining of the follicle results in the plugging of the pore opening. This is known as a closed comedo (whitehead). If the plug gets exposed to the skin surface and is oxidised, it is called an open comedone (blackhead). The bacteria in these follicles act on the sebum which leads to a sterile inflammatory response.

Within the follicle the bacteria continue to multiply and act on the sebum, releasing large amounts of inflammatory chemicals. The follicle walls continue to distend and may break, leading to the release of the contents into the surrounding dermis. The body mounts an intense inflammatory reaction that may result in papules, pustules or nodules which we commonly recognise as the lesions of acne.

Factors that may cause or aggravate adult acne:

1. Drugs such as: Lithium, topical or systemic corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, certain types of oral contraceptive pills (oestrogen-dominant oral contraceptive pills may improve acne, while Oral contraceptive pills which contains a progestin with significant androgenic activity may aggravate acne).

2. Occupation: exposure to acnegenic mineral oils, halogenated hydrocarbons, dioxin, others.

3. Genetic Factors: Severe acne may be associated with XYY syndrome.

4. Cosmetic Induced: Certain cosmetics have ingredients that are comedogenic and may block the hair follicle openings (pore) on the skin, leading to bacterial proliferation and resultant inflammatory process with the follicle.

5. Occlusion or pressure acne: Any impermeable material worn on the skin for prolonged period of time can cause acne. Also materials that are in constant contact with the skin and cause friction or maceration can lead to acne. Occupational acne is most commonly seen in soldiers who develop acne where their bare flesh is in constant contact with their rucksacks and other equipment which they carry for prolonged periods of time. It may also be seen in person involved in regular bondage or fetish activities which involves the use outfits made of leather, rubber or PVC.

6. Emotional stress can exacerbate acne.

Severity of Acne:

Mild to Moderate Acne: It is the most common from of acne. Mild to moderate acne may have a combination of acne spots, such as whiteheads, blackheads, papules (red spots) and even pustules (a white or yellow pus filled centre surrounded by an inflamed red circle.

Severe Acne: Nodules and Cysts are the main lesions. Nodules appear has hard painful bumps beneath the skin and can take months to heal, and scarring is common. Cysts, like nodules are painful, but are pus filled and larger (more than 5mm in diameter) in size. They too commonly heal with scarring.

Treatment of Acne:

Whether acne occurs in teenagers or adults, the treatment is dependent upon the severity of the lesions and psychological impact it has on the individual. Acne can very broadly be classified as mild acne, moderate acne or severe acne. For mild acne topical treatments are the first line of therapy. In moderate cases along with the topical treatment, oral antibiotics may be added. In severe cases oral retinoid may be prescribed after blood test and close supervision by the treating dermatologist (as side effects with such a treatment can be serious).

Over the counter products for acne treatment:

1. Benzoyl peroxide gels or creams are the most popular over the counter topical treatment for acne. They are effective in treating comedonal and papulopustular acne. Improvements occur over a period of months.

2. Topical preparations containing Salicylic acid helps to correct abnormal shedding of skin cells and unclog pores. Like benzoyl peroxide it needs to be used regularly otherwise pores may become blocked when treatment is stopped. It is found in many over the counter products such as lotions, creams and gels. It may be irritating to the skin.

3. Topical preparations containing nicotinamide has been shown to help to treat acne.

4. Natural remedy: Tea tree oil has been shown to have anti-microbial activity and that is probably why it is popular among those who want a 'natural' treatment. Unfortunately only a few studies have been done, so its actual effect on acne is still unclear. But one study that compared tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide found it to improve acne but was not as effective as benzoyl peroxide.

5. Turmeric creams have been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat acne.

Avoid:

Avoid products that contain ingredients that are may irritate your skin (e.g. Acetone, Algin, Laureth 4, Octyl stearate, etc), or contain comedogenic ingredients (e.g. Acetylated Lanolin, cocoa butter, Potassium chloride, Sodium Lauryl sulphate, etc). The presence of a comedogenic ingredient does not mean it will cause comedone because it also depends on the formula and what is its intended use. For instance a cleanser will remain on the face for a short time compared to a moisturiser. The list is extensive but only a few have been mentioned here.

What would a dermatologist prescribe?

If the topical over the counter remedies do not work, then a dermatologist after evaluating the severity of the acne lesions and the psychological condition of the patient may prescribe:

1. Mild Acne: Topical antibiotic or topical retinoid creams.

2. Moderate Acne: In addition to a topical treatment, an oral antibiotic may be added.

3. Severe Acne: Isotretinoin is a powerful retinoid drug that is usually reserved for severe acne, which has failed to respond to all other treatments. It inhibits sebaceous gland function and inhibits keratinisation and has proved to be very effective for severe acne. But it does have serious side effects and thus must be closely monitored by your dermatologist. Pregnancy must be avoided at all costs while on this treatment.

In conclusion I want to say that Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that affects almost everyone of us at some in our lives. Most of us experience it during our teenage years while a few of us experience it during our adult life. But at whatever age it decides to pay us a visit, it affects us in more ways than one.

Dr Tuhin Dev is a skincare expert, entrepreneur and founder of Dr Tuhin Dev Skin Care Ltd, which is based in the United Kingdom. To learn more about him and what he does please visit http://www.drtuhindev.co.uk. If you enjoyed this article, you can find other articles written by him at http://blog.drtuhindev.co.uk.