The best acne treatments for men

While we often associate acne with adolescence, puberty, and hormones, it is a skin condition that can follow men into adulthood (Collier, 2008).  

Fortunately, there are treatments available that are successful at clearing up the skin and minimizing the appearance of those pesky pimples and blackheads. 

Read on to learn more about the best acne treatments for men.

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Acne is the result of sebum (your body’s natural oil) and dead skin cells clogging the hair follicles (pores), causing inflammation and skin breakouts anywhere on the body, but often on the face, neck, back, and chest. Acne can present itself in a number of ways. It might show up as (AAD-a, n.d.):

• Blackheads and whiteheads: clogged pores caused by a buildup of excess oil and dead skin cells

• Zits (pimples): inflamed pores

• Cysts and Nodules: pus-filled pimples causing tenderness and pain due to inflammation 

Adult acne in men is commonly triggered by fluctuations in the hormone testosterone, which activates oil glands causing blocked pores and acne breakouts (Makrantonaki, 2011). 

The good news is that acne can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medication and the right skincare routine. Since everyone experiences acne differently, there are various treatment options depending on skin type and severity of symptoms. 

A licensed dermatologist can suggest the best acne treatment for your skin type, typically consisting of one or more of the following acne products. 

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a common acne-fighting ingredient found in over-the-counter facial cleansers. It is a popular antiseptic that kills bacteria and reduces inflammation while eliminating whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples (Del Rosso, 2008). 

You’ll need to keep using it consistently, and it may take a couple of weeks before you see improvement. Sometimes it is combined with other topical or oral treatments. Side effects include skin irritation, staining or bleaching of fabric, and allergic reactions (Zaenglein, 2016). 

Salicylic acid

Facial cleansers containing salicylic acid are frequently used to clear up milder forms of acne. Salicylic acid is a hydroxy acid (more on those below) that acts as an exfoliating agent, effectively breaking down oil and dead skin cells that clog the pores (Woodruff, 2013). 

Many OTC face wash products contain salicylic acid. They can be used a couple of times a day, but you may want to start slowly and build up how often you use them. 

Other hydroxy acids 

Hydroxy acids, including alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), are agents that eliminate the top layer of dead skin cells and stimulate new skin cell growth (Moghimipour, 2012). Hydroxy acids are found in many OTC facial washes, toners, creams, and acne spot treatments. They can be found on the ingredient label as:

• Glycolic acid (AHA)

• Lactic acid (AHA)

• Salicylic acid (BHA)

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, and it may come with anti-inflammatory properties that improve skin function, prevent infection, and promote skin hydration. While its primary function is to reduce the signs of aging, it is also found to reduce acne symptoms (Walocko, 2017).

Niacinamide is found in many acne skin care products containing benzoyl peroxide. Topical niacinamide’s most common side effects are itchiness, redness, mild burning, and irritation (Rolfe, 2014).

Topical retinoids 

Retinoids are acne medications that stem from vitamin A and are commonly used to treat acne symptoms, including whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. They are also effective in reducing the signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. 

Common retinoids include:

• Tretinoin: The most common retinoid, tretinoin works by unclogging pores and stimulating new skin cell growth.

• Retinol: A mild retinoid used to reduce signs of aging, it is most effective at treating acne when combined with other ingredients. 

• Adapalene: This retinoid is available OTC in low concentrations and often has milder side effects. 

While tretinoin is found in prescription acne products, retinol and adapalene are found in many OTC facial products used to treat oily skin and mild acne. 

Topical and oral antibiotics 

When over-the-counter acne skincare products don’t effectively treat acne, a dermatologist often prescribes topical or oral antibiotics to treat severe acne symptoms.

Clindamycin is a popular prescription topical antibiotic that kills bacteria and minimizes inflammation and swelling. It is often prescribed with acne products containing benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids (Zaenglin, 2016).

Oral antibiotics are used to systemically treat severe acne and work by killing the bacteria in clogged pores reducing inflammation and the appearance of pimples and cystic acne. 

Common oral antibiotics used to treat acne in men include (Zaenglin, 2016):

• Tetracycline

• Doxycycline

• Azithromycin

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is a potent oral retinoid used to treat the most severe cystic and nodule-producing acne that hasn’t responded well to other types of treatment. 

Men using isotretinoin are monitored by a dermatologist because it can cause several side effects, including (AAD-b, n.d.; Pile, 2021):

• Chapped or dry lips (cheilitis)

• Dry and itchy skin

• Dry eyes  

• Thinning hair

• Trouble seeing at night

• Muscle or joint pain

• Stomach issues

Having a consistent skincare routine is essential for combating acne and keeping your skin clear and healthy. 

A few tips for  preventing breakouts if you have acne-prone skin include (AAD-c, n.d.):

• Wash your face twice and day and after sweating.

• Use alcohol-free products that are gentle on your skin. 

• Use your fingertips to apply a cleanser instead of a washcloth or sponge.

• Avoid touching your face.

• Wear sunscreen every day and avoid tanning beds.

• Apply an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate your skin.

Acne scar treatments 

Acne scars happen because of the tissue-destroying inflammation that accompanies a bad breakout. Acne scars can also be a common source of embarrassment, low self-esteem, and depression. 

Thankfully, various treatment options are available to minimize the appearance of acne scars, allowing you to achieve clear skin and boost self-confidence (Gozali, 2015).  

Acne scar treatment options include (Gozali, 2015):

• Chemical peels to remove the topmost layers of your skin to improve the look or feel of your skin

• Dermabrasion to mechanically remove damaged skin and help smooth out scars by essentially sanding down the skin

• Laser treatments to create controlled injury so that the skin heals the damaged area

• Skin needling to create micro punctures in the skin 

• Punch excision, which is an incision-based surgery for deep scars that uses skin grafts to repair scar tissue 

Adult acne is common in men. Although it can affect self-confidence, acne is a highly treatable skin condition with several different acne products for every skin type, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. 

For mild acne, establishing a consistent skincare routine using OTC facial washes containing benzoyl peroxide and hydroxy acid can help clear up and prevent acne symptoms. If you have severe acne that does not respond to OTC products, seeking the help of a healthcare provider to prescribe topical and oral antibiotics or possibly an isotretinoin regimen can put you on the path to clearer skin.

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Current version

June 16, 2022

Written by

Amy Isler

Fact checked by

Felix Gussone, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Felix Gussone, MD, Ro

Felix Gussone is a physician, health journalist and a Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.