Did you think acne would end with your teen years? If pimples and breakouts have been troubling you as a grown man, know that over 40% of males over the age of 20 still suffer from acne. It’s all down to a reason too! Here are 5 causes for your adult acne as a grown man and what to do about it.
1. Stress
Stress can affect more than just your mind! Acne and pimples are a result of stress on the skin. Anxiety can increase cytokines which send a chemical signal to your skin to produce more oil. The more oil or sebum you have, the higher the chances of breaking out into pimples.
What can you do about it: The usual ways of reducing stress – physical activity, plenty of sleep and meditation can help. When it comes to your skin, always keep a spot correcting product like Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion at hand. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, Calamine and other quick-drying ingredients, it helps shrink whiteheads virtually overnight, while you sleep.
2. You’re eating all the wrong stuff
A diet high in refined carbs like flour or sugar can promote oil production and eventually acne. This doesn’t apply just to fast food! You’ll find that energy bars and sports bars often have large quantities of sugar that can trigger acne breakouts.
What can you do about it: Dermatologists often suggest a diet low in refined carbs, dairy and sugar to stave pimples off your skin. A low glycemic diet or one that incorporates whole grains, and ample fruits and vegetables will help keep your skin clear. You can also consider adding supplements with Vitamins A, B6 and Zinc for the maintenance of healthy skin.
3. You’re avoiding moisturiser
We get how hot it is, and with skin that is susceptible to breakouts, moisturising it further maybe the last thing on your mind. Contrary to what it may seem, using a moisturiser does not add more oil to your skin. When you skip hydrating the skin, it starts to produce extra sebum to compensate for this dryness. As this vicious cycle continues, your pores start to clog and that results in breakouts. When you use a solid hydration product, it ensures your skin is moist and stops it from going into over-production mode.
What can you do about it: Two words – hydrating and non-comedogenic. Look for moisturisers that are meant for hydration but formulated to not clog pores on the skin.
4. Your shaving technique is amiss
Notice ingrown hair and painful bumps on your face? While this may be acne, chances are they are a result of improper shaving technique or basic hygiene. Always remember to use a clean razor when you shave. When you feel your face is inflamed or has a case of ingrown hair, take a break from any exfoliants and give your skin some time to recover.
What can you do about it: Always remember to clean your face and well. For those who suffer from acne, breakouts and shaving bumps often, try cleansers that come with Salicylic Acid. BHA’s like Salicylic Acid penetrate deep inside the skin’s pores, unclog any excess oil and prevent breakouts and blackheads. You can also try moving to an electric razor if shaving bumps are a constant struggle.
5. Your glasses, phone or pillowcase is dirty
Sometimes the state of your skin comes down to its touchpoints. Often compares to toilet seats, phone screens are known to pick up tons of bacteria on them. Each time your phone hits your face, acne-inducing bacteria connect with your skin. In fact, this is why you’ll find that one side of your face tends to get more breakouts than the other!
The same rules apply to your glasses and pillowcase, where groups of bacteria can hover and stay for days.
What can you do about it: Make it a habit to use antibacterial wipes on everything you touch – phone, glasses etc. Pillowcases should be washed regularly, even when they don’t look dirty. Finally, move to using headphones or ear buds instead of using your phone when taking calls.
