6 simple steps to combat acne for men

It's not a controversial statement: Acne is awful. It was awful when you struggled with it in high school. It didn't help you in college either. And if it's still haunting your skin as an adult, it's still awful.

Some men have stubborn acne. This is especially true for those who are prone to acne – like those with oily skin. While you can’t change your skin type, there are a number of simple ways to combat acne. Use these 6 tips for better skin and fewer breakouts.

 

1 - Don't touch your face

Your dirty hands are full of bacteria and other impurities that can clog your pores. If you start your skincare routine with a cleanser and moisturizer designed for men in the morning, your skin will stay clean and clear in most circumstances. But your hands – not so much.

In your daily routine, your hands come into contact with all sorts of dirt. Then you scratch your face. Or you rub your eyes. Or you wipe your forehead. Or you pick your chin. And these bacteria get access to your skin. That's a problem.

If you have a habit of touching your face, work on overcoming this instinct. You'll help keep your skin healthy and reduce the frequency of acne. And regardless, get into the habit of washing your hands frequently. This will improve not only your skin, but the health of your entire body.

 

2 - Clean your sheets and pillowcases

Your face spends several hours on your pillow every night. If it's full of bacteria, your chances of developing acne skyrocket. So do yourself a favor (in many ways) and keep your sheets and pillowcases clean.

Unfortunately, young single men have gotten a bad rap for never changing their sheets. If you're used to going weeks (or longer) without changing your sheets, it's time to grow up. Change them about once a week to prevent acne-causing bacteria from growing.

To really prevent acne, you need to keep your face clean at night. So before you get into fresh sheets, use a men's cleanser and face cream. If you're starting to notice wrinkles and crow's feet, a men's anti-aging routine that you apply every night before bed can help.

 

3 - Shave smartly

Are you constantly struggling with breakouts because of your shaving routine? You need to shave smarter. Use these tips to get a smooth, clean shave that won't leave behind any breakouts or irritation.

Change your blades often. Too many men use their razors for too long. Whether you use a disposable safety razor or a multi-blade razor, you need to change your blades often. The warm, moist space between the blades is especially fertile ground for acne-causing bacteria. If you use the same blade too often, you're already inviting bacteria into your skin.

Wash and exfoliate first. Using a men's cleanser before shaving will remove bacteria and other impurities from your skin. Then use a men's exfoliant to cleanse deeper. It removes dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil from pores, preventing them from becoming irritated or causing post-shave breakouts.

Use shaving foam or shaving cream. Don't let your morning shave ruin your day. You need to find a complete approach to shaving that leaves you with comfortable, blemish-free skin. Some men find pre-shave oil works best. Others prefer a non-foaming shaving cream. And men with extra-sensitive skin can even use both. The key is to find the right products for your situation.

Finish with an aftershave. Don't just shave, rinse, and go. This exposes your skin to significant irritation. The problem is that aftershaves that contain alcohol are even worse. Alcohol dries out your skin, causing irritation and redness. Swap it out for an alcohol-free aftershave that will soothe and moisturize your freshly shaved skin.

 

4 - Beware of caffeine, sugar and alcohol

Your skin needs to stay hydrated to look its best. Staying well hydrated also helps your skin fight acne. So drinking plenty of water is great for your skin. But caffeine and alcohol dehydrate your body. And sugar can cause inflammation.

Some men find a link between their skin rashes and their consumption of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. If this is true for you, cut back on these dehydrating beverages. Switch to decaffeinated tea when you crave a warm beverage. Limit your alcohol intake. Replace sugary sodas with healthier alternatives—like water, sparkling water, and natural fruit juice.

 

5 - Wear sweat-wicking clothes

Sweating during exercise is great for your health and figure. But if you have oily skin or are prone to acne, it can lead to breakouts. What can you do?

Make sure you wear sweat-wicking materials while exercising. These will wick sweat away from your skin and reduce the amount of time you spend in sweat, dirt, and bacteria.

What else can you do? Shower immediately after your workout. The sooner you take off your dirty clothes and wash the dirt off your skin with a natural men's body wash, the better.

 

6 - Follow a daily skin care routine

Following a daily skin care routine can help prevent breakouts. Try this simple, three-step routine every morning if you have oily skin:

Cleansing. Use a men's cleanser specifically designed for men with oily skin. It should be light-foaming and leave your skin feeling clean—not dry or tight.

Toning. Choose a gentle cleanser that removes impurities from beneath the skin's surface. Avoid products with alcohol. Don't overuse it; toner is great for controlling oil production, but too much can be drying.

Hydration. Finish with a men's face cream. This will protect your skin from drying out and form a barrier that keeps bacteria at bay. For men with oily skin, a lightweight, oil-free, fast-absorbing moisturizer will work best.