Man versus zit
Most men experience their first pimples around puberty. While many see their skin clear up as they hit adulthood, not everyone is that lucky. For some, adulthood brings a decrease in the frequency of breakouts, though the acne never really goes away. Others get their first flares as adults, a condition known as ‘adult-onset acne’.
No matter where you stand on the acne spectrum, pimple management can be a struggle. So, it is important to understand how acne forms:
Natural oils (like sebum) and water from the sweat glands travel to the outer layers of the skin through millions of tiny hair follicles. The openings of the follicles on the skin’s surface are called pores. All is good so long as the pores remain clear.
The trouble starts when the pores get blocked by dirt, excess oil, and dead skin. Now that sebum and sweat can no longer travel to the surface, pressure builds within the follicles. The follicle walls get stretched, resulting in whiteheads and blackheads. Acne bacteria can multiply in these blockages, leading to inflamed acne lesions.
Control breakouts with acne cream
Here’s the thing: If you have skin, you need skincare. Gender has nothing to do with it. If you have acne, start by finding the right pimple cream for your skin.
Step 1: Identify your skin type
Cleanse your face with a face wash and wait a bit to see how you feel. If the skin seems to pull or feel tight, you have dry skin. If you notice some shine or greasiness, your skin is oily. Normal skin is somewhere in between, feeling neither tight nor oily. When shopping for acne creams, look for products that suit your skin type.
Step 2: Check your acne severity
Mild to moderate cases of acne feature whiteheads, blackheads, and a smattering of small pimples. Such breakouts usually respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) formulas. If your acne is severe, marked by large and painful swellings, consulting a dermatologist is the best option.
(Read our guide on the different grades of acne.)
Step 3: Always read the packaging
Acne creams don’t have to be super-expensive to be effective. What matters is the formula. That’s why it is important to check the product packaging for a list of active ingredients. Here are some acne-fighting ingredients that really work:
- Retinoids: Many OTC products are infused with these Vitamin A derivatives. Retinoids clear up acne lesions and control the skin’s oil levels too.
- Benzoyl peroxide: A common ingredient in many OTC acne-treatment formulas, benzoyl peroxide inhibits acne bacteria and reduces the redness and swelling of acne lesions.
- Hydroxy acids: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) clear blocked pores by sloughing off dirt and dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are hydroxy acids that feature in many OTC acne creams.
Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and hydroxy acids can help lighten and remove pimple marks as well. That’s something to keep in mind when shopping for an acne scar removal cream for men. (Here are tips for getting acne scars to fade away fast.)
While you’re at it, ensure that your pimple cream does not contain additives like parabens and sulphates. These ingredients could irritate the skin, leaving you with more breakouts than before. Also, avoid products containing alcohol as they could dry out the skin excessively.
Take it easy with Clearica Anti-Acne Cream
Reading ingredient lists can feel like a chore. The good news? You don’t have to do that anymore. Clearica Anti-Acne Cream features four powerhouse plant-based ingredients to beat acne: green tea, eucalyptus leaves, guava leaves, and phragmites karka. This one pimple cream can be your entire army in the battle against breakouts.
Formulated for men and women, the cream is lightweight and suitable for all skin types. Simply take a pea-sized amount of Clearica Anti-Acne Cream and apply it all over your freshly cleansed face. Massage in lightly, using upward strokes. Once the cream is absorbed, follow up with a moisturiser that suits your skin.
Regular use is the key to good results here. In time, lesions will look less inflamed, redness will reduce, and your skin will start to clear up. The formula is gentle on the skin but tough enough to stop acne in its tracks. The blemishes really do melt away!
Disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation or for diagnostic purposes. Please consult your dermatologist or doctor before acting on any of the information provided here.