Upwards of 50 million people in the U.S. battle acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology – and a quarter of those with acne are adult men.

 

Why is it so prevalent in men’s skin and how do you treat it?

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Men’s skin is a hormone sensitive organ that is constantly affected by testosterone, stimulating more sebum production, making it oilier, and shinier with open pores.

 

The sweat composition of a man’s skin is also slightly different,

containing more lactic acid which contributes to its acidity with a pH of 4.5, producing an acid mantle which is a combination of

oily fats and perspiration.

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Acne is caused when the skin's oil glands become overactive and produce too much oil, which, along with dry skin cells, clogs the pores.

 

Bacteria accumulates in the clogged pores, triggering inflammation. The excess oil production normally happens around puberty and can last well into adulthood.