The Grooming Manual
6 Do’s and Don’ts to Prevent Adult Acne
Wouldn’t it be great if you could just magically whisk acne away? Poof. Gone!
Not in the real world. Many guys struggle with adult acne long after their socially awkward teenage years are gone. It’s nothing to be ashamed of - it’s quite common in both men and women. But it’s also something you can prevent with healthy lifestyle changes and a solid skincare for men routine.
Want to prevent the majority of adult acne problems? Follow these 6 do’s and don’ts.
Do: Wash your face twice daily.
Don’t: Use a harsh soap.
Use a natural face wash for men each morning and evening for the best results. Avoid traditional soap bars and other cheap soaps that contain moisture-sapping detergents. They leave your skin clean, sure - but also tight, dry, and prone to aging.
Do: Moisturize after washing.
Don’t: Forget the sunscreen.
Even when using a gentle face wash for men, you need to always hydrate your skin immediately after washing. Use a dab of face moisturizer for men, spreading it all over your face. This locks in moisture, prevents dehydration, and nourishes your skin for a healthy, radiant skin tone.
If your’e going to spend any time outdoors, don’t skip the sunscreen. Yes, even on cloudy winter days. UV damage is one of the leading causes of early aging and skin damage. You don’t want acne - but you don’t want premature wrinkles and sun spots either.
Do: Use a face mask each week.
Don’t: Overdo it. Twice a week at the most.
Face masks get a bad rep sometimes. You imagine some lady in a spa, slathered in mud with cucumbers over her eyes. The reality is quite different.
A natural face mask for men with kaolin clay and activated charcoal is a powerful way to fight adult acne for men. Spread it gently over your skin, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, then wash it off. You’ll be getting acne-causing bacteria off your skin and out of your pores. That removes blackheads, prevents breakouts, and refreshes your skin for an overall better appearance.
Do: Exfoliate 2-3 times each week.
Don’t: Scrub the dry areas of your face.
Exfoliate your skin with the best face scrub for men 2-3 times each week. This eliminates dead skin cell buildup and gets rid of other pore-clogging debris. The result is a brighter complexion with fewer breakouts. Scrub before you shave for a closer, irritation-free experience.
Be careful though - you don’t want too much of a good thing. Don’t scrub hard on the dry areas of your face. Rub on the scrub lightly, being sure to cover your oiliest parts - like your forehead and T-zone.
Do: Eat better.
Don’t: Pig out on sugary snacks.
This shouldn’t come as a major surprise. A healthy, balanced diet will help reduce your struggles with adult acne. Keep track of what you eat and look for foods that trigger breakouts. Then avoid them and see if it helps improve your skin.
One thing is for sure - processed foods and sugar cause inflammation that will only worsen your acne. So work to reduce your dependency on junk food and sugar snacks.
Do: Drink lots of water.
Don’t: Substitute water for soft drinks.
Water is essential for life. Duh, right? But some guys forget all about drinking water. Instead, they fill up on sugary sodas and sweet, creamy coffee drinks. The results are not in favor of your acne-reduction goals.
Drink water - not soda, not over-sweetened processed juice - water. It keeps your skin hydrated without causing inflammation.
Do: Sleep 7-8 hours each night.
Don’t: Forget to wash your sheets regularly.
It’s last on the list because it might be the hardest to comply with. But more sleep is so important for your skin - and health in general.
Just make sure you’re washing your sheets regularly. Get out of that bad college habit of going months with the same nasty sheets and pillow cases. They get covered in dead skin, sweat, and bacteria. Which you then lie your face on all night. Acne ensues. No surprise.
Adult acne sucks. So do something about it! Follow these do’s and don’ts and you’re sure to notice an improvement. Be patient, follow a skincare routine for men with acne, and stay focused on your goal of clearer skin.