Acne. It's a skin affliction that affects adolescents, but it can stubbornly hang in (or resurface for the first time!) after puberty and stick to men as much as women. Although popularly considered a teen affliction, hormonal imbalances, stress, diet, and even genetic predisposition can cause breakouts at any age. At Bravado, we care about the frustrations that acne can cause. We are here to help you navigate the world of men's skincare with effective strategies and great products designed to combat acne, allowing you to have clear, healthy-looking skin.
Understanding the Culprits Behind Men's Acne
Men's skin differs in a few key ways from women's. Thanks to higher testosterone levels, it tends to be thicker, oilier, and have larger pores. This can make men more prone to acne. Here's a breakdown of some common acne triggers:
Excess Sebum Production: Sebum is the skin's natural oil. While it's essential for moisturising skin, overproduction can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Dead Skin Cells: Dead skin cells that are not shed properly mix with sebum and create a breeding ground for bacteria in the pores.
Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a bacterium that feeds on clogged pores and contributes to inflammation and redness that is associated with acne.
Hormones: Hormonal imbalances, particularly during puberty but also throughout adult life, can stimulate the production of sebum and contribute to acne.
Stress: Stress can cause acne since it increases the level of inflammation and affects hormones.
Diet: The research between diet and acne is ongoing, but most research indicates that high-glycemic foods and dairy trigger breakouts for some people.
Genetics: Unfortunately, you may be prone to acne if it runs in your family.
Bad Hygiene Habits: Failure to clean your face often, overusing products containing harsh chemicals, or squeezing and popping blemishes are sure ways to increase acne.
Establishing a Potent Anti-Acne Routine with Bravado
Fortunately, acne can be controlled, especially when taken the right way. Consistent skincare is necessary. Bravado has its own set of skincare products tailored to male skin care for effective combating of acne.
Cleanse Smart: Washing your face twice a day is crucial. Use a gentle cleanser like the Bravado Reboot Face Wash. It's designed to remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier. Avoid harsh soaps that can dry out your skin and worsen acne.
Exfoliate Frequently Gently: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, which cause clogged pores. Use a gentle scrub or natural exfoliant, like the Bravado Exfolio Face Scrub, 2-3 times a week. However, do not overdo it, as this will irritate your skin even more and cause worse acne.
Treat with Targeted Solutions: For active breakouts, use a spot treatment containing ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Bravado is currently developing a targeted acne treatment, so stay tuned!
Moisturise Daily: Oily skin, too, needs hydration. Use a light oil-free moisturiser to moisturize your body, such as Bravado Hydra Soft Body Lotion, which will help maintain the skin's balance so that it will not over-produce oil that could cause more breakouts.
Sun Protection is Essential: Sun exposure can worsen acne and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which are dark marks left behind after a pimple heals. Use Bravado Radiance Pro Day Cream every day, even on cloudy days.
Beyond Products: Lifestyle Tips for Clearer Skin
While appropriate products are the key, lifestyle change can also contribute to better management of acne.
Drink Plenty of Water Hydration allows your skin to be hydrated and healthy, and thus it brings about improvement in the overall health of the skin.
Eating a Balanced Diet Be more specific; emphasise fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Processed foods, soda, and too much dairy have been associated with being triggers for acne in some cases.
Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Don't pick or squeeze: Resist the urge to pick or squeeze pimples. This can introduce bacteria, leading to infection, inflammation, and scarring.
Wash Your Face After Sweating: Sweat can clog pores, so wash your face as soon as possible after exercising or any activity that causes you to sweat.
Be patient: Acne treatment takes time. Don't expect overnight results. Be consistent with your skincare routine and be patient.
Bravado: Your Partner in the Fight Against Acne
At Bravado, we're committed to helping men achieve healthy, clear skin. Our range of products is specifically formulated for the unique needs of men's skin, and we're constantly developing new and innovative solutions to address common skin concerns like acne. With a consistent skincare routine coupled with healthy lifestyle habits, it is easy to manage acne and have the clear, confident skin that you deserve. Start exploring the Bravado range today.