How to clear up acne in fewer than 3 months

Stubborn and persistent acne can be one of the most frustrating conditions a man can deal with. In some cases, you may be doing “everything right” but might still not be seeing results…so what’s a guy to do? Well, there’s makeup, there’s pimple patches, there’s trips to the salon or the barber for steam treatments and extractions — but what if these still don’t provide the desired results?

This collection of advice gleaned from consulting dermatologists’ published advice, tips from effective and well-known skincare brands, and other sources across the internet will help you manage and minimize acne attacks in less than three months.

Some things to remember

Treatment takes time.

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that any skincare, be it medication, a new face wash, or professional facials, takes time to show its effects. Most treatments will take around 4 weeks of continuous, everyday use (or as directed by your healthcare professional) to begin to show results. Stick with it and you’ll gain the benefits — don’t give up the fight before you’ve given the product enough time to take effect! If a product still does not take effect after 4–6 weeks of use, it may be time to consider an alternative.

Always follow the instructions.

Only use acne and skincare products as instructed. Never exceed usage or dosage in the hopes of resolving the issues faster, don’t skip days or treatments, and always make sure you’ve read through all information about the product properly before use.

Understanding the cause is essential.

There is a difference between a breakout of pimples and permanent acne. There’s also a difference between various forms of acne.

These are the forms of acne you may be struggling with:

• Acne Vulgaris: The presence of blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on the skin. Many, if not most, people experience some level of this on and off throughout their lives.
• Acne Mechanica: Occurs most often in athletes and is brought on by friction of a helmet or harness etc, against the skin. Usually, blackheads or whiteheads.
• Comedones: A basic acne lesion. This is a hair follicle that’s gotten clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Comedones can become whiteheads and blackheads.
• Papules: Comedones that are inflamed, forming small red or pink bumps.
• Pustules: These are like whiteheads with a red ring around the bump. The bump is filled with white or yellow pus.
• Nodules: Large, inflamed, and painful bumps that feel firm to the touch. These develop under the skin and should be treated by a professional.
• Cysts: Large, pus-filled lesions similar to boils, which appear under the skin. These should only be treated by a professional.
• Nodulocystic Acne: Multiple inflamed cysts and nodules that may turn deep red or purple. If you are experiencing this, you should seek professional treatment immediately.
• Acne Conglobata: Many inflamed nodules connected to each other under the skin, which can affect the buttocks, arms, legs, neck, and chest. This acne is most common in men, and especially men who take any kind of steroid. If you think you have this, seek professional treatment immediately.

Basic acne clearing advice

Keep it clean

One of the most important and valuable things you can do for your skin, acne or not, is to keep it clean. Wash your face with a gentle, non-stripping, non-drying face wash twice a day, every day. If you sweat from physical activity, wash your face or take a full shower immediately afterward, as allowing sweat to sit on your skin may further clog your pores. Choosing the correct face wash is important, so don’t just grab the first product you see.

Use treatments on all prone areas 

Even if the area next to your breakout is clear, use any topical treatment on all acne-prone areas. This will help stop the breakout from spreading further than it already has.

Exfoliate carefully

Exfoliation (buffing away dead skin cells and any dirt still trapped in pores) is an important part of any skincare routine. For those dealing with acne, it’s especially important as it helps your skin to breathe, but it’s equally as important to do it carefully. Choose chemical exfoliating products (such as home or salon peels) rather than physically exfoliating products (face scrubs with physical exfoliating particles in them) as they are far less likely to cause micro tears or over-scrub your already raw skin.

Stop shaving

If you’re in the midst of a bad breakout, stop shaving the affected area. Shaving can further irritate and clog already congested skin and even spread the infection via the razor. A little scruff won’t hurt for a while!

Don’t touch

Avoid touching — and definitely avoid picking — any areas that are suffering from a breakout. Hands and nails touch so many surfaces on a daily basis, and even the ones you clean in your own homes can’t always be totally germ-free. Picking and touching can add bacteria to already stressed skin, so avoid it at all costs.

Stay hydrated inside and out

It may seem counterintuitive to moisturize oily, broken-out skin, but it’s an absolute must even during your worst breakouts. Moisturizer keeps your skin balanced and hydrated from the outside, and water helps to do the same from the inside. Water also helps your body — and skin! — get rid of toxins.

Know when to call for backup

If the above advice still isn’t working or working completely after 3 months, or if you have one of the more severe forms of acne listed above, it may be time to call in the professionals. Consulting a dermatologist can help you avoid months of unnecessary pain or discomfort and any permanent damage, like pockmarks or scarring. There’s no harm in making an appointment if you’re concerned! Even if it turns out to be something that off-the-shelf skincare products can help with, your peace of mind is worth it.

Acne begone

These tips will help you deal with stubborn or short-term acne and pimples and give you back your comfort and confidence. Take this advice and you’ll be on your way to clear and healthy skin.