I have been using proactiv for a year and I would like to quit now. I don’t get bad breakouts on my face, but I do get small ones now and then. I dont think using Proactiv everyday is necessary anymore. What can I get to give me some acne protection without Benzoyl peroxide?? I fear it will cause aging. Thanks.

By: 123

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Proactiv Acne Treatment

MenScience gives the inside scoop on myths and facts about men’s acne and acne treatments. How much do you really know about breakouts? Take our quiz and see for yourself!

1. Popping acne pimples makes them go away faster.

• True

• False

2. You should wash your face several times a day if you have acne.

• True

• False

3. Eating greasy or oily foods causes acne.

• True

• False

4. Tanning clears up acne in men’s skin.

• True

• False

5. Where you work can affect your skin and cause acne.

• True

• False

6. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective ingredient for acne treatment.

• True

• False

7. Glycolic and Salicylic Acids are effective against acne.

• True

• False

8. If an acne medication causes your skin to get worse, you should stop using the acne product.

• True

• False

9. It takes 28 days for new cells to appear on the surface of men’s skin.

• True

• False

10. Acne-prone men should use noncomedogenic products.

• True

• False

11. Perspiration cleanses skin.

• True

• False

12. Teenagers (not real men) get acne.

• True

• False

13. Only men with oily skin get acne.

• True

• False

14. Acne is caused by bacteria.

• True

• False

15. Using a face scrub can control acne.

• True

• False

16. Acne is no big deal.

• True

• False

ANSWER KEY:

1. FALSE: Popping pimples may seem to reduce their size, but it can actually aggravate blemishes by spreading bacteria, causing them to take longer to heal. Not only that, but popping or picking at pimples causes scars and dark spots to form.

2. FALSE: It’s important to have a clean face, but washing your face with force several times a day can cause your skin to produce more oil to make up for the moisture being washed away. Not to mention skin will become red and irritated. Your best bet is to wash once or twice a day with a gentle liquid cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree extract.

3. FALSE: Pizza, chocolate and junk food have long been labeled “acne magnets,” but there’s very little scientific evidence to back up this claim. However, men should aim to eat a balanced diet full of vitamins from fruits and vegetables, and drink a lot of water for overall well-being.

4. FALSE: When you tan, dead cells build up on your skin’s surface. This can often cause your pores to look tighter and the surface to look smoother. Tanning also masks redness caused by acne. However, once the tan disappears, you’ll be left with greater outbreaks and darker acne scars and marks. Protect skin exposed to direct sunlight by regularly applying sunscreen (especially if using a treatment containing Benzoyl Peroxide).

5. TRUE: Men who work in places that put them in constant contact with grease and oil (restaurants and garages, for example) may find themselves breaking out more because oil creates an ideal environment for bacteria to reproduce. Although there’s no simple way to rectify this, they should clean skin gently at least twice a day and try to keep their hands from their faces at all times.

6. TRUE: Benzoyl Peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient prescribed by dermatologists as the preferred topical medicine for safe treatment for acne. It clears acne-causing bacteria on the surface, absorbs excessive oils and clear pores, while promoting greater cell exfoliation and renewal. Doctors also prescribe Green Tea, Urea and Allantoin to help soothe acne-irritated skin. Because Benzoyl Peroxide has powerful antibacterial and exfoliating qualities, it may take some time for skin to get used to the treatment. Once skin has become accustomed to the treatment however, irritation, redness or dryness usually disappears. The best bet is to apply a small amount only once a day, and then increase frequency gradually over 5 – 6 days. If too much dryness occurs, decrease frequency and gradually increase again.

7. TRUE: Glycolic and Salicylic Acids work very effectively to exfoliate dead skin cells and clear pores. By reducing pore blockage, acne has less of a chance to form and breakouts are reduced. Exfoliation with gentle products that contain Glycolic and Salicylic Acids helps smooth and clean skin, while also reducing instances of ingrown hairs as well.

8. FALSE: During acne treatment, skin often seems to take a turn for the worse before it begins getting better. This is due in part to the need to become accustomed to a treatment and the exfoliating process of shedding dead skin cells. The important thing is to keep usage regular. If, however, skin remains irritated for a long period of time, stop acne treatment and consult a doctor.

9. TRUE: It takes new cells 28 days to form and move through the epidermal layer of skin to finally appear on the surface. This is why results are not always immediately apparent. Using a product with Glycolic Acid may accelerate this process and help clear away dead skin cells.

10. TRUE: Noncomedogenic means ingredients in the product do not clog pores or provoke acne. Although it’s definitely recommended for men with oily skin, you should use non-irritating, noncomedogenic products no matter what skin type you have. All MenScience products have been developed by doctors and are noncomedogenic.

11. FALSE: Perspiration helps flush toxins from the body and maintains body temperature, but it does not cleanse skin at all. In fact, leaving sweat on your body can actually cause acne breakouts. Because of this, remember to take a shower or wash your face immediately after sweating heavily with a gentle cleanser several times a day.

12. FALSE: If only this were true! While acne outbreaks are often strongest during teen years (due to hormonal imbalances and improper skincare), acne can affect men their entire lives. Good skin health needs to be regularly maintained to avoid falling prey to blemishes.

13. FALSE: Acne can affect guys with any skin type, from dry to combination and even normal. Men with oily skin might be more susceptible to outbreaks, but they are by no means alone.

14. TRUE: Bacteria (P. acnes) play a big part in the creation of acne. Once a skin pore becomes clogged, acne bacteria begin to grow, causing blemishes to form. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective treatment for acne because it introduces oxygen into the bacteria, which kills it.

15. TRUE: Using a gentle exfoliating face scrub that contains Salicylic and Glycolic Acids can help clear pores of dirt and blockage, cutting down on the instances of acne. However, do not use a scrub if your acne is severe; it could aggravate your skin further.

16. TRUE….and FALSE: Acne is a painful, annoying condition, but it doesn’t need to negatively affect your lifestyle. While healthy skin is something we should all aim for, an occasional pimple or breakout is nothing to freak out about and can be treated with the right acne products. Remember: almost everyone is affected by acne. By using the most effective acne products and skincare techniques, there’s nothing to stop you from attaining a clear, healthy complexion.

SCORING:

13-16 Answers Correct: Acne Expert

9-12 Answers Correct: Good job! Add to your acne know-how with more tips.

5-8 Answers Correct: Knowledgeable, but check out our articles for more info.

0-4 Answers Correct: Needs work. Discover how to treat acne with our expert advice.

By: Deidra Garcia

About the Author:

Acne Org

You’ve tried a number of over-the-counter acne products and they’ve had minimal affects at best.

You believe that you should consult a physician to see if there is a stronger prescription acne treatment that may help clear your acne.

Before heading off to your doctor, please review the below acne medications that may be offered. After you do that, review the products we recommend on this site, and determine if visiting a doctor is the right move.

Please note: We are not doctors, so this is for informational purposes only and also a combination of acne treatments (both prescription and non-prescription) may be your best course of action.

Plus, it is always a good idea to consult a professional before beginning any acne treatment program.

Here is a list of the prescription acne treatment and medications that may work for you…

Differin or Adapalene: A topical medication that is utilized to help your skin renew itself. Aside from insurance flipping the bill, Differin is quite affordable and does a good job.

It worked mildly for me. I ended up using it more for a spot treatment than rubbing it all over my face and it was very difficult using it on my back. It may make your skin dry and tends to be a longer-term treatment. Just depends on your skin type and acne severity.

Benzoyl Peroxide: This is the ingredient you may find in many over-the-counter products as well. The combination of this product with others is what tends to make it work. It works to fight the bacteria that may cause your breakouts. Can dry your skin out, but does work. Also, a very affordable acne treatment.

Many young ladies get on birth-control pills which seem to not only prevent pregnancy, but also acne. However, after review, using birth control pills as a prescription acne treatment shouldn’t be the main focus of these drugs.

Accutane or Isoretinoin: A powerful prescription acne treatment, Accutane is typically only administered in severe cases and typically as a last resort. It treats your acne from the inside out and is taken in pill form. It works quite well, but not for everyone and brings with it some rather nasty side-effects in some cases. Personally, I used it and it worked wonders, but it is not for everyone and is very expensive.

Retin-A or Tretinoin: A vitamin-A derivative, this is another great prescription acne treatment that battles whiteheads and blackheads by producing new skin cells. This treatment brings the pimples out, so be aware that your acne may get worse before it gets better. Can be drying, create very sensitive skin, and only tends to work in mild to moderate cases of acne. Very popular treatment by Dermatologists and worked wonders for many acne sufferers I know.

This is just a start to prescription acne treatment medications. There are other oral and topical antibiotics that your specialist may recommend. You may also want to ask them about good soaps, nutrition, and other over-the-counter treatments to combine with any prescription (plus if it’s safe).

Do your own homework and ask many of the other acne sufferers (including me) specific questions. We’re here to help ensure you don’t live with acne any longer than necessary.



By: Joe Collinsworth

About the Author:

Acne Wiki