Acne isn’t just a teenage phase, and it definitely isn’t a “women’s skincare issue.”
Men experience acne in unique and often more intense ways, thanks to one powerful hormone: testosterone.
As we celebrate International Men’s Day, it’s the perfect time to highlight an often-overlooked truth: clear skin is part of men’s health, confidence, and overall well-being.
Overtime, we’ve frequently treated male clients struggling with persistent breakouts, especially around the jawline, beard area, back, and chest. And one theme almost always shows up: hormones.
Let’s break it down.
Understanding The Hormone Behind Male Skin Behavior
Testosterone is essential for:
✔ muscle development
✔ deep voice
✔ facial hair
✔ energy and strength
But it also has a major influence on… your skin.
Testosterone increases the activity of sebaceous (oil) glands, causing them to produce more sebum.
More sebum = higher chance of clogged pores = higher risk of breakouts.
This explains why:
- Men typically have oilier skin than women
- Men’s acne can appear more inflamed and persistent
- The beard area often becomes a hotspot for congestion
- Back and chest acne are common due to active oil glands in those regions
Your skin isn’t “acting up.”
It’s responding to your biological chemistry.
How Testosterone Triggers Acne
When testosterone levels rise (naturally or due to stress, lifestyle, puberty, or even workout supplements), three things happen:
1. Sebum Production Increases
Your skin becomes oilier, shinier, and more prone to congestion.
2. Pores Become Blocked More Easily
Oil traps dead skin, dirt, and bacteria, creating breakouts.
3. Inflammation Gets Worse
The body reacts aggressively, leading to:
- painful acne bumps
- cystic lesions
- deep jawline breakouts
If you’ve noticed flare-ups after intense workouts, during stressful months, or as your beard grows, testosterone is often involved.
What About Supplements and Gym Life?
Creatine, testosterone boosters, and anabolic steroids can dramatically increase androgen levels, making acne worse.
This doesn’t mean you must quit the gym, it means you need balanced skincare and professional monitoring.
So What Can Men Do to Manage Testosterone-Driven Acne?
The solution isn’t to suppress testosterone, it’s to manage its effects on your skin.
✔ 1. Use a Gentle, Acne-Safe Cleanser
Especially after workouts, sweating, or shaving.
✔ 2. Exfoliate 1–2 Times Weekly
Salicylic and mandelic acid help dissolve excess oil and unclog pores.
✔ 3. Moisturize — Yes, Even Oily Skin
Oil-free moisturizers prevent overproduction of sebum.
✔ 4. Treat Beard Area Carefully
To avoid inflammation and ingrown hairs caused by shaving.
✔ 5. Book Regular Professional Treatments
Acne-specific facials, extractions, LED therapy, and microneedling reduce breakouts and help restore skin clarity.
✔ 6. Get a Personalized Plan
Male skin needs a tailored approach, not generic over-the-counter products.
Healthy skin isn’t vanity, it’s confidence, comfort, and self-respect.
As we honor men this month, it’s time to normalize something important:
Men deserve expert skincare too.
At Acneexpertskin, we support men on their journey to clearer, healthier skin with science-backed treatments and practical routines that fit busy lifestyles.
