acne, scars, skincare Acne and scars: Instagram/@marlowe.skin
Adult acne in men can be frustrating. Once thought to vanish after high school, acne often makes a surprise comeback in adult years, fuelled by a cocktail of lifestyle habits. Suddenly, clear skin isn’t just a teenage dream but an ongoing struggle for many men balancing work, life, and self-care.
From stubborn breakouts along the jawline to those irritating post-shave bumps, adult acne is no respecter of age. And while it’s common, managing it requires more than soap and water—a combination of skincare savvy and lifestyle tweaks can help keep it in check. We spoke to an expert to understand the best way to treat adult acne and scars.
The cause of adult acne
If there’s anyone to point a finger at for adult acne, it’s your hormones. Testosterone plays the main villain, often spiking oil production, clogging pores, and inviting breakouts.
Then comes stress. Cortisol, the "stress hormone," turns up the oil, making that deadline feel like it’s written across your forehead. Diet doesn’t help, either. "Dairy and processed sugars in particular can fuel inflammation and acne," explains Dr. Stuti Khare Shukla, dermatologist and founder of Elements of Aesthetics.
Skincare habits, or lack thereof, are also key players. “Comedogenic grooming products, poor skin care practices, and pollution exposure can worsen skin issues,” says Dr. Shukla. Skipping moisturiser or using harsh cleansers can strip skin and trigger even more oil. And let’s not forget shaving mistakes—wrong razors and technique irritate the skin, causing breakouts.
Ultimately, adult acne is a mix of factors. “Understanding these causes is crucial to designing a personalised treatment plan that fits each patient’s skin type and lifestyle,” Dr. Shukla notes, highlighting the value of a tailored approach.
Tricks to avoid acne in adult life
Preventing adult acne doesn’t require a miracle cure. “Good skin care practices, managing stress, and living a healthy lifestyle are essential to keeping adult acne at bay,” says Dr.
Stuti Khare Shukla. She recommends a consistent routine that includes a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt, non-comedogenic moisturisers, and sunscreen for hydrated, protected skin.
Diet counts too: steer clear of processed sugars and oily foods, which can lead to breakouts. “A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids reduces inflammation, while stress-busting activities like exercise, meditation, and sufficient sleep help regulate hormones and prevent flare-ups,” Dr. Shukla explains.
Exfoliating weekly to remove dead skin cells also helps, and for frequent shavers, a fresh razor and alcohol-free shaving gel are key to minimising irritation. “Practising good hygiene, like washing hands before skincare and avoiding touching the face, lowers breakout risks. Men should also avoid grooming products with heavy oils or irritants that clog pores,” adds Dr. Shukla.
How to avoid scarring
“The first step is to resist the urge to pick or squeeze pimples, which can push bacteria deeper and increase irritation, ultimately raising the risk of scarring,” says Dr. Shukla. “Instead, use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to clear away excess oil and dirt without further aggravating the skin.”
For targeted treatment, Dr. Shukla suggests spot treatments with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. To calm redness, apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser, and avoid using harsh scrubs. “UV exposure can darken acne spots and delay healing, so regular sunscreen is essential,” she advises.
Best way to treat scarring
Treating acne scars requires a personalised approach based on the type and severity of scarring. “Microneedling and Dermapen treatments are highly effective for enhancing skin texture and boosting collagen production,” says Dr. Shukla.
Combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, these treatments can further improve results and speed up healing. “Chemical peels with ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid are also popular, as they exfoliate the skin and help reduce scar-related discolouration,” she adds.
For deeper scars, advanced options like fractional CO2 lasers or laser resurfacing work wonders. “These techniques target deeper skin layers to smooth the surface and encourage collagen remodelling,” Dr. Shukla explains. Additionally, dermal fillers can temporarily lift atrophic scars, giving skin a more even appearance.
Dr. Shukla also recommends key ingredients for managing acne and scarring: “Salicylic acid exfoliates and unclogs pores, while benzoyl peroxide effectively targets acne-causing bacteria. Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and controls oil.
Vitamin C serums brighten hyperpigmentation and stimulate collagen, and retinoids like tretinoin promote cell turnover to improve texture. Chemical exfoliants, such as lactic and glycolic acids, refine skin tone and texture. Consistent use, along with broad-spectrum sunscreen, is essential for optimal results,” she advises.
[Via GQ India]
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