Adult men - not just teenagers - get acne too.
Interspersed within the layers of men's skin are a large number of tiny, invisible sebaceous
glands - around 300 per square centimeter. Most of these glands are located in the face, upper chest
and back, and shoulders. 
These glands play an important role in producing sebum, oil to provide the skin with a smooth and protective layer. But if the opening of any one of these sebaceous glands becomes blocked by a build-up of grime or skin cells, the excreted sebum accumulates to form a blackhead. Strains of acne skin bacteria then assemble on the sebaceous matter of the blackheads, causing inflammation of the sebaceous glands. Pus ensues, and the result is a pimple.
Two Types
In fact, the basic lesion of acne is the comedo (com-e-do), of which there are two types:
the blackhead (highly visible), and the less apparent bump under the skin noticeable when the skin is stretched tight.
Opinion on the best treatment of acne widely differs. There is a school of thought that
recommends washing using a cleansing bar, which has a balanced blend consisting of a gentle
degreasing agent, and an effective synthetic cleanser to power-cleanse the acne and oily skin.
Reactions
There can be other distressing reactions, like redness and persistent
itch, which may be associated with some of the above factors, as
well as the more common complaints such as prickly heat and sunburn
and, of course, shaving rash and razor burn.
Typically, dry skin is characterised by tightness, fine lines, and
sometimes, flakiness. The situation can be aggravated by exposure
to too much sun and wind. Or it may be traced to certain prescribed
medications, or even poor diet so it is important to supplement with
vitamins (click here) for insurance against deficiencies. In extreme
cases, it may be hereditary, stress-related, or triggered by a hormonal
imbalance.
No Soap
Others strongly discourage the use of soap to avoid stimulating sebum flow, and the potential
removal of almost all of the skin's oils. An example of a suitable alternative is one that combines
colloidal oatmeal to cleanse away the excess oils, salicylic acid to act as a keratolytic (peeling)
agent, and oatmeal to soothe the skin after the salicylic acid has done its work.
Epidermabrasion is a third option, involving the routine use of a small hand-held abrasive polyester fibre
sponge to help remove the top layer of skin dead cells and the dirt and debris trapped in this layer to
uncover fresher, moister, more translucent cell layers underneath.
Increasingly, the suggestion is to choose only products that have a pH balance of 5.5 or thereabouts,
and to reinforce a comprehensive skin care routine using only those astringents, facial toners, and
light moisturisers that incorporate cooling and soothing ingredients like allantoin and panthenol.
Dr Bakaric's Approved Anti-Acne Approach for Adults
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1. Hands off! Squeezing can spread infection
and could lead to scarring.
2. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Seriously cut back on the chocolates.
3. Take regular exercise and fresh air. Boosts both circulation and metabolism.
4. Pop a daily vitamin and mineral supplement. Insurance against deficiencies.
5. Squeaky-clean hair and scalp. Dandruff often means pimples on the
forehead.
6. Get more sleep. Too many late nights do nothing for a clear complexion.
7. Sun, sea and surf. Get down to the beach, but watch out for the rays.
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Find out more about Dr Bakaric’s recommended acne
solutions (click here)
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