Best Acne Treatment for Men: Effective Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin

Adam Hurly
·10 min read

As many advancements as we've made in skincare, there's no cure for acne. But scientists and dermatologists are getting exceptionally good at creating over-the-counter topicals. If you're searching for the best acne treatment for your pimple-prone skin's ever-fluctuating needs, we're here to help.

We know acne isn't just skin deep. A 2021 case-control study of 296 patients, published in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, found a positive correlation between acne and anxiety and depression.

Determining how to get rid of acne takes trial and error to see what your skin best responds to—and a whole lotta patience. The good news is, for every case of acne, no matter how chronic or inflammatory or singular, there's a treatment plan. The best acne spot treatment for you is one that uses the right active ingredients for the task at hand, depending on the root cause of your blemishes, and the magnitude. Start by identifying the type of acne you’re experiencing. We’ll list those below, along with the best ingredients to treat each.

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Our Best Overall, Herbivore Prism AHA + BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum, should satisfy the most users, since it can be used as a spot treatment for active zits, and a preventative measure in times of peace. (It also gives you terrific skin texture, no less.)

Best Acne Treatment for Men

<p>Courtesy Image</p>Why It Works<p>A brilliant skin exfoliator in its own right, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Herbivore-Natural-Prism-Exfoliating-Serum/dp/B0838QCDG5?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=93dad9706cdfcc332035b8030f826ce1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Herbivore Prism AHA + BHA;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Herbivore Prism AHA + BHA</a> serum combines alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to lift away dead surface skin cells and free up any clogged pores by flushing out sebum and cells trapped inside. You can use it as a spot treatment on problem areas, or as a thrice-weekly preventative measure.</p>How to Use It<p>Apply 4 to 6 drops to cleansed skin, after toner but before moisturizer, every other night. Massage into skin, then apply moisturizer. Note: Avoid using products with AHA and BHA during the day, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Your skin also repairs itself at night, so a product like this is best suited to nighttime use.</p><p>[$54; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Herbivore-Natural-Prism-Exfoliating-Serum/dp/B0838QCDG5?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=93dad9706cdfcc332035b8030f826ce1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>]</p>
<p>Courtesy Image</p>Why It Works<p>Use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Effaclar-Treatment-Benzoyl-Peroxide/dp/B004L8J15C?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=b0ea33d4538a134b886eb07c1daec20a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:LaRoche-Posay Effaclar Acne Spot Treatment;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">LaRoche-Posay Effaclar Acne Spot Treatment</a> to deplete any cysts, papules, or pustules in hopes of avoiding eruption. It'll also diminish blackheads and whiteheads, but benzoyl peroxide is best at targeting inflammatory acne caused by bacteria. If you're experiencing chronic inflammatory acne, speak with a dermatologist about a prescription remedy.</p>How to Use It<p>After cleansing skin and letting it dry thoroughly, apply this as a spot treatment on active breakouts or apply a thin layer to the entire effected area. When just starting, apply once a day (wear sunscreen if it's during the day); when your skin acclimates, you can apply morning and night. Note: Be mindful that benzoyl peroxide can strip color from your towels and pillow cases.</p><p>[$35.99; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Effaclar-Treatment-Benzoyl-Peroxide/dp/B004L8J15C?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=b0ea33d4538a134b886eb07c1daec20a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>]</p>
<p>Courtesy Image</p>Why It Works<p><a href="https://befrontman.com/products/zit-spray" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Frontman;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Frontman</a>’s mist is made with salicylic acid and tea tree oil, and is easy to spray across large surface areas, like your back and shoulders, or even your face (just avoid contact with eyes). It'll buy you extra time between the gym and the shower, and also works as a terrific post-shower “toner” to further prevent clogged pores.</p>How to Use It<p>Let your skin fully dry if you're using after the shower (your skin is more permeable when wet and this can create irritation with an active ingredient like salicylic acid). Mist onto skin and let dry before getting dressed. Re-apply up to twice daily.</p><p>[$20; <a href="https://befrontman.com/products/zit-spray" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:befrontman.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">befrontman.com</a>]</p>
<p>Courtesy Image</p>Why It Works<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yadah-Trouble-Bubble-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B01LCJRJME?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=910a19886638aa228ea5e52a12c92f3c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Yadah Anti Trouble Bubble Cleanser;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Yadah Anti Trouble Bubble Cleanser </a>is a whip-like foaming cleanser that's terrific to use on active acne thanks to its aloe-fronted, sensitive-skin-friendly formula. It also has tea tree oil and salicylic acid to manage oil production, reduce inflammation, neutralize bacteria, and unclog pores. Let it set on your skin for a minute or two before rinsing.</p>How to Use It<p>Add a couple pumps of the foam cleanser into hands and massage onto wet skin. Take your time to work the product into your skin, then rinse with luke-warm water. Use morning and night.</p><p>[$18; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yadah-Trouble-Bubble-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B01LCJRJME?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=910a19886638aa228ea5e52a12c92f3c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>] </p>
<p>Courtesy Image</p>Why It Works<p>There are a lot of terrific pimple patches out there, but only <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ZitSticka-Self-Dissolving-Microdart-Blemishes-Treatment/dp/B07SVF89W9?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=848d5628abce7a0d055c68d2a3ba40cf&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:ZitSticka Zit Killa;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">ZitSticka Zit Killa</a> has earned the right to charge nearly $4 per sticker. One of these salicylic acid-packed patches will reduce any budding volcanoes on your face, and could allow you to wake up with it significantly depressed and sans breaching. How? With microdart technology. The little spikes penetrate deep, below-the-surface zits and self-dissolve to release salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. It helps to hasten the breakout's lifespan and mitigates post-inflammatory marks and scarring.</p>How to Use It<p>The kit includes a CLEANA swab soaked in salicylic acid, tea tree oil, vitamin E, and alcohol to prep the skin. Let the spot air dry, then press the mico-dart patch onto the pimple. If using during the day, keep the patch on for a minimum of two hours. For best results, apply and leave on overnight.</p><p>[$36; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ZitSticka-Self-Dissolving-Microdart-Blemishes-Treatment/dp/B07SVF89W9?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=848d5628abce7a0d055c68d2a3ba40cf&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>]</p>
<p>Courtesy Image</p>Why It Works<p>In addition to prescriptive measures prescribed by dermatologists—like Winlevi, the topical of Spironolactone that's safe for men to use, and Retin-A, a vitamin A derivative known as tretinoin), <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Differin-Adapalene-prescription-strength-treatment/dp/B07ZTN5N1V?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=c7b79b00f634661dbfda080191dfa7e1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Differin;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Differin</a> is one of the most effective ways to minimize mass-scale flareups, as well as mitigate the occasional blemish. It contains a retinoid called adapalene that works by normalizing skin cell turnover, unclogging pores and lowering inflammation. It’s the first new over-the-counter active ingredient for the treatment of acne that's been approved by the FDA in more than 30 years. </p>How to Use It<p>Apply a pea-size amount of Differin all over a clean, dry face at nighttime. Use every day. Stick with it for the long run in order to maintain results and be patient: In a clinical study, Differin gel provided up to 87 percent reduction in acne breakouts after 12 weeks.</p><p>[$36; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Differin-Adapalene-prescription-strength-treatment/dp/B07ZTN5N1V?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=c7b79b00f634661dbfda080191dfa7e1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>]</p>
<p>Courtesy Image</p>Why It Works<p>Apostrophe offers many solutions for acne and hyperpigmentation through its telemedicine portal, and this <a href="https://www.apostrophe.com/shop/azelaic-acid-formula/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Azelaic Acid;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Azelaic Acid</a> treatment is one of the best options for sensitive skin and acne rosacea. It’s great for targeting both whiteheads and blackheads, and can even help turn over post-inflammatory acne marks that otherwise take weeks or months to disappear.</p>How to Use It<p>When just starting out, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat or air dry, then apply a moisturizer to your face either immediately before you apply the azelaic acid or after. (Note: Using a moisturizer before won't impact its efficacy and can help prevent redness and irritation.)</p><p>At first, apply every other day for three days of the week (for instance, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) for one to two weeks. If your skin is tolerating it well, apply every other day for one to two weeks. Once adjusted, apply once or twice a day, or as instructed by your dermatologist.</p><p>[$25/month (three month minimum requirement); <a href="https://www.apostrophe.com/shop/azelaic-acid-formula/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:apostrophe.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">apostrophe.com</a>]</p>
<p>Courtesy Image</p>Why It Works<p>As the name suggests, sulfur is the main bacteria-banishing ingredient in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Murad-Rapid-Relief-Acne-Sulfur/dp/B0C78KMTNG?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=ffa27b4de0a095d9bd12e04e2a4406ac&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask</a> with a supporting cast of hydrating peat extract and exfoliating salicylic acid. It soaks up all the gunk inside your pores—so dirt and excess oil don't get trapped and cause inflammation—without dehydrating your skin. As a bonus, this sulfur mask doesn’t actually stink like sulfur. </p>How to Use It<p>Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin. Leave on for up to 10 minutes, then rinse off with luke-warm water and pat dry. Use up to three times weekly. You can also use this as a targeted spot treatment.</p><p>[$40; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Murad-Rapid-Relief-Acne-Sulfur/dp/B0C78KMTNG?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestacnetreatment-ahurly-91923-20&linkId=ffa27b4de0a095d9bd12e04e2a4406ac&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>]</p>

How We Tested the Best Acne Treatments

At Men's Journal, we’re constantly testing the latest products. Our contributors and editors have more than a decade of grooming coverage under their belt. Whenever something enters the marketplace, it’s also at our desks, and quickly being tested. Think of us as grooming lab rats; we get to enjoy the spoils when something is really great, and endure the agony when a product isn’t up to par.

Note: If you're still experiencing persistent, chronic acne, see a dermatologist. Topicals and over-the-counter spot treatments are your first line of defense, but you need to fix acne at its source, not just the symptoms.

Acne takes many forms: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules<p>Mosterpiece/Getty Images</p>
Acne takes many forms: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules

Mosterpiece/Getty Images

Different Types of Acne

1. Comedonal Acne

“Comedones” are non-inflammatory pimples like whiteheads and blackheads that usually appear on the forehead and chin. They're typically caused by excess oil production and dead skin cell buildup. Whiteheads are closed comedones while blackheads are “open.” It's a common misconception that blackheads are trapped dirt in your pores. When sebum and dead skin cells build up and oxidize, they turn dark.

Best Ingredients to Treat Comedonal Acne

Salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic and lactic acids), retinoids, sulfur, and tea tree oil

2. Inflammatory Acne

Inflammatory acne can appear as papules and pustules. Papules are solid or cystic raised bumps that don't contain pus. They can feel tender to the touch and occur when the hair follicle becomes inflamed. Pustules are red, inflamed, pus-filled lesions with a white or yellow center that are typically larger and more noticeable. Inflammatory acne can be caused by bacteria, clogged pores, comedogenic (pore-clogging) skincare products, hormones, diet, and more.

Best Ingredients to Treat Inflammatory Acne

Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid (BHA), retinoids, hydrocolloid patch, sulfur, tea tree oil, clay, prescription treatments

3. Cystic Acne

These are deep, painful cysts, which can cause scarring and are harder to treat than milder forms of acne. They're also categorized as inflammatory but merit their own distinction. This type of acne is often spurred by hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, certain medications, and diet.

Best Ingredients to Treat Cystic Acne

Retinoids, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydrocolloid patches, prescription treatments

4. Hormonal Acne

Hormonal fluctuations can also trigger acne. It usually manifests on the lower face—cheeks, chin, and jawline—and is often related to puberty, menstrual cycles, stress, hormonal disorders, and genetics.

Best Ingredients to Treat Hormonal Acne

Retinoids, prescription treatments

The best acne treatment for men contain active ingredients to keep pores clear.<p>Unsplash</p>
The best acne treatment for men contain active ingredients to keep pores clear.

Unsplash

Best Active Ingredients in Skincare for Acne

As for the key types of ingredients to look for in acne treatments, here's what each of them does to minimize breakouts.

1. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark extract. It exfoliates the skin's surface and penetrates into pores, where it helps dissolve oil and dead skin cells, effectively unclogging pores.

2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid exfoliate the skin’s surface, promoting cell turnover and preventing the accumulation of dead skin cells in pores.

3. Topical Retinoids

Retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene promote cell turnover, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation, making them effective in preventing and treating acne.

4. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties that kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.

5. Sulfur

Sulfur has mild antibacterial properties and helps reduce inflammation.

6. Hydrocolloid Patches

Hydrocolloid patches create a moist environment that helps draw out pus and impurities from pimples, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of scarring.

7. Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help reduce redness and control acne. It's a great choice for sensitive skin.

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can also reduce oil production in the area.

9. Clay

Clay masks can be used as a spot treatment to absorb excess oil and help unclog pores.