Acne in men: causes and natural skincare for face, back and shoulders

Acne in Men: Causes and Skincare for the Face, Back and Shoulders

Acne in men: causes and natural skincare for face, back and shoulders
Causes of acne in men and skincare for the face, back and shoulders
Acne in men is mainly linked to higher testosterone levels, which increase sebum production. In men, it often appears not only on the face but also on the back and shoulders. With the right, consistent care, skin prone to acne can visibly calm down.
In this article

Why do men get acne?

Acne in men: causes and skincare

In men, testosterone levels are higher, and this hormone stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. More sebum means pores are more likely to become blocked, increasing the likelihood of acne in men. Men's skin also tends to be thicker with larger pores, which can sometimes make blemishes more stubborn.

Back and shoulder acne in men

One characteristic feature in men is that acne often appears on the body, not just the face. Back acne, along with breakouts on the shoulders and chest, is very common, especially among active men and those who play sport. The cause is a combination of more sebaceous glands in these areas, sweating, and friction from clothing.

Back acne in men after exercise and sweating
Where acne most commonly appears in men
👤
Face (T-zone)
Lots of sebaceous glands and active oiliness on the forehead, nose and chin.
🧍
Back
Sweating and friction from clothing and backpacks trap sebum and impurities.
💪
Shoulders
Sweat and friction after exercise make this area prone to breakouts.
👕
Chest
A combination of sweat, sebum and friction, especially during physical activity.
Related reading: Acne: what you need to know (full guide) · Blemishes from oily skin

Main causes of acne in men

Hormones
Higher testosterone increases sebum production, especially during puberty and intense training.
Sweating and friction
Sweat and friction from clothing and sports gear block the pores on the back and shoulders.
Shaving
Incorrect shaving can irritate the skin and cause inflammation and ingrown hairs.
Genetics and stress
Genetic predisposition and stress can also contribute to the appearance of acne.

Skincare for men prone to acne

  • Cleanse your face morning and evening with a gentle product: aggressive rubbing only makes acne worse.
  • Shower after exercise and cleanse your back and shoulders promptly to wash away sweat and sebum.
  • Wear breathable clothing and change out of a sweaty T-shirt as soon as possible.
  • Don't squeeze spots, to avoid spreading inflammation and leaving marks.
  • Shave carefully, in the direction of hair growth, on clean, hydrated skin.
✓ Do
  • Shower straight after exercise
  • Shave in the direction of growth, on clean skin
  • Breathable, clean clothing
  • Gentle cleansing morning and evening
✗ Avoid
  • Squeezing spots on the face and back
  • Dry shaving with a blunt razor
  • Staying in a sweaty T-shirt after training
  • Harsh, drying products
When to see a dermatologist
  • Acne is severe, painful, or leaves marks.
  • At-home care doesn't help after a few weeks.
  • Breakouts on the back are extensive and inflamed.
  • Acne is affecting your confidence.

Natural skincare for acne in men

For skin prone to acne on the face and body, choose gentle yet effective care. Hydrobiotic - Lavender & Mint is a natural, intensive care product for skin prone to acne that cleanses deeply and refreshes the skin.

Hydrobiotic Lavender and Mint for acne-prone men's skin by InaEssentials
💜Deep cleansing

Helps cleanse the pores and reduce the impurities that lead to blemishes.

💜Soothing lavender

Lavender helps soothe redness and skin irritation.

💜Refreshing mint

Mint gives a feeling of freshness and cleanliness for skin prone to oiliness.

💜Mattifying balance

Helps balance sebum and leaves skin looking visibly cleaner and calmer.

For complete daily care for skin prone to acne and blackheads, try Acne RoutINA™, a natural routine also suitable for men's skin.


A simple routine for men's skin prone to acne
1
Morning: wash your face and refresh your skin with Hydrobiotic for the day ahead.
2
After exercise: shower and cleanse your back and shoulders promptly.
3
Evening: cleanse the skin and repeat the care routine to help soothe it.

Acne RoutINA™, complete care for skin prone to acne

Acne RoutINA™ set for skin prone to acne and blackheads by InaEssentials


Acne RoutINA™ cares for skin prone to acne, blackheads and oiliness with a simple day and night routine.

In the set: Natural Herbal Soap with Lavender and Blueberry + Organic Lavender Water, Hydrolina + Hydrobiotic Lavender and Mint.
Acne RoutINA™
What our customers say
4.91 / 5
★★★★★
Hydrobiotic - Lavender & Mint
★★★★★
Millie O.

Howya:) Your products are absolutely lovely... Stay well and keep 'er lit with this quality always!

Hydrobiotic - Lavender & Mint
★★★★★
M. W.

Cheers! It really is a product that gets results. ❤

Hydrobiotic - Lavender & Mint
★★★★★
Jake

I'm absolutely delighted with them, they've really got something about them. My skin is way better than it used to be.

See all reviews
Related articles

About the InaEssentials family

The InaEssentials family and natural skincare for skin prone to acne

InaEssentials is a Bulgarian family-run business with over 25 years of experience in organic farming and natural cosmetics using rose oil, herbal waters and active ingredients from our own plantations. Every product is created with care for the skin and respect for nature.

Frequently asked questions

Natural skincare for skin prone to acne from InaEssentials

Why do men get more back acne?
The back and shoulders have more sebaceous glands, and sweating combined with friction from clothing blocks the pores. This is why body acne is common in men, especially those who play sport.
How should I care for back acne?
Shower after exercise, cleanse your back with a gentle product, wear breathable clothing, and avoid squeezing spots. Consistent care gives the best results.
Are the products suitable for men's skin?
Yes. Natural skincare for skin prone to acne, such as Hydrobiotic Lavender and Mint and Acne RoutINA™, is suitable for any skin type prone to blemishes, including thicker men's skin.
Important information

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a doctor or dermatologist. InaEssentials products are cosmetic, not medicinal. For severe or persistent acne, please consult a specialist.

Back to blog

Let customers speak for us

from 7109 reviews
Natural Hair Conditioner with Rosemary oil and White Fir - intensive nourishing care for every hair type
Hair conditioner

Love this product .. use with the lovely shampoo. Keeps my hair soft and conditioned.
Highly recommend all the products

Michele
Acne RoutINA™ - lasting solution for Acne and Blackheads
Thanks to INA ESSENTIALS, my confidence is back

I’ve been using Acne RoutINA™ – lasting solution for Acne and Blackheads for over a year now, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I don’t have many photos showing the condition of my skin before, when I was struggling with very aggressive acne, large pimples and many dark spots and scars. For more than 20 years, this acne made my life very difficult.

Today, even though some marks are still visible, I no longer hide from photos, and I love the feeling of softness when I touch my face. Thank you so much! I had tried absolutely every treatment, even laser for a while, but the spots always came back, bigger and darker.

Another reason I remain loyal to your products is your excellent promotions. Truly, a big thank you and congratulations on your wonderful family business.

Carmen
Natural Herbal Soap with Nettle and Pine Oil - anti-inflammatory action
Love everything

I am so happy I found this shop! I absolutely love all the products for my face and my body. They are all natural and perfect for use over pregnancy, thank you so much.

Gabriela
Buy 2 Get 1 FREE - Lavender waters - Hydrolina
Much clearer skin than before

I've used the organic lavender Hydrolina and the hydrobiotic for a little over a week and my skin is much clearer than before. I still do get breakouts everyday but it's not like before where those breakout were big. These are tiny. But I use it 3 to 4 times a day, depending on my breakouts. Even my mum was saying that this is really helping my skin.

Zainab Naazir
Acne RoutINA™ - lasting solution for Acne and Blackheads
Hidrolina for acne

This is extremely powerful and yet gently solution for acne, it doesn't have sting effect when put on the face, the scent is nice and not overpowering as I am sensitive on smells, but overall I would recommend this solution to anyone I know who has similar issues with spot treatment and acne problems.
I really had a doubt when I ordered the products but the acne package solution is soo good it works in just 3 days of use. I will continue with the treatment until all spots are cleared and pores on my face unclogged, but so far so good. Thank you Ina essentials. I will come back for products I want to try soon.
Best: )

Marie Kostova
Natural Wild Nettle Shampoo for Hair Loss
Nettle Shampoo

This Shampoo is absolutely amazing. My teenage daughter developed sudden onset hair loss. We were waiting months for a dermatologist appointment. I hadn't bought anything from InaEssentials, but was so worried I had to give the nettle Shampoo a try. We were both not really expecting much change, but seriously, look at the before and after photos, they are real and I am truly gobsmacked, the hair has regrown. We finally had a dermatologist appointment and she took down the name of the Shampoo. Who knows she might start prescribing it! Amazing Shampoo. Amazing company. I will be rebuying and will recommend to anyone and everyone.

Anonymous
Wild Saint John’s Wort Water - Hydrolina for Psoriasis and Irritated skin
WILD SAINT JOHNS WART WATER

FANTASTIC PRODUCT SINCE I HAVE BEEN USING THIS I HAVE REALLY NOTICED A BIG CHANGE IN MY PSORIASIS NO MORE FLARE UPS

Laura Murphy
Lavender Secret - Natural hand cream for Dry hands
Best handcream ever!

I have tried lots of hand creams over the years, and lately nothing was working. My hands would get dehydrated and I would get little round raised bumps on the backs of my hands. I tried this, and overnight my hands are soft and plump, and stay plump all of the following day. No more raised bumps. My hands have honestly not looked this good for years! I'm using quite a few other products from this company, and they are all amazing. My skin is so much better and best of all, it feels really healthy. I only use it at night, so it can work throughout the night, and that seems to be all it needs. I have now stocked up, and will be sticking to this brand from now on for my skincare. Thank you!!!

Alexandra Coackley
InaEssentials.UK
Hormonal acne

I have been using your brand for over a year now, i love it. The lavender water and soap bar have made a huge difference to my acne. I now use the trio acne set, lavender soap bar and mositurising cream, all, amazing. Your products actually work, they did for me anyway 😊

Mathers Melissa
Organic Chamomile water - Hydrolina for Eczema and Irritated skin
Incredible

Having suffered with Eczema since childhood all I had ever known to keep it at bay was the overuse of steroid creams and ointments which in 2020 bought me to the realisation I was suffering with TSW (Topical Steroid Withdrawal) since then I had been searching for a natural product to help the symptoms of my eczema and try and heal inside and out without resorting to going back on steroids. I came across an advert online for this product which had helped multiple peoples eczema prone skin and of course I had to try it! and I have used it daily since I first purchased in May 2023 and I will never ever look back. My skin is the softest it has ever been and it no longer feels irritated and although I still get slight flare ups occasionally they go within days. This is the best thing I have ever used and will definitely be a lifelong customer. Very quick delivery and a company with excellent values. Thank you! :)

Sophie Forrester
InaEssentials.UK
Organic Chamomile water saved my skin

I recently had a bad flare up of eczema all over my body, the worst I’ve had in years. The prescribed creams I had were no longer doing anything to keep it under control and that’s when I ordered from here as I was willing to try anything. Within a few weeks the eczema on my face, neck and stomach cleared and whilst I still have flare ups on my legs and arms it’s no where near as bad as before.

Shona Bartlett
Organic Lavender water - Hydrolina for Acne
Great Product

Since using this morning and night i have noticed a reduction in active spots,redness and felt my face has been less oily, will be buying another bottle, thankyou 😀

Adam Boyle
Wild Nettle Water - Hydrolina - Hair spray for Hair loss and Oily hair
Happy with the product

The nettle hair shampoo is so good. The hair after wash feel so soft and full volume .It helps a lot with getting rid of dandruff and oily hair.My girls and I are quite happy and will be purchasing again.

Enkelejda Bega
Natural Hair Conditioner with Rosemary oil and White Fir - intensive nourishing care for every hair type
Happy Customer

It's taken me more than one year and many £000's spent on trying to find the right conditioner that is helping to calm my very irritated itchy scalp

I truly believe that I have found my go to conditioner in Ina Rosemary and White Fir, it's certainly helping in calming the itch in my scalp

Margaret Hendrie
Organic Lavender water - Hydrolina for Acne
Forever Grateful

I tried everything for my hormonal acne at age 30 after coming off the pill and stronger and stronger treatments were making things worse including antibiotics which only helped temporarily and prescription grade treatments, was in a spiral and getting more desperate with horrendous pustules all over my cheeks and jawline, really affecting my confidence so badly. Then before giving up completely and resigning myself to a life of hiding, tried this lavendar water from an advert I saw for natural acne solutions as I'd been googling those since other methods failed, and it seemed to be the only thing thats worked, and consistently too! I'd say I am at least 60 percent clearer and it has really helped my self image. I think it must tackle acne bacteria without destroying the skin biome but regardless of looking into it, I'm now a huge fan! Just bought myself a 3 pack with a maskina which I'm waiting for! Face isn't perfect but closest I've got post contraceptive pill! I used to get some results with a couple of previous products for about 3 weeks and then my skin would flare again after that for months after, even though people kept saying keep going with the treatments, retinol, tretonoin, I think all the harsh desperate cleansing and treating was just perpetuating it - was sick and tired of it, think they were spouting nonsense now as after a week of this stuff and now on 3 or 4 months about, still only gets better. Enabling my skin to heal so it can slowly work out the scars too. Forever. Grateful.

El Berry

BEST SELLERS

    "A Purpose Beyond Profit: How Our Brand is Making an Impact"

    At InaEssentials, we believe in giving back to the communities that have supported us. That's why we are proud to offer employment opportunities to members of minority groups, helping to support their livelihoods and provide them with a brighter future. By choosing our organic products, you are not only improving your own health and beauty, but you are also making a positive impact on the lives of others. Join us in making a difference today.