Adult Male Acne Explained: Testosterone, Medications & Hidden Causes



Adult acne in men is more common than many people realize. In this in depth, evidence based video, board certified dermatologist Dr. Dray explains why breakouts persist well beyond the teenage years and how hormones, medications, and underlying skin conditions contribute to adult male acne.

This comprehensive discussion covers the biology of the pilosebaceous unit, the role of testosterone and DHT in driving sebum production, and why excess oil can trigger not only acne, but also seborrheic dermatitis, pityrosporum folliculitis, and tinea versicolor. Dr. Dray also breaks down acne mimickers such as rosacea, bacterial and fungal folliculitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae, helping viewers understand why accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.

She takes a deep dive into the follicular occlusion tetrad, including acne conglobata, hidradenitis suppurativa, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, and pilonidal disease, and explains why these severe inflammatory conditions require medical management rather than over the counter products.

Medication induced acne is also discussed, including testosterone replacement therapy, anabolic steroids, lithium, and the newer JAK inhibitor class, sometimes referred to as JAK induced acne or JAK ne.

Finally, Dr. Dray reviews evidence based treatment options for adult male acne, from topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide to oral antibiotics and isotretinoin, along with practical lifestyle tips and guidance on when to see a dermatologist.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction
0:42 Why adult men get acne
1:49 High testosterone and the sebum connection
3:07 Acne mimickers in adult men
5:29 The follicular occlusion tetrad
8:45 Medication induced acne
10:08 Treatment options
15:34 When to see a dermatologist
17:07 Outro

This video is ideal for men struggling with persistent acne, truncal acne, beard line breakouts, or sudden acne after starting new medications. It is also helpful for anyone interested in understanding the hormonal, inflammatory, and dermatologic mechanisms behind adult acne.

Subscribe for more dermatologist explained videos on acne treatment, rosacea, folliculitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, seborrheic dermatitis, and evidence based skincare.
FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.

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Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

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