Guys and Acne: a Dermatologist's Perspective

Acne can have really negative effects upon a guy’s mood and self-confidence. For years, men have been taught that acne scars are a right of passage, and to just deal with it. The good news though is that Dermatologists now have a growing number of promising, easy-to-use options to help guys deal with acne and prevent acne scars, for guys with dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin. So guys let me share some straight talk on acne management, my perspective being that of a Board-certified Dermatologist in practice for the last 29 years. Acne can have really negative effects upon a guy’s mood and self-confidence. For years, men have been taught that acne scars are a right of passage, and to just deal with it. The good news though is that Dermatologists now have a growing number of promising, easy-to-use options to help guys deal with acne and prevent acne scars, for guys with dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin. So guys let me share some straight talk on acne management, my perspective being that of a Board-certified Dermatologist in practice for the last 29 years.

Traditional therapies for acne include a combination of oral antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline, with prescription topical (meaning “on top of the skin”) agents, like Tretinoin Cream, or Epiduo®, or Aczone®. Newer agents include oral Sarecycline, and Trifarotene Gel, and sometimes Dermatologists consider a five months’ course of oral isotretinoin, or Accutane.

Let’s face it: most guys have avoided skincare because it’s both expensive and time-consuming. I’m a guy myself, so I understand where you’re coming from guys, because you need simple, easy-to-understand skincare. I’m talking no-nonsense products.

So after 25 years of practicing dermatology, in 2016 I decided to establish Big River Silk Skincare™ Inc. – to manufacture and distribute organic skincare products that are effective, simple, and inexpensive, focusing on minimal preservatives, minimal fragrances, and no dyes nor formaldehyde. Our concept is SCIENCE SIMPLIFYING SKINCARE™. We use cleansers and moisturizers that the Woodbury family of four Dermatologists has used for years for Tennessee and Arkansas Dermatology patients, including AmberSoy™ Soap Gel and GlycoShea™ Facial&Neck Cream.

AmberSoy Soap Gel is a great cleanser option for people with oily or combination skin. It can be used as a type of face mask, wherein it’s applied to the skin, then left on for 5-10 minutes. It an be used as a simple cleanser twice a day. Available in 1 oz ($12.95), 2 oz ($18.95), and 8 oz ($59.95), it comes in Mint, Lemon, and No Fragrance Added, with no dyes, formaldehyde, nor propylene glycol.

GlycoShea Facial&Neck Cream is a helpful moisturizer product because it acts as a face scrub, helping with skin’s exfoliation. For simplicity, it can be applied just once a day, at night. It comes in 1 ounce ($39.95), 2 ounce ($59.95), and 8 ounce ($179.95). GlycoShea’s bonus is that it works on both complexion issues and in prevention of wrinkles – because of its Glycolic Acid – an Alpha-hydroxy Acid.

All of our products are available for purchase at our company headquarters, at 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. They can also be ordered at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com (shipping: $5.00 for orders under $40.00; $10.00 for Canadian orders under $75.00). 1-901-753-0168. If you have questions about Big River Silk Skincare’s products, just drop me an Email: GWoodburyMD@bigriversilkskincare.com.

So if you are a guy with complexion issues maybe causing scars, definitely consider first getting a checkup with a Board-certified Dermatologist. My own Dermatology practice is in Cordova, TN (www.Rheumderm.com) (1-901-753-0168). Or you can find a Dermatologist in your own neighborhood by going to the American Academy of Dermatology web site, AAD.org. Just plug your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab. If you’re looking for simple, easy-to-use cleansers and moisturizers, check us out at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com.

George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (05/04/2021)