We all get acne, some have it worse, and some get lucky enough to have it so bad that it ruins their self-esteem in high school. Hi! That's me and this episode is all about my toxic relationship with acne, how I got rid of it, and my skincare routine now. I am not a doctor or dermatologist, I do not claim to be, and I most likely never will be! I’m just here sharing my experience and letting you know that you're not alone in it.

Acne and Skincare for Guys: The Real Talk Nobody's Having

From Guyset Podcast - A Guy's Guide to What Should Be Talked About

Let's talk about something guys rarely discuss openly: acne. That toxic relationship with pimples that can destroy your confidence and make you feel like hiding from the world. If you've ever stared at your reflection, obsessing over a massive zit and wondering if everyone is staring at it too—this post is for you.

My Acne Story: From High School Hell to Clear Skin

I had terrible acne throughout high school. I'm talking debilitating, confidence-crushing breakouts that made me want to skip school. That girl I liked? I was convinced she only saw the massive red bumps on my face. Walking down the hallways felt like a walk of shame.

The worst part? Constantly taking selfies to see how bad it looked, analyzing every angle, and obsessing over what everyone else must be thinking. Spoiler alert: they weren't thinking about it nearly as much as I was.

The Accutane Journey: When Things Get Extreme

After trying literally everything—every over-the-counter cream, Proactiv (that weird Adam Levine commercial), prescription topicals—I ended up on Accutane. It's the nuclear option for severe acne, and it comes with some serious side effects:

What I Experienced:

• Chapped lips from hell: Picture the Joker's mouth. My lips cracked down to my chin and would literally flake off into my lunch

• Hair loss: Lost hair on the sides of my head (a side effect they warn you about)

• Extreme sun sensitivity: Constantly sunburned

• Monthly blood work: To make sure the medication wasn't damaging my body

The Reality Check: Despite looking like a "monster" during treatment (my words), Accutane worked. My skin cleared up, and I went into college feeling confident about my appearance for the first time in years.

The Mental Health Impact Nobody Talks About

Acne isn't just a skin problem—it's a mental health issue. When you have a giant pimple (especially in a prominent spot), it becomes your entire identity for that day. You:

• Constantly touch or cover the area

• Take endless photos checking different angles

• Preemptively joke about it to beat others to the punch

• Feel like everyone is staring at your face

The Truth: While people do notice acne, they're not obsessing over it like you are. It's not living rent-free in their heads—just yours.

Adult Acne: When It Still Shows Up

Even with clear skin now, I still get breakouts. Two days before my birthday this year, a massive pimple appeared right in the center of my cheek. Mount Vesuvius had erupted on my face, and I spent the entire celebration trying to hide behind cups and strategic hand placement.

The Reality: Everyone gets pimples sometimes, even people with generally good skin. One or two pimples don't define you.

How I Deal with Pimples Now

What I Do:

• Leave them alone: No popping (leads to scars and divots)

• Hot compress: Washcloth with hot water to bring down inflammation

• Spot treatment: Differin Gel (available over-the-counter at CVS) works well for individual pimples

What I Don't Do:

• Pick or pop (tempting, but not worth the scarring)

• Obsess over photos

• Hide from social situations

The Skincare Routine Every Guy Should Have

Most guys just splash water on their faces and call it good. That's not cutting it. You need two basic steps:

Step 1: Face Wash (Cleanser)

Why it matters: Your face accumulates oil, sweat, and dirt throughout the day. Just showering isn't enough.

Good options to try:

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost

• CeraVe Face Wash

• La Roche-Posay (blue bottle)

• Cetaphil Daily Cleanser

How to use it:

1. Use cold water

2. Apply cleanser to face

3. Gently massage in circular motions

4. Rinse with cold water

Step 2: Moisturizer

Even if you have oily skin, moisturizer helps maintain your skin barrier and can actually reduce oil production.

Application:

• Put moisturizer on your hands

• Add a little water

• Gently rub into face

• Rinse with cold water

Pro Tips for Clearer Skin

The Towel Rule

Critical: Don't use the same towel for your face that you use for your body after showering. Think about where that towel goes—do you really want that on your face?

Solution: Get a separate face towel and wash it regularly.

Change Your Pillowcases

This made a huge difference for me. Change pillowcases every 1-2 weeks. You spend 6-8 hours with your face pressed against that fabric every night.

When to See a Professional

If you have widespread, persistent acne, see a dermatologist. Don't suffer in silence like I did for years. There are effective treatments available, and your mental health is worth the investment.

The Genetics Factor

Acne often runs in families. Mine came from my dad's side—my siblings and I all dealt with it. If your parents had acne, you're more likely to have it too. This isn't your fault.

What Actually Helps vs. What Doesn't

Helpful:

• Consistent skincare routine

• Clean pillowcases and towels

• Spot treatments for individual pimples

• Professional help for severe cases

Not Helpful:

• Obsessing over it

• Constantly taking photos

• Picking and popping

• Using the same dirty towel everywhere

The Perspective You Need

Here's what I wish someone had told me in high school:

1. This is temporary: Even severe acne is treatable

2. Others aren't obsessing: People notice but move on quickly

3. One pimple ≠ your worth: You're more than your skin

4. It gets better: With treatment and time, clear skin is achievable

Why Guys Don't Talk About This

We've been conditioned to think skincare is "feminine" or that complaining about appearance makes us weak. That's bullshit. Taking care of your skin is basic hygiene, like brushing your teeth.

The reality: Most guys deal with skin issues but suffer in silence. Let's change that conversation.

Starting Your Journey to Better Skin

Week 1: Start with a basic face wash routine at night Week 2: Add a moisturizer Week 3: Observe what's working and adjust products if needed Week 4: Consider additional treatments if still having issues

When Professional Help is Worth It

See a dermatologist if:

• Over-the-counter products aren't working after 6-8 weeks

• Acne is affecting your mental health

• You're getting cystic acne (deep, painful bumps)

• Acne is leaving scars

Final Thoughts

I went from having face-covering acne that destroyed my confidence to clear skin that I feel good about. If you're in that dark place with your skin right now, know that it gets better.

Your acne doesn't define you. You're not broken or gross or destined to hide forever. With the right treatment, patience, and self-compassion, you can get to the other side.

Start with the basics: wash your face at night, use a clean towel, change your pillowcases. If that's not enough, get professional help. Your future self will thank you.

For more honest conversations about guys' health, confidence, and navigating your 20s, listen to Guyset - A Guy's Guide to What Should Be Talked About. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Share your skin journey at josh@guyset.com

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See you next Tuesday! Big things coming soon...