Men's Acne Removal Cream

Speaking in all honesty, there’s a very limited choice of men’s skincare products. Inspired, or annoyed by this, Dr. Asim Akhtar, an Oxford University graduate, launched the brand Kyoku for Men back in 2010.

Specifically aimed toward providing men with skin solutions, it is formulated in a unique way as men’s skin is tougher with deeper pores, therefore needs stronger treatment. The brand today has several skincare products for men, but our focus is the Kyoku Acne for Men Lava Masque. Often referred to as the acne mask, it helps battle acne in men.

Today’s Kyoku acne review will point out how this mask works and if there are any benefits. But before we get to that, let’s see how Kyoky came to be what it is today, as well as the founder’s research toward acne in men.

Acne in Men – The Main Cause According to Kyoku

While he was still a student at Oxford, Dr. Akhtar was devoted to researching the causes of acne. According to him, the main cause of acne in men isn’t excess production of sebum. On the contrary, inflammation as a result of high levels of testosterone is the main culprit for breakouts in men. He continues his thesis saying that fighting high levels of oil is a futile approach because it actually treats the symptoms, and not the cause itself.

As a matter of fact, he goes further to explain that men can end up damaging their skin even more if they are trying to get rid of acne by targeting oil alone. Since this will cause inflammation, the skin will continue to secret more oil and the surface skin cells will become damaged because of dehydration.

Relying on this research, he nowadays creates products that target inflammation. This way, he believes, sebum production will also decrease, which will ultimately lead to healthier, acne-free skin.

Kyoku Acne Review

The Kyoku for Men Lava Masque is usually sold in a system that utilizes a three step treatment process. The first step is a daily facial cleanser, the second step is the lava masque, while the third step is a facial moisturizes. Although we’ll be focusing on the Lava masque, we’ll also mention a word or two about the two additional steps.

Daily Facial Cleanser

The facial cleanser’s main ingredient is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid. This ingredient is known for its acne-fighting properties and is therefore present in a number of skincare products. It loosens the sebum and decreases its production, hence clearing the pores.

In addition to this, the facial cleanser also contains ginseng root which is famous for its antioxidant properties. It is rich in sunflower seed oil which keeps the skin moisturized, and glycol stearate for smoother skin texture. There’s also a small amount of oat extract that soothes the skin.

Facial Moisturizer

The two main ingredients in this facial moisturizer are octoctrylene and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. They have UV-neutralizing properties, giving this cream a SPF 15 rating.

For better hydration, the moisturizer is enriched with glycerin, which also plays a major role into strengthening the skin’s protective barrier. Moreover, the added avocado oil further hydrates and nourishes the skin. Of course, there’s sunflower seed oil to moisturize, and pea extract to fight the breakdown of collagen support.

As Kyoku is all about treating inflammation, this moisturizer contains aloe barbadensis juice. What’s more, the facial moisturizer by Kyoku is rich in a number of antioxidant ingredients, from green tea extract, to vitamin E.

Kyoku Lava Masque

The Kyoku lava masque is becoming men’s go-to skincare product in recent years. While conducting the research for this article, we discovered that this mask is part of hundreds of best facial masks for men lists.

When you first try on the mask, you’ll feel like you just signed up for a Botox procedure. This is actually a good thing as you can feel the mask working its magic. It ‘digs up’ all the oil and bacteria that’s accumulated deep into your pores, so you will feel your face tighten.

The Kyoku lava masque for men relies on kaolin clay to clean and exfoliate the skin. For hydration, there’s added sorbitol, sea salt to detoxify the skin, glycerin to moisturize, and capryly glycol to improve the skin’s texture. The beauty of this mask is that is uses volcanic mud and volcanic black sand, together with more than 70 sea minerals from the coastline of Japan.

Unlike any other mask, it solves problems not by adding to the skin but by actually extracting. Not only does it draws excess oils and cleans clogged pores, but it is effective in removing dead skin cells as well. The mask has a gritty feeling due to the pumice and sand which further promotes exfoliation. The 73 sea minerals increase blood circulation and oxygen levels therefore enabling cellular renewal.

On a negative note, the mask also has a small amount of titanium dioxide, an ingredient that blocks and clogs pores. There’s also the risk of skin irritation as many people can’t stand DMDM Hydantoin. We came across a few negative reviews related to the mask’s fragrance. Although it’s far from an unpleasant smell, the addition of some essential oils would’ve made the mask even better!

How to Use the Kyoku Lava Masque

The first time you use this mask will be an intense experience. The science behind this is simple. You have the most oil and bacteria within your pores, so the mask will work the hardest in the beginning. If you use the mask regularly, you will notice that the intensity will significantly drop since the mask will indeed do its job of cleaning your face and help you get rid of acne.

When applying, make sure you spread it all over your face, minus the eyes and eyelids. We wouldn’t recommend putting it around the bag of your eyes either. You can apply it underneath your chin as well. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, and don’t be alarmed by the tingling sensation. Wash it with lukewarm water afterwards.

Use this mask once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s condition. For best results, use it at night before sleep to enhance your skin’s natural rejuvenation process overnight. When you look at the mirror in the morning, a brighter and clearer looking face will smile back at you!

Kyoku Acne Review – The Bottom Line

With shortage of men skincare products on the market, it’s not easy to find one, yet alone one that works! Luckily, Kyoku introduced its acne therapy. Praised by thousands of men, it indeed works! If you’re dealing with acne, I strongly recommend you give this therapy a try, especially the Lava Masque. Of course, there’s no harm in trying the facial cleanser and facial moisturizer as well. I promise you won’t be disappointed!