Body acne is a hidden secret for so many people because they can cover it up but it’s also very traumatic. A lot of our clients come to us for this reason. Body acne is treatable just like facial acne with treatments as well as proper home care and diet.
Sometimes a little tweak in your lifestyle is all you need to get you on the road to clear skin.
What is Body Acne?
In case you need it spelled out, body acne is acne that develops anywhere except the face, and these breakouts commonly pop up on the chest and back or areas that have a greater density of sebaceous glands otherwise known as oil glands.
Still, it’s possible to develop acne on the back, neck, shoulders, butt, and other body parts. Essentially any surface covered with hair follicles is susceptible to a breakout.
Acne on the body looks similar to facial acne because acne starts from the same point — a clogged and inflamed sebaceous oil gland or hair follicle unit just like your face, you can experience small, red pimples, whiteheads, pesky blackheads, and inflamed, painful cysts on your body.
Bumps and blemishes on your backside can be a pain in the–well, you know the rest. But trust me, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. We treat ALL kinds of body acne. Yes, even bum acne.
What Causes Acne on the Body?
1. Shampoo & Conditioner
Hair care is imperative with body acne and so is diet. You have to use acne-safe hair care. Believe it or not, keeping clean can actually contribute to body acne. As you rinse shampoo and conditioner from your scalp, the oils from your hair products can run down your back and clog pores. And, the location of body breakouts doesn’t help.
A few tips to keep in mind:
- Rinse shampoo and conditioner off to the side
- Wash your body after shampooing to make sure you catch any lingering residue
- Use a (clean) body brush to access hard-to-reach spots
2. Sweaty or Tight Fitting Workout Wear
One of the most common contributors to body acne is sweaty, tight-fighting clothing. Clingy fabrics trap sweat and bacteria on the skin, which lead to clogged pores and body breakouts. When acne affects the body, it’s also good to note that the rubbing of clothing and sports equipment can add to irritation due to the extra heat and sweat.
The best way to tackle this trigger: Opt for loose-fitting, breathable workout wear, and be sure to remove it immediately after you hit the gym.
3. Dirty Shower Accessories
Dirty shower accessories can quickly undo the good done by your daily cleansing.
Wet loofahs, damp towels, and moist bath brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria that will compromise clear skin. In addition to frequently washing your favorite towel, replacing your loofah every three weeks and using a body brush with natural fibers is highly recommended. This will limit the available hiding places for fungus and bacteria.
Foods That Cause Acne
One interesting observation is that acne is predominantly an issue in societies that follow a western diet aka the diet packed full of things that aren’t good for our bodies (high refined sugar, high refined grain products), whereas societies that follow a hunter-and-gatherer type of diet (meat, vegetables, whole grains, no refined or packaged food) don’t have a problem with pimples.
Remember, you can’t go wrong with incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. One of the puzzle pieces to minimizing acne is consuming foods that naturally reduce inflammation, boost collagen formation, and block environmental toxins.
Read more here about the best snacks for acne-prone skin types.
Tips to Prevent Body Acne
Alongside bringing the best products into your bathroom, there are some other measures you can take to prevent body breakouts.
Wear Natural Fabrics
As well as looser fitting material, opt for natural fibers such as cotton which are more breathable allowing air circulation around the skin. Cotton, silk, and linen are naturally hypoallergenic so great if your skin is also sensitive.
Shower Regularly
Dead skin cells and bacteria build up on the skin throughout the day which is what causes the blockages to the hair follicles when combined with overactive oil production. Regular showers, especially after workouts, helps remove that element from the congestion-forming cycle.
Plus a blast of cold water can help to close the pores leaving them less receptive to absorption.
Change Your Bedding Often
Changing fabrics frequently, such as towels, pillowcases, and bedding is highly recommended as they are hubs of bacteria, moisture and dead skin which transfer to the skin’s surface on contact.
Not to mention, a fresh set of sheets is much more satisfying than a fresh set of spots.
Wash Your Laundry with Acne Safe Detergent
Heavy detergents and fabric softeners can irritate your skin and cause itching, rashes, and, yes, breakouts. Opt to wash your clothes in detergent designed for sensitive skin that is fragrance-free.
The Bottom Line
To prevent pores from clogging in the first place you should exfoliate your body regularly, with a chemical exfoliant (think: a salicylic acid cleanser) or a physical exfoliant (e.g. a body brush with silicone bristles). Taking good care of your skin lays the foundation for good hygiene and prevents potential breakouts, whether that’s on your face or your body.
If you’re still breaking out after checking all of these tips off your list, it’s time to make an appointment for a consultation. If you are struggling, we can help you with a quick virtual appointment to help pinpoint the problem.
Cheers to clear!
Rene
Bought Clarify Serum 10 and it makes my skin very clear and bright. Love its lightweight formula. Very effective on acne. Give visible results. Scent is very pleasant. Texture easily absorbed by the skin. My skin becomes so fresh after applying it.