1. Shampoo & Conditioner
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; unless you’re an expert contortionist, it’s likely that you’re missing patches of product during your daily scrub. 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 & Tightfitting 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 can lead to clogged pores and body breakouts. Natalie adds: “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 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 cleanse. Wet loofahs, damp towels and moist bath brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria that can compromise clear skin. In addition to frequently washing your favorite towel, Refinery29 recommends replacing your loofah every three weeks and using a body brush with natural fibers to limit the available hiding places for fungus and bacteria.
How To Treat It: Products For Body Acne
Body breakouts may be caused by the same triggers as facial acne, but they can be more challenging to treat. Because hair follicles and pores are spaced further apart, the skin tends to be tougher in these areas, it can be difficult for topical products to penetrate the skin and work as quickly as they do for facial acne. On the other hand, the skin on your back is more resilient, and can better handle potent treatments that may be irritating to your face. Here are a few ways you can adjust your body care routine to battle breakouts on your back, shoulders and chest:
1. Avoid Creamy Shower Gels
The skin on your back has more sweat and oil gland activity than elsewhere on the body, but it also happens to be the area that is least thoroughly cleansed. Due to the difficulty in reaching inaccessible spots like the skin between your shoulder blades, oil, dead skin, sweat and dirt easily build up and clog pores. For starters, Natalie advises avoiding ultra-creamy shower gels and choosing treatments that contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid (a BHA that unblocks pores), glycolic acid (an AHA that dissolves dead skin cells to prevent spots) and/or lactic acid (a gentle AHA that helps smooth skin and prevent pimples). GQ recommends using a long-handled cleansing sponge or body brush to help reach every nook and cranny.
Product Picks
Acne Advanced Cleansing Foam
Red Currant Exfoliating Cleanser
2. Moisturize – Lightly
While it may be counterintuitive to add moisture to already oily and acne-prone skin, it’s a skin care step you can’t skip. In fact, less moisture can cause skin to produce more pore-clogging sebum in an effort to stay lubricated. Keeping your skin’s moisture barrier intact is essential to lock in hydration as well as protect your pores from bacteria and other acne-causing irritants. Yet, not all moisturizers are made equal. Steer clear of rich creams designed for dry skin and, instead, choose a lightweight lotion that will keep your skin hydrated and its oil balance in check.
Product Picks
Acne Advanced Clarifying Hydrator
Stone Crop Body Lotion
SALICYLIC ACID
HOW IT EXFOLIATES & UNCLOGS PORES
3. Spot Treat Blemishes
The same spot treatments you apply to your face can be used for your back, chest and shoulders. Experts agree that products that contain acne-fighting salicylic acid are your best bet against body blemishes; this superstar ingredient not only clears clogged pores but also helps prevent breakouts from recurring. With regular use, it has the power to keep skin clear and breakout-free for longer. Plus: Unlike benzoyl peroxide, it is extremely gentle and will not bleach fabric. When choosing the right spot treatment, we recommend reaching for products with a creamy consistency that can be easily spread across your back, chest and shoulders.
Product Picks
Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque
Hungarian Herbal Mud Treatment
4. Fade Dark Marks
Because the skin on your back is more resilient and has a slower cell turnover than the skin on your face, it can take longer to heal. This increases the chance that your body acne will leave scars and lengthens the amount of time it will take for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to fade. Whatever you do, don’t pick, squeeze or scratch your spots – and if you do, apply a brightening serum immediately.
Product Picks
Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum
Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum
5. Schedule A Back Facial
Acne facials aren’t just for your face. In fact, many spas and salons now offer back facials to specifically target the hard-to-reach spots you can’t tackle at home. Not only do these professional treatments clean your skin at a deeper level, they also include professional-strength exfoliation and extractions to encourage skin cell turnover and clear clogged pores. Visit our Spa Locator to book a back facial at an Eminence Organics spa partner near you.
Watch this video to find out more from Natalie about how to reduce the look of body acne:
Do you struggle with body acne? Share your stories with us in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.
