Acne is the most common skin condition, affecting up to 50 million Americans each year. While we typically think of blemishes on the face when we think of acne, body acne, such as on the chest or back, is also common. And while it may be easier to cover up, it can be just as much of a hindrance to self-esteem.
However, there are steps someone can take to get rid of body acne for good. It takes looking at the root of the cause of the acne and sticking to a treatment plan. Keep reading to learn more about what could be causing body acne and how to address it.
What Causes Body Acne
Body acne occurs when the pores on the skin become clogged. This can happen for a number of reasons, usually when oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria build up on the skin. However, hormones and genetics affect how likely it is for someone’s pores to become clogged and acne to develop. For instance, during puberty, people produce more androgen hormones, which causes oil glands to produce more oil, which can lead to acne.
In terms of genetics, having acne-prone genes doesn’t necessarily mean you will break out. Rather, those genes make you more sensitive to certain triggers, i.e., ingredients in body care products, certain foods, and even stress.
If you’re experiencing body acne, it may be the result of a combination of environmental and hormonal factors. Either way, there are ways to treat it.
How To Get Rid of Body Acne
There are a few effective methods for treating body acne. However, everyone’s skin is different, so you’ll experience the best results by visiting a dermatologist. A dermatologist will be able to inspect your skin and recommend treatments specific to you.
That said, anyone can benefit from the following tips to get rid of body acne. And if you only break out from time to time, or your body acne is minor, these steps can pave the way for clear skin.
1. Try Over-The-Counter Acne Body Products
You may be surprised to learn that there are many over-the-counter products available specifically to target body acne. This includes acne body washes, body sprays, and exfoliants. Swapping your current body wash for an acne body wash that contains benzoyl peroxide can help fight bacteria on the skin.
Additionally, using a leave-on product that contains hydroxy acids may be beneficial. Body acne tends to be deep-seated and stubborn, but hydroxy acids, such as glycolic and salicylic acid, can help. These acids calm inflammation and exfoliate the skin, which can remove the buildup of dirt and dead skin cells.
2. Practice Good Workout Hygiene
Blemishes thrive on bacteria, so practicing good hygiene is especially important when dealing with body acne. Dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils on unwashed clothes, towels, or equipment can clog your pores, leading to acne. When you exercise, be conscious of equipment that can carry bacteria. This includes sweat towels, workout machines, weights, and gym clothes. Afterward, make a point to shower, thoroughly cleanse your body, and throw your clothes in the wash.
3. Use Noncomedogenic Products
Many personal care products contain oils and other ingredients that can clog the pores. So, you could be doing everything right but using a body lotion that is clogging your pores and leading to acne. Products listed as noncomedogenic, however, are those that don’t clog the pores.
It’s important to look not only at bodily products that could be comedogenic but also at hair care products and detergents that could be transferred from your hair or sheets to your body. You can use this resource to cross-reference the ingredients in your products with those that are known to clog pores.
4. Inspect Your Diet
What comes out on the skin is often a reflection of what’s going on inside. For instance, inflammation in the body can lead to acne. One major cause of inflammation and acne is a diet that is high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Research has shown that diets with a high-glycemic load are the worst for acne. In one US study, 87% of patients who were put on a low-glycemic diet reported less acne.
Other foods that can contribute to acne include cow’s milk and whey protein, which has been linked specifically to acne on the trunk.
If you are struggling with acne, take a look at the amount of sugar, high-glycemic carbohydrates, milk, and whey protein in your diet. If possible, swap these foods out for alternative low-glycemic options to reduce inflammation and acne.
5. Talk to a Dermatologist
For persistent and severe acne, a dermatologist can provide prescription options, such as topical or oral antibiotics and retinoids. They can also work with you to help identify the root causes of your body acne and develop a personalized treatment plan.
If the blemishes came on suddenly and you’re not typically prone to body acne, schedule a visit with your dermatologist right away. It may not be acne at all, but rather an infection or rash. Your dermatologist can identify the skin condition and provide treatment to clear it up.
How To Treat Body Acne
Treating body acne or facial acne requires approaching the problem from multiple angles. You can use all of the above tips to rid your body of blemishes, but the most important tip is to be consistent. Acne doesn’t disappear overnight and can resurface. But with a consistent body care routine that is free from pore-clogging ingredients and a low-glycemic diet, you can experience clearer skin.
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Sources
https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/acne-causes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26897386/
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/workouts
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3366450/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5350548/
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28871928/