If you’re prone to breakouts, you’ll be all too familiar with the all-consuming, unpleasant thoughts that often come with an angry red spot. After all, nothing saps your confidence quite like waking up with a new pimple on your face – especially on an important day. But breakouts aren’t just reserved for your face, they happen below the neck and it can be just as impactful. Here we breakdown how to treat body acne so you can go forth and conquer with confidence.
What Is Body Acne?
Otherwise known as bacne, body acne refers to breakouts on areas other than the face and is most commonly found on the back, chest or buttocks.
Who Gets Body Acne?
It’s commonly experienced by, both, men and women in their teens and adulthood. But you should know that adult acne is a reality – a harsh one at that – and it’s gaining momentum year after year! Whether in your 20s or 40s, it’s not unusual to experience regular breakouts on your body.
What Is Body Acne Caused By?
Body acne can be caused by several factors, including genetics, hormones and lifestyle. Other factors that contribute to body acne include a poor diet, stress and poor hygiene.
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4 Different Types Of Body Acne
Acne Mechanica
What It Is: Body acne caused by repeated friction or pressure on the skin, such as sweat-soaked clothing during a workout or exercise gear and workout equipment, is called Acne Mechanica.
Who Gets It: This is common among athletes and those who lead an active lifestyle. In this case, sweat may clog pores and cause breakouts when it sits on the skin for an extended period.
Acne Cosmetica
What It Is: Body acne caused by cosmetic products such as pore-clogging shampoos or conditioners that contain silicones and oils.
Who Gets It: This is common among those with long hair, as shampoo and conditioner may run over your neck, shoulders and back during a shower.
Hormonal Body Acne
What It Is: Hormonal changes can increase the skin’s sebum production, resulting in clogged pores and, ultimately, breakouts.
Who Gets It: Hormonal acne is prevalent among women, especially those who are pregnant or going through menopause.
(If you’re prone to hormonal breakouts, check out how to tailor your skincare routine to your hormones here).
Fungal Body Acne
What It Is: Also known as Malassezia folliculitis, fungal body acne is a fungal infection of the hair follicles that leads to clusters of small, red, itchy bumps that sometimes grow bigger and turn into whiteheads.
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How To Treat Body Acne Breakouts
Before deciding on a treatment plan, it’s important to first get to the bottom of the cause of your body acne. Sadly, switching out your body wash or soap won’t solve the problem if, for instance, hormonal fluctuations are causing the breakouts.
Also very important to note is that getting rid of body acne won’t happen overnight. Once you’ve implemented the necessary lifestyle changes and embarked on a targeted skincare routine (with the help of a medical practitioner or skin therapist potentially), it may take some time to see the difference. But be patient and stay the course!
Below, you can find simple changes that can help prevent and heal existing breakouts.
Take a shower after working out.
Head straight to the shower after exercising to avoid friction between your skin and sweat-soaked clothing. If, for whatever reason, you can’t shower immediately, pat your skin dry and change into a fresh set of clothes.
Use a cleanser containing salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients to treat problematic skin. It unclogs pores, gently exfoliates and reduces the redness and swelling associated with breakouts. Swap out your regular soap or body wash for a salicylic acid cleanser like the Lamelle Clarity Active Cleanse.
Do your laundry regularly.
This is particularly important during summer. If not washed regularly, sweat, dead skin cells and cosmetic products may remain on your clothes and other fabrics, like bedding. Get into the habit of changing your bed linen regularly and don’t repeat dirty clothes.
Use non-comedogenic body products.
Non-comedogenic refers to products formulated to avoid clogging pores, potentially preventing acne and breakouts, and is often recommended for oily or acne-prone skin. Some shampoos, conditioners, and body washes may clog your pores if they contain oils, silicones or waxes.
Choose gentle, non-comedogenic, or non-acnegenic (skincare and make-up products designed to prevent acne breakouts by avoiding ingredients that clog pores, making them suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin) formulas to ensure they don’t lead to breakouts.
READ MORE: The Everything Guide To Eczema
Products To Try
Lamelle Clarity Active Body Spray
Suitable for use all over the body (except the face), it contains key acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid and a Beta Hydroxy Acid to decongest pores, gently exfoliate and soothe inflammation. Its formula effectively reduces P.acnes, ROS (free radicals that damage cells and tissues) and lipid oxidation, improving both inflammatory and non-inflammatory pimples.
Pastry Skincare Salicylic Acid Body Wash (Fragrance Free)
This fragrance free body wash deeply cleanses your skin leaving it smooth, bump-free and less prone to body acne. It also contains Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), which moisturises your skin, Centella Asiatica and Bisabolol, which calm irritation on your skin.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
A rich comforting cream that exfoliates, smoothes and hydrates skin while helping to restore the protective skin barrier. Key ingredients include plant-sourced Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II that protect the skin against allergens, while keeping the skin’s healthy natural fats and water locked in. Salicylic acid penetrates into pores initiating a peeling action that refines skin texture.
Lamelle Clarity Active Cleanse
This soap-free cleanser hydrates while also cleansing. It contains salicylic acid, allowing for exfoliation and decongestion of the skin, as well as tea tree and ivy extract, known for their antibacterial properties. Lamelle uses a salicylic acid that is six times more effective at penetrating into pores than regular forms.
