How to Treat Body Acne

April 3, 2008

Body acne has become just as much of a problem as facial acne. This condition can affect anyone and is becoming a common skin ailment for both teens and adults. There are certain factors that will make your skin more prone to breakout. For instance, people who lead a very active physical lifestyle tend to be more likely to suffer from body acne, particularly on their backs. The reason for this is the more frequent perspiration that they experience than someone who is less active. However, there are also several other areas of the body that can be vulnerable to acne, such as the shoulders, neck, chest and even your bottom! In general, the skin pores on your body are much larger than those on your face. This greatly increases the risk of pore irritability due to over production of sebum (oil), perspiration and inadequate skin exfoliation. This trio can be detrimental to your skin, not to mention additional factors such as tight fitting clothing and heavy body products, which can worsen the irritation.

Just like the skin on your face, your body skin needs to be exfoliated regularly. Imagine all the build-up of dead skin cells, lotion, perfume and debris from your clothing just settling on your skin. When you do not exfoliate, this layer of grime just continues to accumulate on the surface of your skin. It is the perfect recipe for acne. There is quite an easy fix to this problem. Prevention of body acne starts with showering. It is crucial to not only shower at least once a day, but you should also cleanse your body immediately after any activity that causes you to sweat. While in the shower, you should always use a loofah, or some method of exfoliating your skin while cleansing with your soap or body wash. You can take your pick of many options such as the previously mentioned body loofah, body brush, bath mitt, body sponge… the list goes on. If you don’t already use one of these shower tools, I really encourage you to start now. You will surely see and feel a difference in your skin.

If you are already plagued with body acne, there are many products designed to help treat the condition. For severe cases, I would not recommend using an exfoliating shower tool. This will be too aggressive and only spread the bacteria. Rather, I would strongly urge you to use a washcloth combined with a body acne clearing wash such as the Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash, Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment or Murad Acne Body Wash. Murad also has a very unique Clarifying Body Spray which is highly effective in treating body acne. Another method of treating body acne is with microdermabrasion. Most spas and salons will offer this treatment for your chest and other areas upon request. Finally, the last step in treating body acne is to only use an oil-free body moisturizer such as Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, Fragrance Free or Clinique Sun Care UV-Response Body Gel-Lotion SPF 15 on the affected areas of your skin. It is also a good idea to wear breathable clothing, especially in the summer. Cotton and linen fabrics are most ideal and will be less irritating to your body acne.

Body acne can definitely a be painful, annoying and embarrassing ordeal. With consistency and the proper tools, it just takes a few simple steps to treat the problem. If you have tried all of the above methods of treatment and still find no relief, visit your dermatologist. Your skin may require prescription strength treatment or an oral medication that will work to heal the skin from the inside out.

Written by sharnell · Filed Under Acne Skin, Body Care, Expert Skincare Advise, Skin Care, Skin Exfoliation