Our skin is our largest organ and works as a detoxification system for our entire body, meaning we run the risk of breaking out anywhere, not just on our face. Acne can occur wherever we have sebaceous glands, or oil glands, and hair follicles, which can become clogged and accumulate bacteria. I’m sure you’ve heard the term ‘Bacne’, referring to the oh-so-common back acne. The chest, neck, shoulders, upper arms, and even the butt are also frequent places where pimples can pop up. Let’s dive in and uncover just what contributes to body acne and how you can avoid it.
- Pore Clogging Ingredients
- Causes Of Body Acne
- Exfoliation Is Key
- Preventing Body Acne
- Moisturize And Protect
PORE CLOGGING INGREDIENTS
So, you’re breaking out on your body. Did you know your shower gels, lotions, and even your hair care can be to blame? Many conventional products contain pore-clogging ingredients you need to avoid if you’re prone to breakouts. To make things easier, we’ve outlined the top ingredients to look out for in our helpful blog on pore-cloggers.
Many body cleansers can also strip your skin of beneficial oils, which not only puts your barrier at risk but can also cause your skin to compensate for the lack of oil by overproducing. Excess oil can lead to clogged pores, and before you know it, you’ll see those annoying pimples popping up.
Try SEEN Haircare for a great selection of acne-safe hair and body care. You can also look for active options with ingredients to treat body acne, such as salicylic acid, which regulates sebum and clears the pores, or benzoyl peroxide, used to control bacteria and increase cell turnover. Check out Face Reality Acne Face & Body Wash or GlyMed Plus Purifying Cleanser With Salicylic Acid as some of our favorite options to replace your daily body cleanser a few times per week to help clear your breakouts.
CAUSES OF BODY ACNE
- Overproduction of oil
- Bacteria
- Fungus
- Friction caused by clothing
- Excessive sweating
- Skincare/haircare products
- Hormones
- Diet
- Medication
- Stress
EXFOLIATION IS KEY
Regular exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells and keep pores clear. Just be sure not to overdo it, as you can damage your skin barrier or dehydrate the skin, leading to increased oil production…and breakouts. It’s also important to note you want to avoid using a scrub directly on active breakouts. Check out these great options to incorporate into your routine 1-2 times weekly as your exfoliating treatment:
Face Reality Mandelic Face and Body Scrub is a multi-purpose scrub that can help keep pores clear while also alleviating hyperpigmentation, fungal folliculitis, and shaving bumps that are often mistaken for acne.
Rhonda Allison Mandelic Perfecting Polish is a weekly treatment scrub that eliminates buildup and bacteria, while reducing inflammation. This is also a great option for those who experience keratosis pilaris (that bumpy skin that can show up primarily on our arms or legs).
Rhonda Allison Bamboo Scrub is a gentle exfoliating scrub without any actives that helps to reduce inflammation and redness, keeping skin smooth and happy.
GlyMed Plus Refining Body Scrub uses both chemical and physical exfoliants to refine tone and texture while hydrating and soothing the skin.
PREVENTING BODY ACNE
- Shower After Sweating: Sweat can mix with oils and bacteria on your skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Be sure to shower promptly after sweating to remove impurities and prevent acne.
- Choose Your Products Wisely: Opt for non-comedogenic or oil-free body washes and lotions to avoid pore-clogging ingredients that can exacerbate acne.
- Wear Breathable Fabrics: Tight-fitting clothing and synthetic fabrics can trap sweat and bacteria against your skin, increasing the likelihood of breakouts. Choose natural fabrics such as cotton that allow your skin to breathe.
- Exfoliate Regularly: Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, preventing the formation of acne. Look for exfoliating body washes or incorporate a scrub into your weekly skincare routine.
- Launder Your Linens: Dirty sheets, towels, and clothing can harbor bacteria and oil, transferring them back onto your skin and triggering breakouts. Wash your bedding, towels, and workout clothes regularly to keep acne-causing bacteria at bay.
MOISTURIZE AND PROTECT
Moisturizers are key in balancing oil production while infusing the skin with nutrients to keep the skin barrier healthy. This means even oily skin types should never skip this crucial step in your skincare routine. Just be sure to keep an eye out for any pore-cloggers.
Some of our favorite acne-safe body moisturizers include CLEARSTEM SOFTSKIN Body Lotion and iS Clinical Youth Body Serum.
Last but not least, you need to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. Look for an oil-free formula that you’ll enjoy using daily. Try TIZO Ultra Zinc Face & Body SPF 40 for a great acne-safe choice. (*will add in Colorescience body sunscreen once launched)
As acne can occur just about anywhere on the body, we need to follow the same rules as we do when caring for the skin on our face, and take just a few extra steps to keep our skin clean, clear, and happy.
Unsure where to start? Reach out for a free skincare checkup, and our licensed estheticians will optimize your routine for the best results. We’ll be here every step of the way!
