Body Acne: A Complete Guide To The Causes & Treatments

When you thought that things could just not get any worse, then you notice you’re breaking out on your BODY TOO!!

Acne, the gift that just keeps on giving! While overactive oil glands, clogged pores, inflammation, genetics, hormones, and stress contribute to facial acne, they are also causes of acne in the different parts of your body.

Acne comes in many forms from blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. If you’re noticing blemishes popping up in odd places here are some tips to help you combat those pesky breakouts.

The Effects Of The Pandemic On Our Body

Our pandemic routines might directly influence specific acne called Acne Mechanica, which is caused by friction and sweating. You guessed it, your back and buttocks are the main areas affected by this.

Tight clothing, and abrasion from surfaces, especially when combined with sweat cause, irritation to the hair follicles on your body. This inflames the follicle and creates a painful cyst-like pimple. This is especially common now that our workouts occur at home, and we might not feel the need to change clothing that often.

Other Causes Of Body Acne

Ranging from staying in your sweaty workout clothes for longer than you need to be, oiling your hair, or just neglecting a shower, we’re all guilty of contributing to those clogged pores, thus having to deal with body breakouts.

Acne on your face or body is entirely regular at any age, and it's nothing to be ashamed about. But if you are, you might want to find ways to tackle the cause of your acne.

How To Combat The Breakouts

If it's caused by stress, you can try finding outlets for stress; exercises like yoga or meditation may help.

As much as we don’t like to hear it, we opt for heavily processed and unhealthy food, and it's essential to try your best to substitute processed foods with fruits and vegetables.

And, of course, make amends to your skincare routine. Sweat generated throughout the day and specifically after workouts trigger acne. So definitely try taking showers as soon as possible after workouts as well as after a long day.

It is beneficial to consider using skincare products that contain ingredients that combat acne. While most treatment plans and serums are more effective on your face, because unlike your body skin, it's not always covered. Nevertheless, some effective OTC treatments can help, and they’re even in products that won’t break the bank.

What To Look For In Skincare

Common ingredients that help clear and prevent clogged pores:

1. Salicylic acid: Is a favorite as it is more suitable for sensitive skin
2. Benzoyl peroxide
3. Sodium hypochlorite: For those with very sensitive skin, especially those with eczema