Acne on the face is bad enough as it is. Angry, red, and arriving at the worst possible times—you pick and prod, which only seems to anger it further. So what do you do when your acne decides to migrate beyond your face and onto your body?
Body acne is a common skin condition that many people face. It appears most commonly on the back—hence the term “bacne”—but other frequent locations include the chest, neck, shoulders, and buttocks.
So how do you mitigate the formation of these pesky pimples? Below are the most reliable steps in fighting body acne:
- Cleanse regularly: A lack of regular showering can lead to dirt, sweat, and oils building up on the skin, consequently causing acne to pop up in unexpected places. Consistent and thorough showering is crucial in keeping your skin clean from dirt and oil buildup, so make sure to shower regularly—especially after sweating. A targeted body wash, such as our Skin Perfecting Body Wash, plays a huge role in removing body acne. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, also known as BHA, which penetrates the pores to break down oil and dead skin cells.
- Do your laundry: Not only is doing your laundry a good hygienic practice, but it also plays a role in defending against body acne! Clean clothes, sheets, and pillowcases are crucial in preventing the buildup of oils and bacteria. Make sure to keep these clean on a regular basis.
- Wear breathable fabrics: Loose, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are the best for keeping cool and ensuring circulation so sweat and oils do not get trapped in the skin. Opt for looser-fitting shirts made of cotton as opposed to synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, that can trap heat and humidity, allowing acne to arise more easily.
- Exfoliate your skin: Exfoliants scrub away dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to acne. There are two types of exfoliants—physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants include loofahs and body scrubbers, which physically buff away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants, which include AHA, BHA, and PHA, are ingredients incorporated into the formula itself—so simply using the body wash will gently exfoliate the skin. The Skin Perfecting Body Wash contains all three chemical exfoliants, ensuring your skin stays smooth and supple.
- Avoid triggers: Triggers for acne include diet, sleep, and stress—so ensure all are at healthy levels. Avoid salty or processed foods, and make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Also, manage stress levels and find outlets for stress, such as exercise or hobbies.
Body acne can be annoying and complex to solve, but with the right treatments, inside and out, its appearance can be greatly mitigated. If changes to diet, hygiene, or skincare do not resolve the issue, please visit your local dermatologist.
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