How To: Get Rid of Body Acne
While it usually doesn’t pose a serious health threat, body acne is a bothersome skin condition that can affect people of all ages and at all stages. It can range from being slightly uncomfortable to greatly impacting your self-esteem. The good news is that flare-ups are easier than ever to get under control, with a range of targeted treatments and active ingredients to choose from. Read on to find out what body acne is, how to treat it, and the best products to reach for in achieving clear and smooth skin.
WHAT IS BODY ACNE?
Much like acne on the face, body acne (also known as truncal acne) can manifest as small red pimples, patches of inflammation and even deep, swollen cysts. Body acne commonly appears on areas of the skin that have higher concentrations of sebaceous/oil glands, like the back, shoulders, chest, arms and butt (you may have heard the term ‘ass-ne’).
Types of body acne include blackheads and whiteheads (caused by clogged pores), papules (small red spots on the surface of the skin), pustules (pimples with pus-filled heads), nodules (larger versions of papules that are under the skin), and cysts (painful pus-filled pimples deep under the skin).
WHAT CAUSES BODY ACNE?
In general, body acne is caused when the pores become clogged with excess sebum/oil, dead skin cells, ingrown hairs and/or the acne-causing bacterium Cutibacterium. It can also crop up when there are sudden hormonal changes in the body, such as during pregnancy and menopause.
There are two main causes of body acne to be aware of:
ACNE MECHANICA: occurs when activewear or sports equipment traps sweat on the skin during physical activity. It can be coupled with a rash due to friction and heat.
ACNE COSMETICA: results from products coming into contact with the skin, especially those used in your haircare routine. Shampoo, conditioner and other hair treatments might clog pores and cause acne on your back, neck, shoulders and chest (depending on the length of your hair).
HOW DO I TREAT BODY ACNE?
GENTLY CLEANSE THE SKIN: When experiencing body acne, it can be tempting to overcompensate by excessively washing the skin, however this can strip it of its natural oils. Instead, reach for a pH-balanced cleanser formulated with gentle ingredients (avoiding harsh alcohols and high levels of fragrance). Always ensure you are thoroughly cleansing after exercise to remove sweat from the surface of the skin.
EXFOLIATE REGULARLY: Use a body exfoliator a few times a week to clear the pores and remove dirt and debris, while simultaneously sloughing away dead skin cells and preventing pores from becoming clogged. Our BODY POLISH is formulated with a considered blend of both physical and chemical exfoliants (the best of both worlds!). Salicylic acid and charcoal powder deeply penetrate pores and remove impurities. Finely milled volcanic pumice polishes, revitalises and stimulates circulation.
SPOT TREAT: For particularly pesky body acne culprits, use a topical treatment to accelerate the skin’s healing process. Look for something made with benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, salicylic acid or retinol. Just don’t go overboard–these targeted treatments contain high levels of active ingredients so should be used with caution and always followed with adequate sun protection during the day.
CLEAN UP YOUR HAIR CARE ROUTINE: Some shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products (like masques and styling treatments) are made with silicones and heavy oils. When left on the hair and coming into contact with the skin, they can cause breakouts. Seek out haircare products that are made with lower fragrance percentages and clean, natural ingredients. Make sure you always wash off residue to reduce the chance of your pores becoming blocked.
STAY HYDRATED: Your skin’s BARRIER FUNCTION is essential in keeping the good stuff (moisture) in and the bad stuff (bacteria) out. It’s also your best defence against body acne. Nurture and nourish your skin’s barrier by keeping it hydrated. Our BODY MOISTURISER is front-loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and plant-based ingredients that provide vital nutrients to support the skin’s barrier function and rebalance the body’s delicate microbiome.
USE A FRESH RAZOR: A dull or blunt razor head can cultivate acne-causing bacteria. Using this on the skin can not only increase the risk of INGROWN HAIRS and STRAWBERRY LEGS, but can also contribute to the formation of body acne. Our custom-designed RAZOR works with your curves to give you your best shave yet – wherever you choose to use it. Five diamond-sharp blades, enclosed in a moisturising vitamin E cushion, make for an exceptionally close shave while rehydrating the skin. We recommend replacing your REFILL BLADE after 6-8 shaves and storing your razor outside of the shower or bath between use.
CHANGE YOUR SHEETS OFTEN: To prevent and treat body acne, make sure you change your bedding at least once a week (and if you have acne on your neck and hairline, you may also wish to change your pillowcase every few nights). Sheets and linen can harbour dirt, dead skin, bacteria and an accumulation of sweat. We prefer to sleep on natural fibres, like organic cotton or flax linen, as these are more breathable than their synthetic counterparts and can be gentler on the skin.