Body Acne: 10 Tips to Get Rid of Them
Body acne can be just as frustrating as facial acne—sometimes even more so, because it often appears on hard-to-reach areas like the back, shoulders, and chest. It can cause discomfort, make people feel self-conscious in certain clothing, and in severe cases, even leave lasting scars. While acne is common and affects millions worldwide, dealing with body breakouts requires a slightly different approach than treating facial acne.
The good news is that body acne can be managed with the right habits, skincare choices, and a little patience. Below are ten effective tips to help you understand, treat, and prevent body acne.
1. Keep Your Skin Clean with the Right Cleanser
One of the most basic yet important steps in controlling body acne is cleansing your skin properly. Sweat, dirt, excess oil, and bacteria can clog pores, which leads to breakouts. Opt for a gentle, non-comedogenic body wash designed specifically for acne-prone skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help unclog pores and fight acne-causing bacteria.
Avoid harsh soaps that strip your skin of all its natural oils, as overly dry skin can trigger the body to produce even more oil—leading to more acne. A balance between cleansing and maintaining hydration is key.
2. Shower After Sweating
Leaving sweat on your skin for too long can worsen acne. Sweat mixes with oils and bacteria, clogging pores and creating an ideal environment for breakouts. Always try to shower after exercising, sports activities, or spending time in hot, humid conditions.
If a shower isn’t possible immediately, at least wipe down with a clean, gentle body wipe until you can wash properly. Clean, breathable clothing also helps prevent irritation after workouts.
3. Exfoliate Gently
Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, blocking pores and trapping oil underneath. Regular exfoliation helps clear this buildup and allows acne treatments to penetrate more effectively.
Use a mild exfoliant with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) once or twice a week. Avoid harsh scrubs, especially those with rough particles, as they can cause microtears in the skin and make acne worse. Gentle chemical exfoliation is usually more effective and less irritating for body acne.
4. Choose Breathable Clothing
The fabrics you wear can have a big impact on your skin health. Tight, non-breathable clothing traps sweat and bacteria against the skin, contributing to breakouts. Instead, opt for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton, especially during hot weather or workouts.
Moisture-wicking fabrics can also be helpful for exercise, as they pull sweat away from the skin and reduce irritation. Always wash workout clothes after each use, since re-wearing sweaty garments exposes your skin to bacteria and oils that trigger acne.
5. Be Careful with Body Lotions and Sunscreens
While moisturizing is important, some lotions and sunscreens contain heavy oils or comedogenic ingredients that clog pores. When choosing body products, look for labels that say “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” or “acne-safe.”
If you spend time outdoors, sunscreen is essential to prevent hyperpigmentation and scarring from acne. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t worsen breakouts. Gel-based or water-based formulations are usually better than thick, creamy ones for acne-prone skin.
6. Avoid Picking or Squeezing
It can be tempting to pop pimples, but this usually makes things worse. Picking at body acne can push bacteria deeper into the skin, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of scarring. Unlike facial skin, body skin is thicker, so breakouts often take longer to heal when disturbed.
Instead, let treatments do their work. For painful or stubborn pimples, spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or sulfur can reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
7. Keep Your Bedding and Towels Clean
Your bed sheets, pillowcases, and towels can harbor oils, sweat, and bacteria that transfer back onto your skin. Washing them regularly—at least once a week—reduces your exposure to pore-clogging buildup.
When possible, use fragrance-free laundry detergents, as strong fragrances can irritate acne-prone skin. Also, avoid sharing towels to prevent spreading bacteria that may worsen breakouts.
8. Watch Your Diet and Hydration
While diet is not the only factor behind acne, some studies suggest that certain foods can influence breakouts. Diets high in processed sugar, dairy products, and greasy foods may trigger acne in some individuals. Keeping a food diary can help you identify patterns between what you eat and flare-ups.
Hydration also plays an important role. Drinking enough water supports healthy skin by helping flush out toxins and maintaining moisture balance. Aim for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to promote overall skin health.
9. Try Over-the-Counter Treatments First
Many over-the-counter products can effectively manage mild to moderate body acne. Ingredients to look for include:
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Salicylic acid: Helps unclog pores and exfoliate skin.
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Benzoyl peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria.
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Sulfur: Reduces oil and bacteria.
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Retinoids: Promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.
These treatments often come in washes, creams, or spot treatments. Remember that results take time—sometimes 4 to 8 weeks—so consistency is crucial.
10. Seek Professional Help for Severe Acne
If your body acne is persistent, painful, or causing scarring, it may be time to see a dermatologist. Severe acne may require stronger treatments such as oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane).
A dermatologist can also perform treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or extractions to reduce acne and prevent long-term damage. Professional guidance ensures that you get a tailored plan suitable for your skin type and condition.
Final Thoughts
Body acne is common and treatable, but it requires patience and consistency. Simple changes—like showering after workouts, choosing breathable clothing, and using the right skincare products—can make a noticeable difference over time. For some people, body acne may be linked to lifestyle habits, while for others, genetics and hormones play a bigger role.
The key is not to get discouraged. With the combination of good skincare, healthy habits, and possibly professional help, body acne can be managed effectively. Clearer skin not only improves comfort but also restores confidence, making it easier to feel comfortable in your own body.
