How to Treat Body Acne

Body acne can affect you regardless of your age or gender. The cause of body acne is the same as face acne - excess oil production, dead skin cells in the follicles, and bacteria. The oil and dead skin cells block the pore; bacteria thrive, and you get acne. Body acne is annoying and can be both painful and embarrassing (although truly it happened to most of us at one point or another, there is no reason for embarrassment).

Try to shower as soon as possible after sweating

It could be a workout at the gym, an exercise class, going home from work, or even a long walk with your dog in hot weather. But if you have perspired profusely, take a shower as soon as you get home. A shower will get rid of the sweat and the bacteria. If a shower isn't possible immediately after the gym, for example, change into fresh clothes. It does make a difference, we promise.

Pay attention to the materials

We are not the biggest fans of synthetic materials (unless it's workout gear, but we will get to that in a minute). Cotton, Pima, modal all work as they are more breathable (and a lot more comfortable, especially in the summer). Equally, try to avoid excessively tight clothing. Synthetic materials are good if used in workout clothes that wick the sweat away from the body.

Body wash

One of the simplest things you can do to treat body acne is to switch up your body wash. Look for products with Salicylic acid as it is oil-soluble and an exfoliant. It helps to clarify the skin and regulate oil production. Moreover, it penetrates the skin deeper, goes right into the follicle and helps unblock pores from dead skin cells and oil (as these cause blocked pores and acne, to begin with).

Spot treatments and sprays

Sprays with Salicylic acid are great for some of those hard to reach places and there are plenty available on your local high street. Likewise, you can spot-treat acne, too.

Moisturise

Don't forget to moisturise the skin. But rather than a regular body lotion, opt for something with Alpha-Hydroxy acids. When used in body lotion, AHAs work in the same way as they do on the face. They gently exfoliate the dead skin cells, and that's what you need to prevent the blocked pores. Also, they are much gentler than harsh scrubs. Plus, a skin that is healthy and balanced is less likely to overproduce sebum.Our 8% PHA body lotion has 8% Gluconic acid and will gently exfoliate and reduce the appearance of rough, bumpy skin. That said - AHAs and PHAs can increase the UV sensitivity of the skin. Make sure to use sunscreen during the treatment period.

Check your hair products

If you are meticulous about everything above and yet you still break out, check the hair products you use. Both shampoos and conditioners can be silicone heavy and clog the pores. If you are breaking out down your back and chest, try switching up your shampoo and conditioner. Alternatively, you can adjust how you wash out your hair to see if it will make a difference.

See a doctor

Last, but not least - if you made adjustments to your routine and yet those painful, inflamed acne keep making an appearance, go to your GP or see a dermatologist. Sometimes nothing but a prescription treatment will help.