Acne, commonly associated with adolescence, is not exclusive to the face nor confined to teenage years. It can occur on various parts of the body, such as the back, chest, and shoulders, and in people of all ages. Summer body acne can be especially bothersome in the summer months due to a combination of sweat, heat, and humidity creating a conducive environment for breakouts. Below, we walk you through effective strategies to prevent and treat summer body acne.
Understanding Body Acne
Body acne originates in the same way facial acne does, i.e., when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. These clogged follicles can then become inflamed and infected, resulting in acne. However, the skin on the body is thicker and has larger pores compared to facial skin, thus, body acne might be more challenging to treat.
Why Summer Brings More Breakouts
Friction plays a part, too. When clothing or gear traps heat and sweat against your skin and rubs against it, the irritation can cause new breakouts in acne-prone skin. This type of acne is called acne mechanica, and it can show up anywhere something rubs, from backpack straps to helmets.
The sun isn’t the fix many people hope for, either. It can actually worsen acne, darkening breakouts and making them last longer.
Effective Strategies to Prevent and Treat Summer Body Acne
- Hygiene and Cleanliness: Regular bathing, particularly after workouts or any activity that causes excessive sweating, is crucial. This prevents oil, sweat, dirt, and bacteria from settling into your pores. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, as harsh and perfumed products can irritate and exacerbate acne.
- Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliation aids in the removal of dead skin cells that could potentially clog pores. However, be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to overproduction of sebum and potentially causing more acne. A body wash with salicylic acid once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
- Wear Breathable Fabrics: Clothing can trap sweat and bacteria against your skin, which can worsen body acne. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics like cotton to allow your skin to breathe and reduce friction.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is not only essential for overall health, but it also helps maintain skin health. It can aid in detoxifying the skin and keeping it less prone to acne.
- Healthy Diet: While the connection between diet and acne is still being explored, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can promote overall skin health.
- Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter topical treatments containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur can be effective at reducing body acne. These ingredients work by reducing inflammation, killing bacteria, and unclogging pores.
- Seek Professional Help: If your body acne persists despite your best efforts, it might be time to schedule a consultation with our team to talk about your professional treatment options.
Everyday Habits for Clearer Skin
- Shower soon after you sweat. If you can’t shower right away, gently wipe sweaty skin with an oil-free cleansing wipe and change out of sweaty clothes.
- Pat, don’t rub. Use a clean towel to pat sweat away during a workout, since rubbing your skin can cause acne to flare.
- Start with clean clothes. Dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils on unwashed workout clothes can clog your pores.
- Lighten the load. Anything that rubs against your back can make back acne flare. Try swapping a backpack for a handheld bag, and carry a purse with the strap on your arm instead of your shoulder.
- Be gentle. Scrubbing skin with acne may seem like the answer, but it actually worsens acne. Antibacterial soaps, astringents, abrasive scrubs, loofahs, back brushes, and buff puffs can make acne worse, too.
- Hands off. Picking or popping breakouts, even on your back, makes acne take longer to clear and raises your risk of scarring and dark spots.
Products to Look For
- Oil-free labels. Choose skin care products and cosmetics labeled “non-comedogenic,” “non-acnegenic,” “won’t clog pores,” or “oil-free.”
- A benzoyl peroxide wash. Benzoyl peroxide helps kill the bacteria that cause acne, and it works best when left on the back for two to five minutes before rinsing. Rinse well, since it can bleach clothes, sheets, and towels.
- Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps unclog pores, and acne medication with salicylic acid often works well for acne caused by friction.
- Sunscreen that won’t clog pores. Look for a non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30. Our guide to summer skincare in Tucson has more sun protection tips for the desert.
Give any new routine time. If a treatment works, you may start to see results in six to eight weeks, and complete clearing can take three or four months.
When to See a Professional
Anyone with deep, painful acne on their back (or anywhere else) will need a dermatologist’s help. The same is true if you don’t see any difference after six to eight weeks of treatment, since some people need prescription-strength acne treatment.
What About Acne Scars?
Acne scarring is generally treated after the acne itself is under control. SkinPen microneedling is very commonly used for acne scars and can be used for scars all over the body. ResurFX laser resurfacing lists scars from acne among its common uses and can be used anywhere on the body, and the CO2 Cool Peel laser lists acne scars as well. Browse the skin conditions we treat, and your provider will talk with you about which option, if any, fits your skin.
Battling body acne can often feel like an uphill battle, especially during the summer months. However, by adopting these strategies, you can effectively manage and possibly prevent future breakouts. Remember, everyone’s skin is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it’s essential to listen to your skin and adjust your routine accordingly. It may take some time and experimentation to find what works best for you, so be patient with the process. Your skin is worth the effort!
