Blackheads and pimples don't only appear on the face. There are plenty of other places those breakouts can pop up. The chest, neck, shoulders and upper arms, and even the butt are all common places to get pimples. Back acne is so common it even has its own name: bacne.
If you're dealing with back and body acne, know that it's completely normal and you've got plenty of company. Body acne can happen to anyone, both teens and adults.
Causes
Body acne is caused by the same factors that trigger facial acne, namely overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells, and a proliferation of acne-causing bacteria.
Here's how acne pimples develop: When oil and dead skin cells become trapped within the follicle, or what we commonly call the pore, it can create a blockage. This blockage becomes a blackhead and can progress to an inflamed pimple if bacteria invade.
Body acne is generally confined to the back and the upper half of the body, as opposed to your legs.
Like the face, the upper half of the body has many sebaceous glands, so the follicles are more likely to become plugged with excess sebum and dead skin cells.
Acne Mechanica From Heat, Friction, and Sweat
Certain articles of clothing, sports equipment, and other gear may be triggering your body breakouts. Rubbing or pressure on the skin, combined with heat and/or sweat, can irritate and inflame follicles and cause a specific type of acne called acne mechanica.
If at all possible, try to avoid sources of friction while you're trying to heal body acne. These include tight-fitting clothing, too-snug collars, backpacks, purse straps, and athletic pads or gear. Students may want to carry their books in a handheld bag instead of wearing a heavy backpack.
Sweat can also irritate body acne. To minimize irritation, tone your sweat off immediately after sweating. This can be done by making toner pads. place them in a zip lock bag and take them with you to the gym or keep them in your car. Wiping off first is best and then getting into the shower as soon as possible after exercising. A thorough, but gentle cleansing—preferably with a mandelic scrub or benzoyl peroxide wash—is best.
Embarrassed by Your Breakouts?
If body acne doesn't bother you all that much, that's great. But if it does bother you, know you're not alone. Many people say they feel embarrassed or ashamed of their body acne, and take great pains to cover affected areas.
You may choose clothing that reveals as little of the breakouts as possible, avoiding tank tops or sleeveless shirts and deep necklines. You might even consider quitting recreational sports or not participate in certain activities because of breakout embarrassment. It's hard to enjoy yourself at the pool if you're feeling self-conscious about baring your skin in a swimsuit.
Body acne can be especially hard if you're a teen. Undressing in locker rooms or choosing a prom dress can be frustrating and can affect your self-confidence. But all of these feelings are completely normal . You're not being vain. Acknowledge these feelings; don't feel like you have to justify them or talk yourself out of them. Then, start on a program and good routine for body acne to get those breakouts under control.
Body breakouts can be frustrating. Finding a program that works can seem even more frustrating, especially after you've tried several with little improvement. Good daily care for the skin on your body is the backbone for your acne to get clear. While a trip to your doctor or dermatologist may seem like a hassle and may not yield the results you are looking for, booking a Virtual Appointment with one of our Estheticians or buying our Body Acne Skincare Kit is a great place to start and we can help guide you through the entire process. No more over-the-counter products that don't work!