22 Mar

How to Get Rid of Body Acne

About 10% of people around the world have dealt with body acne at some point in their lives. While it may be challenging to handle at times, it’s important to remember that it’s very common and you aren’t alone—and there are solutions out there for your unique skin type.

If you want to get rid of body acne, it’s important to dive deep into the causes and the expert-recommended treatments. This guide on how to get rid of acne will help you make more informed decisions in terms of prevention and treatment—so keep reading!

The Nature of Body Acne

Like facial acne, body acne occurs when your pores get clogged by sebum, debris, and dead skin cells. These cause bacteria to build up, which leads to skin inflammation. When the immune system reacts, the inflamed area can turn into any of the following types of acne:

• Whiteheads;
• Blackheads;
• Papules;
• Pustules; and
• Nodules/cysts. 

All of these can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common areas are the back, chest, butt, and bikini line. 

What Causes Body Acne?

So, what causes body acne in adults? There are many causes for this condition, including the following: 

• Genetic predisposition
• Dietary habits
• Unhealthy sleeping patterns
• Unhealthy weight
• Stress levels
• Sweat
• Tight-fitting clothing
• Hormonal changes
• Ingrown hairs
• Cosmetics
• Drug and alcohol consumption

Does Body Acne Go Away?

The good news is that body acne does go away, but in order for that to happen, you’ll need to counter it with healthier habits and expert treatment from a skincare expert. Here are helpful some tips to give you a clearer view of how to get rid of body acne. 

1. Develop a Good Shower Routine

When it comes to body acne treatment, keep in mind that cleanliness is absolutely vital. Shower and cleanse your body regularly to remove all the excess oil and debris on your skin. Also, use a hypoallergenic or mild soap to avoid irritating your skin further. 

Aside from that, don’t forget to exfoliate your body once a week. This step is great for removing dead skin cells from your body. A salt body scrub is perfect for exfoliation since its mildly abrasive textures quickly remove dead skin. 

2. Apply Non-Comedogenic Lotion

After showering, make it a habit to apply lotion on your skin. Moisturizer prevents your skin from getting too dry and developing chafing. One of the benefits of moisturizing is that it hydrates your skin and may help prevent acne-causing bacteria from entering your pores. 

On that note, a lightweight and non-comedogenic lotion is the ideal choice for acne-prone skin, as it won’t block your pores and allows your skin to breathe. 

3. Use Topical Retinoid Products

Did you know that topical retinoids are also effective body acne treatment products? They help reveal new, healthy skin and promote collagen production, which enhances the quality and texture of the skin. But before you switch to this skincare product, it’s best to consult with your skincare expert first. They can recommend the product type and brand that best fits your skin.

4. Study What Foods Trigger Your Body Acne

Your diet also heavily impacts body acne formation, and the triggers differ from one person to another. To gain a better understanding of what types of food trigger your acne, consider taking notes of your meal choices and monitoring your body’s reaction. Once you know your dietary triggers, adjust accordingly and see if your skin condition improves in the future. Here’s a list of the typical food triggers you should avoid or consume in lesser quantities:

• Sugar;
• Dairy products;
• Oily food; and
• Fast food. 

5. Drink Lots of Water

Make it a habit to drink two litres of water a day to keep your skin hydrated and improve its condition. Doing so prevents rough and dry skin, which is responsible for excess sebum. With hydrated skin, you’re basically preventing body acne formation by controlling oil secretion. 

6. Change Out Of Workout Clothes Immediately

If you exercise frequently, make sure to change out of your workout clothes immediately. This is  because sweat is a common cause of body acne. Wearing sweaty garments for too long creates a breeding ground for bacteria due to the warm and wet environment.

7. Avoid Scratching or Popping Your Zits

Scratching or popping is one of the causes of acne scars. Doing so pushes the pus deeper into your skin, causing swelling and redness. Additionally, scratching or popping pimples triggers skin discolouration and causes uneven texture.

8. Consider Getting Acne Laser Treatment

Body acne can sometimes leave scars that don’t clear up over time. It may lead to a rough skin texture with both indented and raised scars. 

Fortunately, you can eliminate acne scars by getting acne laser treatment. This non-surgical and non-invasive process improves skin texture and helps you achieve a clearer complexion. After a couple of sessions, your skin will look healthy and glowing.  

Book an Appointment at Harmony Med Spa

Harmony Med Spa—a modern, upscale laser clinic located in the Durham Region—can help you get rid of body acne. By availing of our acne laser treatment service, you can expect your scars and hyperpigmentation to see significant improvement after just a few sessions. 

Count on our medical experts and advanced, FDA-approved equipment to get closer to your skin goals. Contact us to learn more about the procedure and to book a consultation.