Adult acne is a uniquely cruel twist of biology. Not only does a raging back zit or chest pimple look nasty, but it’s also a visual harbinger of the pains of youth — a blunt reminder that even though one has attained a high school and college diploma, the embarrassment of blemishes still lurks underneath every dermis. It’s humbling. An ego check with a vermilion hue.
Let’s back up for a second. Breakouts are caused when hair follicles under the skin become clogged with sebum — the oil that helps keep skin from drying out — and dead skin cells. That mixture allows bacteria that normally live on the skin to grow in the plugged follicles, which results in pimples or zits. And, while body acne may serve as a fascination for millions of loyal Dr. Pimple Popper followers, the vast majority would prefer to avoid it and treat it in private.
Whether trying to evade body acne for purely cosmetic reasons (or out of an aversion to the discomfort that large pimples bring), below is a bevy of accessible products available to fight it.
The Best Acne Prevention Products: At a Glance
BREATHABLE SHIRTS
Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Short-sleeve T-shirt
Buy Now On Amazon$25.00Jump to Details
body scrubber
MANSCAPED® The Body Buffer Premium Silicone Scrubber
Buy Now On Amazon$19.99Jump to Details
SWEAT WIPES
Lume Deodorant Wipes, Body and Underarm Cleansing Wipes, 45-Count
Buy Now On Amazon$18.99Jump to Details
ANTI-ACNE WASH
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
Buy Now On Amazon$9.77Jump to Details
Anti-Acne Spray
Acne-Free Salicylic Acid Body Spray
Buy Now On Amazon$24.57Jump to Details
PIMPLE PATCHES
Mighty Patch Original from Hero Cosmetics
Buy Now On Amazon$11.97Jump to Details
DISINFECTING WIPES
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes Lemon Scent 15ct in Resealable Travel Pouch
Buy Now On Amazon$6.25Jump to Details
NATURAL ANTI-ACNE BODY WASH
DermaNu Antifungal Antibacterial Soap & Body Wash
Buy Now On Amazon$34.79Jump to Details
The Causes of Body Acne, According to Experts
Two of the biggest contributing factors to body acne also happen to be outside of everyone’s control: genetics and hormones. Idaho-based dermatologist Dr. Dustin Portella emphasized that those beloved puberty hormones that sprouted beginner chin pimples can also cause breakouts on the chest and back in adulthood. “The larger oil glands on the back that tend to be deeper in the skin respond to testosterone, which causes them to create more oil,” he said.
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Active men are especially susceptible to body acne due to, among other reasons, frequently increased testosterone levels that can increase the skin’s oil production. Those oils, alongside sweat molecules, feed the bacteria that live in hair follicles, contributing to a higher likelihood of developing acne. “In addition to the hormones, there’s exposure to different types of bacteria that you might see in a gym or if you’re not washing your workout clothes as frequently as you should,” Dr. Portella explained. “And being exposed to those different kinds of microorganisms may lead to acne.”
In that light, wiping down machines at the gym is not only important to keep you from smelling like the previous user, but it’s also a good practice to ensure you don’t collect their bacteria as well.
Licensed esthetician Ian Michael Crum also coached SPY through a few different sweat management tactics for reducing body acne for active people. “The type of clothing you work out in can play a big part in whether or not you break out,” he said. “You want something breathable to help sweat evaporate quickly. And loose clothing can be better than compression garments for preventing acne.”
But even the most breathable garments can’t keep skin totally free of dirt and oils. “Definitely make sure to rinse as soon as possible after working out,” Crum said. “And if you’ve worked out and you don’t have access to shower right away, there are a lot of portable gym wipes on the market that do a reasonably good job of getting skin clean.”
BREATHABLE SHIRTS
Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Short-sleeve T-shirt
$25.00
Buy Now On Amazon
Under Armour’s tech shirts are not only constructed from breathable materials, but they also have a streamlined fit that’s just loose enough to prevent natural oil and bacteria from getting trapped against the skin. And while the design is simple, these shirts are available in a myriad of variations. Choose from over a dozen colors, both long-sleeve and sleeveless options, and sizes ranging from XS to 5X.
body scrubber
MANSCAPED® The Body Buffer Premium Silicone Scrubber
$19.99
Buy Now On Amazon
Crum suggests soft exfoliation to dislodge dead skin cells, though he also warns that too much abrasion can aggravate the skin. The rounded silicone bristles on Manscape’s body buffer provide just enough friction to get the job done gently, and they hold less bacteria than a traditional brush or loofah. It also features an ergonomic no-slip handle and is incredibly easy to clean.
SWEAT WIPES
Lume Deodorant Wipes, Body and Underarm Cleansing Wipes, 45-Count
$18.99
Buy Now On Amazon
No time to shower? Lume’s wipes, which include mandelic acid, help exfoliate by removing dead skin cells that can trap bacteria and sweat (which can lead to body odor and acne). They are also cucumber-scented, imparting both a fresh smell and some peace of mind post-workout.
ANTI-ACNE WASH
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
$9.77
Buy Now On Amazon
As the strongest over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide wash available, this antimicrobial foaming wash kills bacteria on contact and lifts dirt to unclog pores. It both clears existing acne and helps prevent new blemishes from forming and is typically effective as a once-daily application. For as strong as it is, this wash won’t completely dry out your skin, which is not true of all anti-acne products.
Anti-Acne Spray
Acne-Free Salicylic Acid Body Spray
$24.57
Buy Now On Amazon
Using a combination of salicylic acid and glycolic acid, this spray helps to exfoliate and unclog pores. Aloe vera and niacinamide help prevent this fast-drying, non-stick, oil-free spray skin from drying out the skin.
PIMPLE PATCHES
Mighty Patch Original from Hero Cosmetics
$11.97$13.00
Buy Now On Amazon
For spot treatment of individual pimples, the Mighty Patch hydrocolloid (a gummy-like gel that heals wounds) sticker improves the look of pimples overnight and prevents the need to pop them. The patch slowly draws pimple pus to the surface and absorbs it over the course of six to eight hours. When it turns white, simply peel the patch off and throw it away. Not only is this method less painful than popping pimples, but it’s also effective in reducing reinfection and scarring.
DISINFECTING WIPES
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes Lemon Scent 15ct in Resealable Travel Pouch
$6.25$10.00
Buy Now On Amazon
Sure, the last person to use the weight bench at your gym should have wiped it down as a matter of common courtesy. But did they? Because if they didn’t, then they left behind a petri dish of bacteria that’s an acne hazard for the next person who uses it. And while most gyms have spray bottles and towels handy, Lysol wipes are a convenient backup plan. They kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria and come in a resealable pouch that’s easy to tote along for use when needed.
NATURAL ANTI-ACNE BODY WASH
DermaNu Antifungal Antibacterial Soap & Body Wash
$34.79
Buy Now On Amazon
Acne treatments don’t have to smell like chemicals. DermaNu’s body wash includes several natural ingredients with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and antiviral properties, including tea tree oil, mint, eucalyptus, and oregano. In fact, the entire ingredient list is natural and organic. And in addition to acne, this body wash can help treat jock itch, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, ringworm, and other skin ailments common to athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Acne
How do I get rid of body acne?
Once body acne has already appeared, it’s best to avoid popping pimples or picking at the blemish since that’ll almost definitely make it worse. Leaving it alone is the best course of action, in addition to using a clarifying body wash or cleanser to keep the area clean.
Can stress cause body acne?
Indirectly, yes. Stress can cause hormone levels to fluctuate, which in turn can make glands that produce oil more active. But it’s a multi-factorial reaction that will differ from person to person.
Is body acne contagious?
Acne is not contagious, so don’t let it cut down on consensual skin-to-skin contact.
Is body acne different from face acne?
Essentially, no. The two types of acne are caused by the same thing, clogged pores leading to the buildup of bacteria. Certain parts of the body are more or less susceptible to clogged pores, but the resulting blemishes are the same.
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FAQs
Which soap is best for body acne? ›
- St. ...
- Clovia Botanica Teak Wood Body Wash:
- Luxuriate 100% Natural Purification Of Skin Tea Tree Body Wash:
- Good Vibes Deep Cleansing Shower Gel (Activated Charcoal):
- Biotique Bio Basil & Parsley Purifying Body Wash:
- MamaEarth Ubtan Body Wash:
- Khadi Essentials Cherry Body Cleanser:
Use an acne cleanser
While any gentle soap or body wash can help remove dirt and excess oils, there are specific products geared toward fighting body breakouts. Dr. Thompson suggests starting with skin care products that include benzoyl peroxide.
Like all skin care products, an acne body wash will only be effective if your skin responds to it and you use it regularly rather than once in a while. “You need to exfoliate to keep skin clear and the easiest way to do so over a large surface area, such as the body, is with a wash,” says Dr. Mark.
What are the best ingredients for back acne? ›Similar to facial acne, the key to combating bacne is a regular routine that combines cleansing, exfoliation and quality active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, sulfur and salicylic acid.
What ingredient gets rid of body acne? ›- salicylic acid.
- benzoyl peroxide.
- tea tree oil.
- aloe vera.
- Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used acne treatment. ...
- Salicylic acid. ...
- Alpha hydroxy acids. ...
- Sulfur. ...
- Adapalene. ...
- Azelaic acid. ...
- Vitamin C. ...
- Tea tree oil.
Poor hygiene and excessive sweating may cause your skin to act out as well. While sweating can clear up your pores, the presence of dirt, oil, and dead cells blocking them may cause you to develop body acne. Cleaning your skin regularly is the best way to remedy this.
What foods cause body acne? ›Acne Facts
Those who eat foods with added sugars have a 30% higher risk of getting acne. Eating cakes and pastries regularly increases your chances of developing acne by 20%. Eating just 25 gms of 99% dark chocolate can significantly increase the risk of acne.
Like facial acne, body acne occurs when skin pores get clogged by excess oil (sebum), debris, and dead skin cells. The blocked pore creates an ideal environment for skin bacteria (C. acnes) to grow and flourish, leading to inflammation and infection.
What causes back acne in males? ›It happens when sweat, oil, dead skin cells and bacteria get trapped in your skin's pores. Backpacks, sweaty shirts or sports equipment can create friction on your back and worsen back acne. You can treat back acne by keeping your skin clean and using acne-fighting skin creams.
How often should you shower with body acne? ›
Maintain good hygiene. This means showering 1–2 times a day, especially after working out. Remove sweaty clothes as soon as you've finished exercising. And make sure you change your towels and bedding regularly.
Should I shower everyday to get rid of body acne? ›From a skin standpoint, daily showers can help you get rid of acne-causing bacteria (which means they'll help you stave off breakouts on your chest, back, and butt).
What acid is best for back acne? ›It's best to stick to washes made with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to fight bacne and follow up with a light lotion made with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and glycerin to help restore moisture.
What oil is good for back acne? ›Some commercial body washes use tea tree oil as a key ingredient, which could help alleviate back acne. Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis in some people. 3 To avoid problems, test the oil on a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction develops.
How long does it take for body acne to clear up? ›Some can take up to 6 weeks. Although they can't be cured overnight, they can be treated with many different methods that have been proven to work such as prescription acne treatments like tretinoin gel and topical antibiotics like clindamycin lotion.
How long do body pimples last? ›Pimples usually last between three and seven days. Most pimples go away on their own, but it may take some time. Deep pimples (pimples under your skin with no head that may feel hard to the touch) may take a few weeks to go away, if not longer.
How to have a clear body? ›- Cleanse. The first step towards decoding how to get clear skin is cleansing. ...
- Exfoliate and use a serum. ...
- Moisturise your skin. ...
- Protect your skin from harmful UV Rays. ...
- Keep yourself hydrated and eat healthy. ...
- Keep your stress in check. ...
- Get enough sleep.