Body Acne Explained: What Causes It & How To Clear It

It’s A Common Concern

“Firstly, it’s important to know it’s common and nothing to be embarrassed about,” says dermatologist, Dr Sam Bunting. “In fact, as many as 50% of those with facial acne will get body breakouts at some point. The chest, back and shoulders are particularly prone because they have more sebaceous glands, and fitness, though important, can exacerbate the issue. Always be sure to shower immediately after any fitness to get rid of sweat fast.”

Body Acne Has No Single Cause

“Body acne is a skin condition that can affect anyone, of any age, but it’s most common among teenagers and pregnant women,” says skincare expert, Dr Rekha Tailor. “Body acne can be caused by hormones, but it’s also often hereditary. A common misconception is that it’s caused by eating chocolate, greasy foods or being dirty; however, none of this is true.” Consultant dermatologist at skin55 and author of The Skincare Bible, Dr Anjali Mahto agrees: “It’s a complex interplay between hormones, genetics, excess sebum or oil production, and bacteria that can create inflammation on the skin’s surface. The face, chest and back are all common sites for acne as these areas have the highest density of oil glands.”

Sweat & Friction Can Make It Worse

“Acne forms in the same way on the body as it does on the face,” says Dr Rekha. “However, the key difference is that the skin of the body is tougher and less flexible around the pores. We have pores all over our bodies, but they’re more noticeable on our faces, where the sebaceous glands are bigger. Like the face, the upper half of the body has many sebaceous glands, which is why body acne is often on the chest and back. Aside from acne location, body breakouts are often caused by sweat and can be exacerbated by clothing rubbing against the skin. This creates an inflamed environment which makes breakouts and red patches worse.” Dr Sam Bunting adds: “Heat, sweat and occlusion from tight-fitting lycra sports bras can create spots at this site. One way to reduce this is to limit ‘athleisure’ wear and to shower immediately after any exercise or heavy sweating. Swap out your tops where possible after your workout and change your bed sheets regularly.” 

Luckily, It Can Be Treated 

“There are many things that can be done to treat acne on the body,” says Dr Rekha. “While it’s not caused by diet and lifestyle alone, these factors can affect the skin dramatically. That’s why it’s key to eat a healthy, balanced diet, drink plenty of water and cut out too much caffeine or sugar – all of this can have a significant impact on your skin overall. Secondly, it’s key that you control oil production in your skin and effectively remove dead skin cells. To do this, you should make sure the skincare you use on your body is oil-free. Avoid using serums that contain essential oils too; these will only make acne worse. Look for cleansers and body washes which are non-foaming – foam tends to stimulate oil production. These simple steps will prevent your pores from becoming blocked and keep everything smoother and free of excess sebum.” Dr Anjali adds, “Try using pre-soaked pads or toners that contain salicylic acid to wipe down the affected area. This will help reduce pore blockage. It’s worth avoiding thick, heavy-textured moisturisers though, as these can further block pores. Instead, opt for light, gel textures or lotions. Failing this, it’s worth seeking medical attention from your GP or dermatologist, who can prescribe creams or even tablets depending on the extent and severity of the problem.” 

Certain Ingredients Will Work Better 

“Topical retinoids work well on the body,” continues Dr Sam Bunting. “These work by removing the dead skin cells on the surface, in turn, improving cell turnover to prevent dirt from building up in hair follicles. Likewise, lactic and mandelic acid work well to gently exfoliate, unclog pores and smooth the skin without stripping it. Products that contain this will help reduce swelling and inflammation, unblock pores and kill any bacteria. Best of all, the latter is considered safe to use in pregnancy, unlike retinol, so it gives those suffering from pregnancy-related acne a solution.” Dr Anjali adds, “If you can’t afford to invest in an abundance of new products, it’s worth noting that most face washes made for acne-prone skin can be used on the back too.”  

Scratching Is A No-No

“If you want to prevent body acne from spreading, it’s best you don’t touch or scratch it,” says Dr Rekha. “Doing this will only spread the bacteria that cause acne. It’s paramount that you keep the area as clean as you possibly can and wear clothes that allow your skin to breathe, such as natural cotton fibres. While scratching is a no-go, you can gently exfoliate the body with chemical exfoliators. This is better than body brushing, as often people overdo it and traumatise the skin. Look for chemical exfoliators that contain glycolic, lactic, malic and salicylic acids to break down bacteria and dead skin cells. Ideally, you would use an exfoliator two to three times a week to really see the benefits.” 

Fragranced Products Are To Be Avoided

“If you want to prevent body acne worsening, steer clear of fragranced products too,” explains Dr Rekha. “Often, anything with fragrance in it is too oily for the skin, exacerbating the problem of too much sebum. You want to keep everything non-comedogenic and oil-free – just like you would with make-up if you’re an acne sufferer.”  

Finally, It Could Be Worth Asking For Professional Advice 

“If you feel you’ve tried every product and remedy under the sun without seeing results, don’t be afraid to seek out professional advice,” recommends Dr Anjali. “It can affect your self-esteem as it may leave behind some scarring, so it’s important to find medical help early – you do not need to suffer in silence. Just like the face, it’s treatable and can be prevented, so don’t lose hope.” Dr Rekha agrees: “Book a consultation with your medical practitioner who will be able to prescribe you a suitable treatment plan, often combined with treatments like laser therapy. The combined oral contraceptive pill can help, too, but each patient must be treated on an individual basis.”