10 Ways to Treat and Prevent Body Acne

[Photo by Romina Farias]

Experiencing breakouts below the neck? According to celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau, it’s quite common in the summertime, especially on the back, neck or chest. Fortunately, there are various ways to fight body acne and effectively treat these hard-to-reach spots.

As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. That experience is what led her to develop her nine different skin type philosophy, which allows her to address a diverse set of skin issues. 

Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why she’s been called “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.” Read on to discover Rouleau’s tips, best advice, and more:

What Causes Body Acne?

Just like facial acne, body acne occurs as a result of overactive oil glands combined with blocked pores caused by dead skin cells that aren’t being shed. These factors create an environment where acne-causing bacteria can thrive resulting in breakouts.

Typically found on the back and chest because the skin is thicker and both areas have an abundance of sebaceous glands that produce oil, most people get either larger pustules (inflamed red spots with an infection or “whitehead”) or cysts. Cysts are deep under the skin, never come to a head, and can be painful. Never pick a cystic blemish since the body usually reabsorbs the infection from within. Picking won’t speed up recovery and will result in longer-lasting damage to the skin in the form of hyperpigmentation, also known as post-breakout scars.

Try Rouleau’s Post-Breakout Fading Gel, which is formulated with a blend of gentle brighteners and exfoliating acids to lift discoloration and fade stubborn acne marks with ingredients such as lactic acid and glycolic acid.  

Hormones and stress can trigger body breakouts since they encourage the production of androgens—a group of hormones that can stimulate oil production. Tight-fitting clothing—especially when worn during sweaty workouts—or athletic equipment such as pads (this is especially common in teens) also contribute. 

Renée Rouleau.

10 Ways to Treat & Prevent Body Acne

1. Loosen Up. Tight clothes that trap heat and moisture against the body for prolonged periods of time and/or create friction should be avoided in favor of loose-fitting clothes.

2. Clean Bedsheets Weekly. Wash pillowcases often to avoid reintroducing oil, dirt, and bacteria onto the skin. The same concept applies to body acne. Cleaning sheets regularly may minimize oil build-up. 

3. Opt For Sun-Protective Clothing. Sunscreen can be notorious for making breakouts worse. If possible, opt for clothing to protect sensitive areas like the chest from the sun. If outdoors, look for a piece of clothing that has a UPF rating (basically SPF for clothes). 

4. Check Hair Conditioner for Panthenol. An ingredient called panthenol (vitamin B-5) in hair conditioner can be the reason for causing breakouts. However, it’s important to remember that panthenol won’t cause breakouts when used in skincare products since the percentage at which it’s included is so low. Believe it or not, it’s actually an excellent moisturizing ingredient. But the extremely high percentage used in haircare products is what can cause breakouts for some people.

5. Shower Often. The people most likely to get back acne are those who produce excessive oil. Generally, those who have oily skin on their face will also have excessive oil production on the back. Since oil is a breeding ground for bacteria, one of the ways to reduce back breakouts is to shower often—as much as twice a day if it’s hot out. Also, shower ASAP after a workout. While sweat doesn’t technically cause acne, it can add to a disruption in the normal flow of oil within the pore. Can’t get to a shower? Apply a body cleanser to a damp washcloth and wipe over the affected area.

6. Use an Antibacterial Cleanser. To deep-clean the skin, remove oils and reduce acne-causing bacteria. Can’t find a good one? Try a facial cleanser for acne-prone skin like  Rapid Response Detox Cleanser to gently clear away surface bacteria and oil within pores to target early signs of breakouts and help minimize their appearance. Make sure it’s sulfate-free and uses acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid.

7. Be Sure to Exfoliate. Since dead skin cells can clog pores, it’s crucial to gently remove build-up by exfoliating in the shower. If back acne is a concern, it can be hard to reach certain areas. A simple solution is applying your antibacterial cleanser directly to a loofah or gentle cloth. This physical exfoliation will help slough off dead skin cells that have been loosened by exfoliating acids. What’s so great about my Triple Berry Smoothing Peel is that it contains a powerful blend of antioxidant-rich berries with five skin-smoothing fruit AHAs, BHAs, and enzymes to clear up blemishes, clogged pores, and stimulate cellular renewal.

8. Apply an Acne Spot Treatment When Necessary. When a blemish appears, a spot treatment will calm down the inflammation and encourage healing to prevent a scar. Since body acne tends to be rooted more deeply in the skin and often won’t come to the surface, you’ll want to choose your spot treatments carefully. Look for something like the Anti Bump Solution that doesn’t exclusively focus on drying a blemish out. Since the infection is not on the skin’s surface, drying out the skin on top of it will only make matters worse.

9. Schedule a Back Facial. If you followed the above and are still struggling to get results, schedule a professional treatment. Most spas offer back facials designed to clean out clogged pores. In addition, your esthetician may offer his or her expert advice based on what they observe with your condition.

10. Use Medication If Necessary. If no improvement is seen, it’s probably time to consult with a dermatologist. They may suggest temporary antibiotics or a topical retinoid. There are also medications that can directly address hormonal imbalances that may be causing your body acne. 

For more information and for more of Rouleau’s skincare tips, visit reneerouleau.com and follow her on Instagram: @reneerouleauskincare

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk