Why Am I Getting Acne On My Body? Decoding Body Acne 101

Reduce Facial Acne

Written by - Vaishnavi

While acne is a skin issue that we have all experienced at some point in our lives, it may leave us feeling uncomfortable sometimes. This is not just limited to our faces, but can also 

be present in other regions of our bodies such as the back, chest, arms, and other locations. 

We will try to conceal it or cover it with clothes, but that doesn't fix the problem! We are here to guide you and hold your hand every step of the way to solve this problem. Continue reading to find out!

Reduces body Acne
What Are the Causes of Body Acne? How Is It Different From Facial Acne?

The primary cause of any type of acne is dirt and oil clogging the pores. Body acne can be triggered by the same factors that trigger facial acne.

Overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria can lead to breakouts anywhere on the body.1

Because the skin on our bodies is thicker than the skin on our faces, it is more difficult to cure body acne. It will be easier to find a solution if you understand the root cause of any issue.

Some of the most common reasons are listed below:

1. Hormones

Even minor changes in your hormonal system can have a significant impact on your skin. Your body changes throughout puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. The arms and back have hyperactive pores, causing thicker, oilier sweat, which can be the first cause of acne.

2. Clothing

Tight-fitting clothing and sweaty workout clothes can trap oil and dirt in the skin and create friction. This compromises the skin's barrier, allowing germs to enter and causing irritation, which leads to acne.

3. Environment

Those who live in humid climates with high levels of pollution are more prone to body acne.

City people are subjected to dust, pollution, and debris, which settles on the skin and clogs the pores.

During the winter, your skin may become dry and flaky, prompting your body to create extra oil. This can trap dead skin cells, causing them to cling together in the pores.

4. Dandruff

Dandruff is caused by Oleic acid, which is created by bacteria that feed on the oils produced by your scalp. This causes dead skin cells to collect and fall to the surface of your back as hardened flakes. Though acne and dandruff develop for different reasons, it is common for many people to have both issues at the same time.

Avoid these things to prevent acne on your body

Picking, popping, or squeezing can create scars that will not fade for the rest of your life. Instead, use topical treatments like Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid, which chemically exfoliate the skin. This will help to clean up congested pores, giving you clearer, more vibrant skin.

Spot treatments and formulas like Retinol and Benzoyl peroxide work best 15 minutes after washing your body. This will minimize the sensitivity of your skin and allow you to regulate the pH levels.

When we shower, we overlook certain parts of the back because they are difficult to reach. As a result, residues of body wash or hair products may accumulate on the skin's surface.

Excess dirt and residue can be cleaned using a body sponge or back scrub.

Using sunscreen helps to strengthen our skin barriers and prevent inflammation.

Tips to prevent body acne


1. Clean Your Body Regularly

2. Using a Body Scrub

3. Do Not Skip Moisturiser

4. Opt For Spot Treatment

5. Revamp Your Wardrobe

6. Keep Your Hair Off Your Back

Body acne sprays 

Acne sprays have been developed to erase or decrease the symptoms of stubborn acne! They help to prevent acne outbreaks in hard-to-reach places by gently exfoliating to remove dead skin cells as well as pore-clogging dirt and oil. Choose cruelty-free acne sprays with a quick-drying product. 

SALICYLIC ACID 2% ACNE BODY SPRAY - BACK AND BODY ACNE MIST is an easy to use body spray with 2% Salicylic Acid, Green Tea Extract,Olive Leaf Extract, Panthenol.

Salicylic acid gently exfoliates and unclogs pores with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

This acne spray with a combination of bioactives also helps reduce red spots and inflammation, as well as calming sensitive skin.

Summary 

Back acne is quite common. Showering after a workout is helpful for treating back acne since it is often caused by friction or sweating. Avoid using harsh scrubs. Instead, gently wash the affected area with an acne-specific cleanser. In addition, you can use acne body sprays or spot treatments with salicylic acid or glycolic acid.

Sources :

  1. Kumar B, Pathak R, Mary PB, Jha D, Sardana K, Gautam HK. New insights into acne pathogenesis: Exploring the role of acne-associated microbial populations. Dermatol Sin. 2016;34(2):67-73. doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2015.12.004
  2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Back acne: how to see clearer skin.
3.Canavan TN, Chen E, Elewski BE. Optimizing non-antibiotic treatments for patients with acne: a review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016;6(4):555-578. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0138-1