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A top dermat reveals 6 effective ways to say goodbye to body acne

If you are struggling with body acne, you know it can give you a whole lot of discomfort. Fret not, we have a top dermatologist to help you out! Read on to know more.
If you’re new to this trend, here’s what dry body brushing can really accomplish for you. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Published: 1 Sep 2021, 15:51 pm IST
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Are you concerned about body acne? Well, it can appear on any body part, including your face, hands, legs, butt, back, belly, thigh or elsewhere. Dealing with facial acne is anyway not an easy task, and then there’s body acne. Sigh. We know it’s not easy at all, ladies. 

The summer season is often the culprit! The scorching heat can play spoilsport and trigger massive breakouts on the chest, back and butt. Let’s just say basically anywhere and everywhere, where you sweat. But then it’s not just the sweat that’s to blame; there’s so much more than meets the eye.

Also, read: Is it possible to treat fungal acne with probiotics?

We are sure you must have given home remedies a shot! In case they don’t work, consult a dermatologist, who will probably give you better advice. Before we get down to the details, let’s understand the various causes behind body acne. 

Here’s what causes body acne

Acne is basically caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked. But how? Well, acne produces sebum—an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin. The hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. As a result of this process, your skin has acne. 

Pay attention to your acne. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Unlike facial acne, body acne can be particularly stubborn. Therefore, being aware of body acne triggers like lifestyle and dietary habits is essential. So, what’s the root cause behind body acne? To answer this and much more, we have with us renowned dermatologist Dr Ajay Rana. 

Also, read: Pimples can be a sign of underlying health problems. Here’s an acne face map to help you out

According to Dr Rana, body acne is caused by the same factors that trigger facial acne such as overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells, and a proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. They are particularly triggered by trapped sweat or oil, hence they are more commonly caused in summer. Moreover, they are most commonly seen in people who constantly sweat and experience more pressure or occlusion by way of clothing.

“Inflammation, increased oil production, hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells, and irritation of the follicle by a specific acne-causing bacterium is the common cause for the appearance of body acne. Besides, rapid hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menopause, and perimenopause can also contribute to body acne. Because during these transitional periods, the oil glands become hyperactive,” says Dr Rana.

Wondering what you should do to get rid of body acne? Don’t worry, we have some golden advice from Dr Rana.

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Here’s how you can treat body acne

Most of us have a multi-step routine for our face, but we rarely see anyone putting the same effort into our bodies. In order to reduce body acne, Dr Rana advises some treatments that will prove to be helpful:

1. Follow over-the-counter (OTC) treatments: Use products that contain hydroxy acids like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These cleansing agents are effective, when it comes to exfoliating skin and treating severe acne. Look for an OTC product that contains an alpha hydroxy acid like glycolic acid or lactic acid.  Alpha hydroxy acids help to speed cell turnover, rapidly exfoliate the skin, and reduce the number of pore blockages.

Glycolic acid is what you need. It helps to buffing away the outer layer of dead skin cells, reducing dark spots, and even treat pimples. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Choose a body wash that contains hydroxy acid or benzoyl peroxide to target the growth of bacteria, dead skin buildup, and excessive oil production. 

3. Add a medicated treatment lotion or spray to treat body acne. Choose sprays that include salicylic acid, which is fast-drying and helps to protect the skin from excessive dryness.

4. When treating body acne, combine acne treatments, making sure there’s no excessive irritation that’s caused. Always monitor your skin.

5. Body acne generally appears on the neck, and since the skin on the neck is sensitive, use treatment products slowly and carefully in this area. In case of excessive irritation, dryness, or peeling on any area of the body, discontinue use of the product, and consult a dermatologist.

6. Use retinoids which are derived from vitamin A. They break up blackheads and whiteheads, thereby helping to prevent clogged pores. These medications are not spot treatments, and must be used on the entire area, which is affected by acne. This also helps to prevent the formation of new pimples. 

So ladies, make the most of these tips and treat your body acne!

Aayushi Gupta

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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