How To Get Rid Of Body Acne With 12 Great Products
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Facial acne is challenging enough — but with so much focus on products that address clogged pores, at the very least it's easy to seek out solutions for it. But when it comes to body acne, many acne-fighting facial cleansers won't get the job done. So, how do you get rid of body acne?
Unlike facial acne, body acne can often be a result of a condition called folliculitus, where your hair follicles become irritated and inflamed and start to resemble white heads or pimples. “Although there are many forms of Folliculitis, the most common that I have seen is Fungal Folliculitis (also known as Pityrosporum Folliculitis) and Folliculitis caused by shaving (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae),” Licensed Esthetician Krisstan Aquino, an acne specialist at Asteri Luxe Aesthetics, tells Bustle. “The best ingredient to use for Fungal Folliculitis is Mandelic Acid and other antifungal products such as Ketaconazol. Mandelic Acid is an amazing AHA because it provides anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It has a large molecular structure compared to other AHAs so it penetrates the skin slower with less irritation.”
While body acne resulting from clogged pores can be treated with a salicylic acid wash and a great moisturizer, folliculitus is harder to kick, and may require you to change up your shaving habits to minimize irritation, or even visit your doctor or dermatologist.
After you've determined what you're up against, the next step is to seek out body acne solutions. “Glycolic Acid and Retinol helps to exfoliate the ingrown hairs/impactions and Benzoyl Peroxide can help to kill bacteria within the pores,” Aquino says. “My favorite ingredients to use to treat body acne are Benzoyl Peroxide, Mandelic, Salicylic, and Glycolic Acid. Benzoyl Peroxide helps for more inflamed acne types to help calm down the inflammation and kill P. Acnes Bacteria.”
Aquino notes that salicylic acid is great for both non-inflamed acne (blackheads and whiteheads) and inflamed acne. “It is a BHA which goes deep down into the pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin cells,” Aquino says. “It is also anti-bacterial preventing and killing the P. Acnes Bacteria. Glycolic Acid is an AHA with a very small molecular structure so it works faster and penetrates the skin deeper. Due to this, it can be more irritating compared to the other acids. Glycolic Acid helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and it is amazing for those with very keratinized skin, especially those with Keratosis Pillaris.”
You'll also want to ensure you're showering after exercise or whenever you become very sweaty, to eliminate the chance any sweat or oils clog up your pores. And, since a lot of oil and sweat can get trapped in your bed sheets and transferred to your skin, experts recommend changing out your sheets at least once a week if your acne is coming into contact with your bed (think chest, back, or shoulder acne).
[Editor's note: If you are experiencing persistent or painful body acne, consult your doctor or dermatologist for specific medical advice.]
Body acne is a totally normal, super common skin issue — but you can combat it. Looking to get rid of unwanted body acne? I've gathered up 12 body acne treatments below.