How to Get Rid of Body Acne

Hi Beauties 🌷

So, we’ve all heard of acne, but have you met its cousins, bacne, chestne, neckne and more? The names themselves are pretty explanatory - it concerns acne and breakouts on parts of your body that aren't on the face. I guess life just looked at our faces and really thought, "Why stop there, tho?" 😒

But when life gives you lemons, you chuck them right back at it! 🍋🍋🍋  Let's take a look at some of the main possible causes of body acne, and what you can do on the daily to prevent it 🤗

DON’T FORGET TO EXFOLIATE

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Body acne is usually caused by a build-up of oils and dead skin cells, so one of the most important steps to remember is to exfoliate! I recommend doing this with a BHA product, as it can go deeper into the pores. When it comes to thicker skin, like the skin on your back, BHA will not only be effective in removing dead skin cells, but also controlling excess oil production.

You might prefer chemical or physical exfoliating methods for this, but just try to avoid using traditional soap bars, as many of them tend to be quite harsh or overly drying, especially if you’re the type to often forget putting on body lotion afterwards (guilty 😅).

AVOID HAIR PRODUCTS TOUCHING SKIN

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Did you know that products for the hair, including shampoo, conditioners or hair serums, may be sneakily making your body acne worse?! Hair products often include emollient or silicone ingredients that can clog pores, so be sure to rinse off thoroughly, and minimise its contact with skin.

In the shower, I always recommend cleansing the body after shampoo and conditioner, to wash off any product that may be hanging around. On the days that you use these hair products, it will also be a good idea to avoid wearing certain clothes that allow frequent contact with your hair, to avoid transfer of residue.

PICKING AT IT IS A NO-NO

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Just like the face, the dirt from your fingers and nails can expose your pores to more bacteria and cause more zits. Another reason to not pick at your acne is because of the scars that will inevitably be left behind! Body acne, especially, can be much deeper and bigger than the ones that typically appear on the face, so the scars might be a lot more prominent and take longer to heal.

If you find yourself frequently and habitually picking at your blemishes, you might like to stick a pimple patch over a few of the bigger ones to stop the urge. I recommend the COSRX AC Collection Acne Patch, as it comes in larger sizes and has additional soothing benefits.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

Most of these products mentioned below are formulated mainly for use on the face. As skin is different all over the body, it’s important to note that the time of results may vary. With that in mind, here are some other products that are helpful and easy to use on body acne!

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

As the name suggests, this cleanser’s main ingredient is Salicylic Acid which is effective in cleansing pores. It’s also got a lower concentration, so that it can be used daily.

Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Day Miracle Cleansing Bar

With the combined treatment power of AHA, BHA, PHA, Niacinamide and Tea Tree, this cleansing bar is so much more than just any old traditional soap bar!

Neogen Bio-peel Gauze Peeling Lemon

With the peeling formula and the embossed gauze pads, you’ll get just the right amount of physical and chemical exfoliating with this product. Simultaneously brighten with the added ingredient of Vitamin C from lemon extracts!

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

With ingredients including naturally-derived Betaine Salicylate, Willow Bark Water and Niacinamide, you can effectively exfoliate for clearer and smoother skin overtime.

Lastly, I know body acne can often make people feel ashamed - but I'm here to tell you that it's a completely normal occurrence! Just like with many other common skin concerns, it comes and goes (... and comes back again 🙃). We just have to keep doing what we can to speed up the healing process and reduce the damage until it goes away. So, keep wearing those V-necks and tank tops, and stay confident, Beauties!

Until next time, thanks for reading! 💜

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