How To Clear and Control Body Acne

Body acne is a common yet often overlooked skin concern that affects areas beyond the face, including the back, chest, arms, and shoulders. Like facial breakouts, body acne develops when excess oil and dead skin cells clog follicles, leading to inflammation and visible lesions. Whether body acne is an occasional concern or a persistent condition, addressing it requires targeted cleansing, antibacterial control, and corrective treatments designed for the thicker skin of the body.

Sebaceous glands aren’t limited to the face. Whether back, chest, arms, or anywhere else, pores get clogged by dead skin cells and oil, and follicles become impacted and inflamed, leading to breakouts. Stress, which stimulates androgen hormones, can drive up oil production and compound the problem. Tight clothing and occlusive creams can also be triggers. 

Don’t let dirt, oil, and sweat sit on your skin. Shower as soon as possible after a workout with a cleanser formulated to address acne triggers.

Breakouts on the back and chest are often deeper and more tender than those on the face, and sweat and friction from clothing keep them irritated. They rarely settle if left alone. For body acne, use BP 3% Acne Treatment Wash. This creamy benzoyl peroxide cleanser penetrates pores to control acne, clears acne blemishes, and helps prevent new ones from forming. On the back and chest, leave it on for three to five minutes before rinsing. It may bleach fabric, so use a white towel.

Rubbing ice over your skin before applying a corrective product increases the product’s ability to work on a deeper level and perform at its maximum effectiveness. The cold also reduces inflammation and redness by constricting blood vessels, which speeds healing and quickly improves appearance. Massage cleansed skin with ice for two to three minutes up to three times a day.

After cleansing, apply a thin layer of Vivant’s BP 10% Acne Medication Gel over the entire affected area. Treating the whole area, not individual blemishes, helps keep new ones from forming. Start slowly. Leave the gel on for 15 minutes, then rinse, and lengthen the time as your skin acclimates. Let it dry completely before you dress, and choose a white t-shirt, since benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric. Be sure to avoid sensitive areas.

Complete your regimen with Clear Body Therapy, an intensive formula made for the thicker skin of the back and body. This lactic acid and REt (RP)™ Retinoid lotion exfoliates the skin’s surface to smooth the look of rough, blemish-prone areas and visibly improve excessively oily skin. For the first two weeks, leave it on for three hours, then rinse. As your skin acclimates, leave it on overnight.

Some body bumps look like acne but don’t respond to acne products. Mandelic acid has antifungal properties, which makes it a smart choice when bumps are small, uniform, and itchy. Use Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash in the shower as a body wash, starting every other day. Work it into a lather and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

Like a professional treatment for your face, the back facial includes a deep cleansing to unclog pores, extractions, a light peel, and a nice massage to boot. It’s a great way to get to those hard-to-reach spots and supercharge your clear skin mission. Make this part of your routine when things get back to normal, and we’re all able to get out again.