SPOTLIGHT ON BODY ACNE

Up to 9.4% of the global population have developed acne at some point of their lives, so it's a condition that many of us will experience. It's often facial acne that is commonly discussed, and skincare treatments can focus more on the face, which is understandable as that's the most visible area of the skin. However, acne (or bacne) can also often appear on your body - most commonly on your back, chest and shoulders. However, did you know that the causes and treatments for body acne can be different to facial acne? 

In todays blog we take a look at strategies for preventing and treating it.

Body spots and blemishes are not only a teen problem. Hormonal changes during puberty can definitely trigger breakouts, but these hormone fluctuations can also continue as an adult. Along with hormonal influences, stress or even wearing tight clothing that traps sweat and oil against your skin can lead to spots. Plus, diet and genetics play roles in your skin's health, so it's not just about how clean your skin is on the outside.

Another misconception is that body acne is caused by poor hygiene or dirty skin. In fact, using harsh soaps, chemicals, or rough scrubbing can worsen the condition. Over-washing or using harsh soaps, chemicals, or rough scrubbing can strip your skin of its natural oils, which just makes things worse by causing oil overproduction and a higher risk of clogged pores.

SKINCARE: Try a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to keep pores clear in the affected areas daily without drying out skin. Consider using body washes products with salicylic acid which are effective for treating acne, but make sure they are formulated specifically for the body. Facial skincare may not have been tested for use on the body, and the levels of ingredients in your usual face cleanser might be too strong for the face.

It also might be worth investing in a product designed to reach areas on the body such as the back (e.g. a treatment spray), as it may be tricky to apply the usual sort of blemish treatments like gels and patches.

CLOTHING: Sweat and dirt can become trapped under clothing, so try wearing loose fit, breathable clothing made of natural fibres like cotton to reduce sweating and friction. Also, wash clothing and bedding regularly to avoid any bacteria build up.

EXERCISE: Make sure you shower after exercising to clear pores of any sweat and unwanted bacteria on the skin.

LIFESTYLE: As well as the above, try the usual recommendations of stress management, a good nights sleep, and drinking lots of water. Taking care of your overall wellbeing helps to prevent hormone imbalances and release of Cortisol, which can trigger things like excess oil production (risking blocked pores).

Our personal favourite for treating acne on the body is our Clarifying Toner. Formulated with Lactic Acid and Liquorice Root, our balancing and brightening toner hydrates and rebalances the skin post-cleansing, gently encouraging cell turnover. It's gentle and versatile enough to be used on the body, targeting areas prone to body acne for added prevention and care. 

You could also try using this around areas like the bikini line to help prevent ingrown hairs :)

We hope that you've found this blog helpful - if you have any questions or would like to share your skincare journey with us, we'd love to hear from you. You can get in touch via the form below or by DM on IG.