Body Acne: Causes & Effective Remedies

a woman is upset because of her body acne | Body Acne Causes & Effective Remedies

Body Acne & Back Acne

Acne is one of the most common chronic skin conditions worldwide. It affects up to 9.4 per cent of the world's population at some point in their lives. This illness can manifest itself in a variety of ways, ranging from minor inflammation to severe cyst formation. All varieties of acne, to some extent, entail the blocking or inflammation of pilosebaceous units, which are the hair follicles that run throughout our bodies. 

Each year, roughly 50 million individuals in the United States suffer from acne. Only 5.1 million of them, however, seek dermatological care. Since 2013, the prevalence of acne in adults, including body acne, has risen dramatically. Women account for nearly 15% of patients with this skin problem. 

What Causes Acne on the Body? 

The presence of body acne is linked to certain lifestyle choices. The severity of the condition is determined by the following factors: 

  • Age 
  • Habits of eating 
  • Levels of anxiety 
  • Sleeping habits 
  • Consumption of drugs and alcohol 
  • Predisposition genetic 
  • Regularity of menstrual cycle 
  • Scrubbing during shower

The majority of people who get acne do so during their teenage years, although people with oily skin between the ages of 21 and 25 are also at risk. Acne on the body is rarely dangerous to one's health. However, low self-esteem, anxiety, and despair are frequently triggered by it. 

Types of Acne on the Body 

Acne Mechanica

Acne Mechanica is the formal name for this condition. It occurs when your workout clothing traps sweat on your skin while you exercise. Your skin may become inflamed as a result of the friction and heat, resulting in rashes and patches. 

Acne Mechanica's principal symptoms range from little colourless pimples on the skin to deep, painful cysts. The good news is that it usually goes away after six weeks of treatment. 

Acne cosmetica

Some hair products may clog pores and cause acne around the hairline and neck. This condition may spread over your back (back acne), shoulders, and chest, depending on the length of your hair. 

Acne cosmetica is the term dermatologists use to describe this condition. Oils and silicones in many shampoos, conditioners, and styling treatments can easily trigger pimples and whiteheads and blackheads. The best treatment for this form of body acne is to stop using whatever product is triggering the outbreaks. ‌ 

Other causes of acne on the body. Your skin may also act up as a result of poor cleanliness and excessive sweating. While sweating helps clear your clogged pores, dirt, oil (sebum production), and dead cells can clog them and produce body acne. The best strategy to combat this is to clean your skin on a regular basis. 

Body acne can also be caused by excessive sun exposure. Your skin dries out when you become sunburned. As a result, your body produces more oil to compensate, which clogs your pores and causes acne in the affected areas. 

Treatment and Prevention of Acne on the Body

Many approaches can be used to cure minor body acne without requiring dermatological treatment. You can employ any of these acne-clearing strategies once you've figured out what's causing your outbreaks. 

Stop putting pore-clogging cosmetics on your face. Examine the hair and body products you use on a regular basis. Reduce the amount of those that contain: 

  • Oils
  • Waxes
  • Silicones 

Instead, look for grooming products that are non-comedogenic products or non-acnegenic on the label.

Do laundry more frequently. If you don't wash your clothes and other fabrics on a regular basis, cosmetics, sweat, and dead skin cells may linger on them. Make sure the following objects are kept clean: 

Pillowcases

Bedsheets 

Hats and caps 

Visors and headbands 

Clothing for sports 

Avoid getting acne mechanica. It is possible to maintain bump-free skin while participating in sports. You only need to pay closer attention to specific elements. Make certain to: 

  • To avoid the friction caused by sporting equipment, utilise padding. 
  • Dry-fit clothing is recommended. 
  • When feasible, wear loose-fitting athletic clothing. 
  • Keep your protective gear to yourself. 
  • Wear clean clothes more frequently. 
  • Clean the shared fitness equipment. 
  • The sun should be avoided

If you're going to be outside for the day, make sure you apply sunscreen frequently. Look for an option that is oil-free and meets the following criteria: 

  • Non-comedogenic 
  • SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen 
  • Maintain a healthy glow to your skin
  • Shower frequently, especially if you've been wearing heavy cosmetics or sweating profusely. Use a gentle, non-drying cleanser, but be sure it has no comedogenic substances. 
  • While washing, be gentle with your skin and pat it dry with a clean towel. Use gentle body cleansers.
  • If you can't shower straight after your workout, at least change into clean, dry clothes. 

When Should You Visit a Dermatologist? 

Your body acne may not always clear up on its own. If your skin is still bumpy after weeks of following the steps above, it's time to contact a doctor. Your dermatologist may advise you to purchase salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide-based over-the-counter treatments. These non-prescription topical retinoids or other topical remedies are incredibly successful at treating body acne.

Take Away

There are various types of acne that appear on the face, neck, back, shoulders, etc. It is very important to maintain an extra skincare routine to avoid getting recurrent acne on the body. One can use anti-acne gel to prevent getting acne on the body or face.

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