Acne is one of the most chronic skin conditions globally and in Australia, 50% of people have had it at some point in their lifetime. That’s 12.7 million people! Acne appears in many different forms and can range anywhere from mild to severe – however, all breakouts involve the blockage of the hair follicle and inflammation.
While acne is often associated with the face – particularly the T-zone – body acne is also a very common occurrence. Luckily, there are many ways to treat it, so let’s get into it.
Where does body acne usually happen?
Unfortunately, acne can show up anywhere you have pores, so your neck, face, shoulders, chest, back, and lower body can all be potentially affected.
Your age, stress levels, weight, sleeping habits, drug and alcohol habits, menstrual cycle, and genetics can all impact your likelihood of suffering from acne.
Typically, it is more likely that you would develop acne as a teenager, however, if you have oily skin, it is not uncommon for acne to develop in your early to mid-20s.
People who deal with acne sometimes deal with low self-esteem and anxiety. If you are concerned about your acne, you should seek professional help to get to the root of the problem.
Different types of body acne
There are several different types of body acne, but the most common types are acne mechanica and acne cosmetica.
Acne Mechanica
This type of acne is caused by friction from repetitive skin rubbing, often paired with heat and pressure. Usually, acne mechanica is a result of something like tight activewear, which when combined with heat, sweat, and friction, can cause pimples, or even inflamed papules and pustules.
This type of acne is environmental and can affect anyone, regardless of genetic or hormonal factors.
Where the breakouts occur depends on what is causing the friction. For example, if you are a ballet dancer, you may experience back and chest breakouts from wearing tight synthetic fabric for hours at a time. Something as simple as carrying a backpack around can also cause acne mechanica breakouts from the friction combined with sweat on your back and shoulders.
If you experience friction and sweat-induced breakouts, make sure you shower right after sweating and wash your workout clothes on a regular basis.
Acne mechanica can be compared to acne vulgaris – the most common type of acne. Though both are similar in that they are caused by clogged pores, they’re not exactly the same. Acne mechanica happens only in specific areas because of friction, while acne vulgaris is usually seen on the neck, face, and back, where the greatest amount of oil-producing sebaceous glands are.
Acne Cosmetica
Acne cosmetica is caused by hair and makeup products that contain oils and silicones.
For example, your favourite hair product may be to blame for clogging your pores, which can cause acne across the hairline onto the back of the neck, and even down to your back if your hair is long enough.
If your acne is concentrated on your face, a makeup or skincare product likely is to blame.
To help minimise the chance of getting acne cosmetica, focus on purchasing products that are suited to your skin type and are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores. Plus, avoid sharing makeup or makeup applicators with other people, as germs, bacteria, and dead skin cells may transfer and cause flare-ups.
Treating acne cosmetica can be fairly simple. Look for products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and adapalene, which will help to clear away oil and unclog pores.
Other types of acne
Besides acne mechanica and cosmetica, you may also experience:
- Blackheads. Blocked hair follicles that appear as small dark-coloured spots on the skin.
- Whiteheads. Blocked hair follicles that are covered by a thin layer of skin and appear as white bumps.
- Papules. Small, red inflamed spots on the skin.
- Pustules. Pus-filled spots that are usually yellow or white on top and surrounded by inflamed skin.
- Nodules. Acne lesions that develop under the skin and can feel hard to the touch.
- Cysts. Inflamed acne lesions that contain pus and may require medical attention to remove safely.
Sun exposure can also play a role in body acne. When your skin gets burned, your skin dries out and in an attempt to moisturise the skin, your body overcompensates by trying to produce more oil, which can then clog your pores and cause acne. To prevent this, simply wear sunscreen each day and reapply every couple of hours.
How can you treat body acne?
Luckily, there are many different solutions to help you treat and prevent body acne:
Skincare Products
Make sure to pick out products that work with your skin type. Buy non-comedogenic products to decrease the chance of oil build-ups – which could otherwise clog your pores – and check your makeup, moisturisers, lotions, body wash and sunscreens to make sure they are non-comedogenic.
Clothing
When you can, avoid wearing sweaty clothes because they can clog your pores. Tight clothing can also irritate your skin and trap oil and bacteria. If you’ve noticed patches of acne on your body, opt for loose clothes instead.
Diet
Research has shown that there can be a connection between body acne and foods like dairy, chocolate, and fatty foods. If you notice that you experience the occasional breakout, pay attention to what you’re eating – you may simply have a food sensitivity that triggers a breakout.
Stress
When you’re stressed, oil production is increased, which can clog pores and result in body acne. Saying, “Just reduce your stress levels” is much easier said than done, but finding ways that work for you – think mindfulness, deep breathing, journaling or working out – can help prevent acne.
Hygiene
Daily showers are a big part of keeping your skin healthy by removing excess body oil and sweat. Make sure to avoid using a sponge or loofah across your body, as it can spread bacteria and make breakouts worse.
