Although discussion around acne is generally in reference to that which arises on the face, those cheeky little devils aren’t confined to above the neck. Body breakouts and bacne (back acne) are a very real reality, although their typically more covered up nature allows us to tolerate them a little more than their facial counterparts. However, body acne is equally as annoying as face acne, with their potential to arise pretty much anywhere on the body making them arguably more uncomfortable.
IMAGE: BRUNO BISANG IMAGE: BRUNO BISANG
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Fortunately, body acne is treatable. Here’s everything you need to know about preventing and treating body breakouts.
What is bacne or body acne?
Bacne is an amalgam of the words ‘back’ and ‘acne’, used to refer to – you guessed it – acne on the back. Meanwhile body acne refers to any acne that occurs on the body, with arms, chests, butts, backs, and arms being the most susceptible. Body acne and facial acne are fairly similar in terms of their underlying causes, however one having facial acne doesn’t necessarily translate to having body acne and vice versa. Also, body acne often appears in different forms to facial acne, with body breakouts typically arising as whiteheads, pimples, and cysts as opposed to blackheads.
What causes bacne and body acne?
Similarly to facial acne, bacne and body acne is caused by excess sebum production, as well as a build-up on bacteria and dead skin cells. The skin on our bodies is thicker than that on our faces, making the potential for clogged pores more likely. Additionally, lifestyle factors like excessive sweating can contribute to body acne, with it being more likely during the summer, in those who work out consistently, and for those who already have acne-prone skin.
How to treat body acne
Strategically select your body wash
While any good body wash formula will do the job of cleaning your skin, those looking to treat body acne or bacne should look for an option formulated with chemical exfoliants. Look for body washes and cleansers that contain AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid, or BHA salicylic acid; these will work to exfoliate the skin as they cleanse, unclogging pores and preventing the formation of acne.
Ditto with your body moisturiser
For a real one-two punch, use a body moisturiser or serum that contains exfoliants in conjunction with your exfoliating body wash. The Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment With 2% BHA is a surefire bet for aiding in treating pimples, cysts, and textured skin, while the REN Clean Skincare AHA Smart Renewal Serum is a great option for dealing with whiteheads.
Always shower post-workout
The bacteria that causes acne thrives in warm, damp conditions, making your sweaty post-workout state an ideal breeding ground for acne. Ensure you shower after exercise and change into clean, dry clothes.
The best products to treat body acne
These are the best body washes, treatments, and serums to treat bacne and body acne.
1. Paula’s Choice Clear Exfoliating Body Spray
The Paula’s Choice Clear Exfoliating Body Spray makes it easy to treat acne in those difficult to reach places (think bacne and the oh-so-dreaded butt-ne). Gentle yet effective, 2% BHA exfoliates skin and unclogs pores, working to treat and prevent blemishes while soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, barberry, and licorice calm redness and irritation.
2. Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Perfect for sensitive skin, the Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel is gentle enough to use on both your face and body. Zinc and thermal spring water hydrate and soothe acne-prone skin, while monolaurin works to moderate sebum production and refine pores.
3. Versed Back-Up Plan Acne-Control Body Mist
Another good option for acne in hard-to-reach areas, the Versed Back-Up Plan Acne-Control Body Mist uses a 360-degree spray nozzle to disperse its ultra-fine mist, covering a substantial amount of area with each spray. Formulated with salicylic acid, tea tree, and witch hazel, it works to kill acne-causing bacteria, control sebum production, and fight inflammation.
4. Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment with 2% BHA
The ideal substitute for your conventional moisturiser, the Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment with 2% BHA nourishes and hydrates skin while treating acne. Salicylic acid in this treatment works to exfoliate dead skin and keep pores clean, preventing and treating bacne, body acne, and rough skin. Meanwhile, the inclusion of chamomile soothes skin while willow extract regulates sebum levels in the skin.
5. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Bar
For those who have a penchant for bar soaps, the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Bar is designed for use on both face and body and combines salicylic acid with glycerin to eliminate bacteria, dirt, and excess sebum while keeping skin hydrated and comfortable.
6. Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap
A delightfully-scented un-clinical feeling formula, the Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap is designed for all skin types. Perfect for those with whiteheads and bumpy, textured skin, this botanical-based body wash works to gently exfoliate the top layer of the skin using papaya and grapefruit enzymes, making it a great precursor to a body acne treatment, spray, or serum.
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of Bruno Bisang for L’Officiel France
