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A person itching acne on their upper back.

5 Ways to Get Rid of Body Acne

How to get Rid of Body Acne

We have all been through the phase where you wake up in the morning before school and there is a massive pimple right in the middle of your forehead. The dreaded rise of acne can make many teens and young adults feel insecure and down. It not only affects the face, but the body too. For this article, we will teach you how to get rid of body acne.

Body acne appears anywhere on your body — your chest, back, stomach, thighs and even your butt. This type of acne can continue well into the adult years, and certain people are more prone to it than others.

While body acne is common and is nothing to be ashamed of, it can knock your confidence and be uncomfortable. As a nurse, I have seen tried and true methods over the years for how to get rid of body acne. Check out this ultimate guide to understanding and treating your body acne.

What is Body Acne?



Body acne is a skin condition that happens when your pores get clogged. It causes a breakout of spots and pimples on different areas of the body. These pimples can range from whiteheads and pustules to cysts and blackheads.

Clogged pores can happen for many reasons. You may have overactive oil glands, excessive dead skin cells, or bacteria on the skin. Certain types of clothing can also contribute to your body acne. If your clothes are rubbing your skin and there is heat or sweat, the pores can become inflamed and cause a breakout.
Some people are unbothered by their body acne. Others find it uncomfortable, embarrassing and go to great lengths to cover up the affected areas. Studies show that many people quit sporting activities or wear heavy clothing to hide their body acne.

If you suffer from body acne, know you are not alone. It’s okay if you feel a little self-conscious but try not to let body acne prevent you from living your life!

How Can You Get Rid of Body Acne?

There is no one-size-fits-all, quick-fix solution. What works for one may not work for you, and unfortunately, it can be a long road to find the treatment that suits you best.

I have rounded up the top methods to help you get rid of your body acne. Try one, try them all, try a few together. Finding the way that works for you as an individual is key.

1. Try a Dermatologist-Approved Body Wash

Ditch the fruity, scented body wash that is going to irritate your skin further. Instead, try a wash that contains ingredients known to help treat and prevent further acne breakouts.

Some brands that dermatologists recommend are Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash, The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash and Murad Acne Body Wash. I recommend the Aveeno Prebiotic Oat + Green Tea wash. Doctors will often recommend Aveeno products as they contain natural ingredients that protect sensitive skin.

2. Take Regular Showers

Showering once to twice daily can help acne flare-ups after sweat and dirt build up on your skin. Use lukewarm water instead of hot to prevent your skin from drying out. Make sure you shower after exercise. It is vital to remove your sports gear and shower as soon as possible after working out. Be aware that having acne doesn’t mean you are not clean, but sweating has a strong link with acne.

3. Use an Exfoliating Scrub

Gentle exfoliation once a week is an excellent practice for removing dead skin cells that can accumulate over time. These skin cells may not shed on their own, and exfoliation can help speed up this process. You will have smoother skin and hopefully notice a reduction in your acne, which can take time. Be persistent, but don’t overdo it.

It’s important to remember not to rub your skin raw, as this can worsen acne. Check out The Body Shop’s Fuji Green Tea Exfoliating Body Scrub.

4. Avoid Pimple Popping

We all know that person who loves to pop pimples (or you may be that person). Dermatologists warn you to avoid touching, popping, bursting, or picking at your acne. Popping your pimples can delay their healing and make the spots worse. You may push the bacteria deeper into your skin. Picking at pimples can also result in scarring. Let’s leave it to the professionals, okay?

5. Choose Breathable Clothing

When picking out your outfit, choose fabrics that are soft and breathable on the skin. Sweat-wicking fabrics are also a good idea. Cotton is the best fabric to go with as it is the most breathable. Avoid spandex and nylon when you can. If you have the option, go a size larger in your clothes to ensure they are not tight anywhere on the body and give you room to move comfortably.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should talk to a doctor if you feel the at-home methods are not working, your spots are large or full of fluid, or if you think your mental health and enjoyment of social and recreational activities are negatively affected. Some oral prescription medications can treat the effects of body acne, and your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you in full. Your doctor may also be able to refer you for alternative treatments known to treat body acne, such as diet recommendations to get clear skin.

The Bottom Line

Body acne can happen to anyone. You may feel like nothing can help, but many treatments exist today to help you get rid of body acne. Try at-home techniques to see if you can improve the condition of your skin. Always seek professional advice if you are feeling low and don’t know where to begin.

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