Acne is often mistaken as primarily a teenage skin ailment. Hormones are partially responsible for acne, which explains the resulting breakouts during your teen years. However, acne can also occur during other times throughout your life, including pregnancy, menopause and times of high stress. Bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt and excess oil are the other causes of acne. Acne can develop on your face, which is usually treated with ointments. Acne on your body is another story and can be more difficult to treat, especially on areas like your back. The key is to prevent body acne from ever occurring.
Step 1
Shower daily. Although this seems like a given, there are times when you may skip or delay your shower. As a result, more oil builds on your skin, which is a breeding ground for acne. Also shower as soon as possible after exercising or other times in which you sweat.
Step 2
Use a shower loofah, as opposed to a washcloth or your bare hands. This helps to exfoliate your skin, getting rid of dead skin cells.
Step 3
Exfoliate your skin with an exfoliating body wash to help prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells. Myfda.org recommends that you use such a product once a week to help clear your pores.
Step 4
Use an acne body wash if your breakouts do not improve. Neutrogena's Acne Body Wash can be used daily and helps keep acne at bay. The company even offers an exfoliating version.
Step 5
Apply an over-the-counter acne ointment to specific problem areas. Look for a product containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. This should not be used on a vast area, such as your entire back.
Step 6
Wear cotton clothing. Clothes made from synthetic materials do not allow your skin to breathe, which results in trapped sweat in your pores. Tight clothes also promote the development of acne.
Tips and Warnings
- See your dermatologist for a prescription oral medication or topical ointment if your acne symptoms do not improve. Acne-resource.org reports that only 10 percent of adults who suffer from body acne actually seek medical treatment. Eat a healthy diet. Although junk food does not directly cause acne, healthy foods can actually help promote good skin health and less acne, explains Myfda.org.
- Do not pick or scratch at any of the acne on your body. This can cause an infection or even the spread of bacteria, resulting in more acne. According to acne-resource.org, prescription acne medications can cause side effects like abdominal pain, headaches, jaundice, depression and eye problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Shower loofah
- Exfoliating body wash
- Acne body wash
- Acne ointment
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