When we talk about acne, we are likely referring to the pesky blemishes that pop up on our faces. With summer days approaching and more exposed skin being uncovered, it can get more and more difficult to hide the acne that may appear south of your neck.
Although body acne is a bit easier to camouflage thanks to clothing, it’s no less frustrating to treat, and to do so in a clean and safe way can be even more of a challenge. Not to worry- we can help you get your skin summer-ready! Read on to find out how to tackle body acne naturally.
What Causes Body Acne?
Before we dive into how to treat acne and blemishes on the body, we need to cover why it appears in the first place, and how to help prevent it in the future.
Unfortunately, much like our faces, there are many different reasons why body acne decides to rear its ugly head. An active lifestyle may lead to acne mechanica, in which sweat may get trapped in your workout gear while you train. Add friction and heat to the equation, and your skin can get increasingly irritated, and even lead to rashes and spots.
Additionally, things like heavy-textured hair products can clog your pores and cause acne on the back of your neck and hairline. Other causes include poor hygiene, excessive sweating, and even prolonged sun exposure. If you develop a sunburn, your skin can dry out, resulting in your body overcompensating by producing more oil, leading to a buildup of skin cells. Even more of a reason to apply sunscreen!
How To Treat Body Acne, Naturally
Luckily, there are methods to help clear up body acne without rushing off to a dermatologist. Much like the skin on your face, developing a routine can help you diminish the appearance of current blemishes, and keep new ones from popping up.
Step 1: Cleanse
For areas affected by body acne, you’ll want to swap out your current body wash and go for something more purifying for the affected area, without drying it out. Our
Collection of Body Washes are sulfate-free, non-drying, and made with over 90% organic ingredients. We love our
Lavender Body Wash as an option for more sensitive areas.
After a workout, ensure you’re hopping in the shower to rinse away any bacteria that may have developed during your sweat session, as that can lead to breakouts.
Step 2: Exfoliate
While you’re in the shower, you’ll want to ensure you have a gentle, yet powerful exfoliator on hand to whisk away any excess dead skin cells that can exacerbate breakouts even further.
For those suffering from body acne and large pores, use our
Fango Scrub 1-2 times per week for smoother, softer skin. Made with Dead Sea Mud, Red Algae, Lavender, and Lemon Essential Oils, Fango nourishes and deep cleans for a complexion that appears brighter and renewed. As a bonus, this scrub is also great for both body and face!
Step 3: Treat
Once you’ve dried off, you’ll want to turn your attention to treating the affected areas. Spot treating these areas ensures that they are getting all the benefits and discourages picking, which can lead to further skin damage.
Our
Charcoal Clay Mask isn’t just for the face anymore! Made with a heaping dose of coconut-derived Activated Charcoal, Bentonite, and French Green Clay, skin-loving algae, Cucumber, Elderflower, Green Tea, and our special essential oil blend created especially to improve the look of congested, acne-prone skin. We recommend applying a thin layer to the affected area, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes, and then wiping it away with a damp, warm towel.
Step 4: Moisturize
You may be thinking, “Moisturize? Won’t that just clog my pores further?” Not if you select the right one. Applying a moisturizer will soothe and repair the skin barrier-just make sure it’s not a heavy body cream.
Additional Tips to Keep Body Acne at Bay
-Wash things such as pillowcases, linens, hats, and workout gear more frequently. The buildup of cosmetic products, dead skin cells, and sweat can linger, causing breakouts.
-Be selective in your clothing, particularly when working out. Clothing that is too tight can cause friction and irritation. Avoid sharing this gear, and wipe down anything communal, such as a machine at the gym.
-If you’re planning on being outside, ensure you are applying SPF frequently to avoid sunburn.
Do you have any best practices for treating body acne? Let us know in the comments below!