HEALTH

Sometimes, acne isn't just limited to your face—it can develop in other places on your body, like on your back or chest. While this may be an inconvenience for some people, body acne is totally normal, and is caused by the same thing that causes the acne on your face—clogged pores. 

While there's absolutely nothing wrong with having body acne (or any acne, for that matter), it can be a spot of insecurity for some people. Here are some tips on how to take care of your body acne and clear up your skin. 

First and foremost, shower every day:

This may seem obvious, but it's *super* important! Showering regularly prevents the buildup of bacteria, oil and dirt, which can all lead to body acne. 

Use acne-fighting body wash:

Using a body wash that contains specific acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid and tea tree oil, can be really helpful to get rid of body acne. Here are a few of our faves:

Neutrogena Body Clear Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Body Wash. Shop at Neutrogena.com. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash. Shop at TheBodyShop.com. 

Once a week, be sure to exfoliate: 

Exfoliating your skin regularly is important—it helps get rid of dead skin cells, which can build up on your skin, clog your pores and lead to acne. Plus, whenever you exfoliate, you'll be left with super soft skin! Try out these exfoliators: 

Dove Exfoliating Body Polish. Shop at Target.com. 

Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub. Shop at Target.com. 

Use non-comedogenic lotion:

Non-comedogenic products won't clog your pores, so make sure to choose a lotion that hydrates your skin without unknowingly causing acne. Check out these lotions:

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Normal to Dry Skin. Shop at Target.com. 

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. Sbop at Target.com. 

Wear breathable clothes:

Tight clothes have the potential to trap dirt and oils on your skin that can cause acne, as opposed to clothes that are loose and breathable. Look for clothes that are made out of cotton instead of fabrics like wool, nylon or spandex, which can be irritating. 

Always stay hydrated: 

Hydration is always *super* important, and drinking water also gets rid of toxins in your body that could lead to acne. In general, drinking water is also better for your complexion than sugary drinks like soda. 

See a dermatologist: 

If you've tried to treat your body acne for months with no results, it might be time to see a dermatologist or skin care professional that can help you out. 

All GIFS via Giphy

We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.

by Maya Camu | 7/26/2020