Acne- it’s the most common skincare concern that affects the majority of the population worldwide. Therefore, if you think your acne is bad, just know that you’re not alone and there are vast researched-based treatments out there. Acne is notably occurring on the face; however, it can affect other parts of your body as well. With that, Beauty Insider is shining a light on body acne- how it occurs and what you can do to treat it.

Pimples and blackheads don’t just appear on the face. These outbreaks can appear in a variety of areas, including your back. Pimples are commonly found on the chest, neck, shoulders, upper arms, and even the buttocks. Back and body acne is generally more difficult to treat than facial acne.

For one thing, rubbing a therapeutic lotion on your own back is inconvenient. Second, bodily imperfections are frequently deep and persistent. You can get your body acne under control with the appropriate remedies, some time, and patience.

Causes Of Body Acne

Family history

You may be more prone to outbreaks if one of your parents has a history of acne. Variations in the anatomy of a person’s sebaceous glands are caused by some of these genes. These alterations may make it more difficult for their glands to keep up with themselves and protect them against bacteria growth. In other words, you may have inherited an underlying health problem or a biological characteristic that renders you prone to pore blockage rather than an acne gene.

Hormones

Androgens, which include testosterone, are reproductive hormones found in both men and women. Androgens can produce skin changes that lead to acne when they are out of balance. During puberty, this imbalance is common in both boys and girls. Hormone changes, on the other hand, can cause acne at any age.

Androgen levels in people with ovaries stay consistent throughout their menstrual cycle. Then, right before the menstrual cycle starts, oestrogen levels drop, allowing more testosterone to bind to sebaceous gland receptors and promote sebum production.

In adults with testicles, high testosterone levels can have a similar impact. It is frequently the outcome of hereditary susceptibility. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and adrenal hyperplasia are two other endocrine conditions linked to acne in women with ovaries (an inherited disease where the body is missing an enzyme).

Stress

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Even in those who aren’t prone to acne, an increase in stress hormones can cause breakouts, aggravate existing outbreaks, and impede the healing process. The production of cytokines, tiny proteins that attach to receptors in the sebaceous gland and stimulate an inflammatory response, is triggered by stress.

Furthermore, stress weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight microorganisms. Acne outbreaks might sometimes take longer to clear up when you’re stressed. This is due to the fact that stress impairs the body’s capacity to heal wounds.

Types Of Body Acne

Acne Cosmetica

Some hair products can block pores and produce acne on the hairline and back of the neck. This condition may spread over your back, shoulders, and chest, depending on the length of your hair. Acne cosmetica is the term used by dermatologists to describe this disorder.

Oils and silicones in many shampoos, conditioners, and styling treatments can easily trigger pimples and whiteheads. The best treatment for this form of body acne is to stop using whatever substance is triggering the outbreaks.

Acne Mechanica

People who are constantly in contact with their sports equipment are prone to developing body acne. Acne mechanica is the formal term for this disorder. It occurs when your workout clothing traps perspiration on your skin as you exercise. Your skin may get progressively inflamed as a result of the friction and heat created, resulting in rashes and patches.

Acne mechanica breakout areas are determined by the equipment utilised. A biker or a football player, for example, who wears a helmet, may get pimples on their forehead, scalp, neck, and chin.

How To Treat Body Acne

Change your body wash and cleansers

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Choose a hydroxy acid or benzoyl peroxide-based body cleanser. Bacterial development, dead skin accumulation, and excessive oil production are all targets for these products. Most pharmacy stores have a body wash for acne that has these ingredients. Many acne cleansers have been dermatologist-tested, and some even include mild exfoliants to assist remove dead skin build-up without causing irritation.

Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid have advantages and disadvantages to consider when picking a product. Salicylic acid is excellent for bumps and blackheads, whereas benzoyl peroxide is better for irritated pimples.

Medicated lotions and creams

If cleansers aren’t working, consider adding a medicated treatment lotion or spray to your regimen. Sprays, in particular, are excellent for getting into those hard-to-reach areas of your back. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide might leave a stain on your clothing. So, before you get dressed, ensure that any benzoyl peroxide-containing spray or lotion has completely dried on your skin.

Maybe it’s time to get a prescription

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Because body acne is obstinate, the OTC solutions described above may not be effective in treating moderate or severe outbreaks. To get those outbreaks under control, you may need to bring in some more strong pharmaceutical treatments. If your acne is badly inflamed, don’t wait too long to consult a healthcare specialist for prescription acne treatment. Acne on the body can leave lasting scars.

The bigger the inflammation, the more likely you are to create permanent scars. Depending on your circumstances, a dermatologist may recommend topical therapy, oral drugs, or both. Body acne, like face acne, takes patience to manage. As a result, you’ll probably have to try a few different treatments or drugs before discovering the one that works best for you.