Many people are afflicted with chest acne, and there are as many methods for battling it as there are for facial blemishes. The following tips will help you achieve smooth, pimple-free skin that you'll love showing off in low-cut tops. Better yet, they may cause the acne stay away permanently.



Exfoliate
You're probably familiar with the importance of exfoliation. When you're prone to developing chest acne, scrubbing away those dead skin cells becomes even more important. Exfoliating once or twice a week will prevent those cells from building up, clogging pores and wreaking havoc. Make sure the scrub you choose is gentle, like Kiehl's Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub, $36.



Minimize Moisture
When it comes to intermittent chest acne, the biggest culprits are sweat and bacteria. That's why blemishes on this part of the body are so much more common in the summer than winter. Sweating is inevitable, especially if you work out a lot. However, you can minimize the amount of perspiration that stays on your skin by changing out of your sweaty workout gear right away, wearing clothing that fits loosely on the acne-prone area, and taking frequent showers. Getting into these good habits may reduce the acne on your chest.



Use Acne-Fighting Body Soap
To directly target the pimples on your chest, you should use a soap that's designed to both treat the acne that's currently present and prevent future breakouts. These types of body soaps usually contain salicylic acid, which is an ingredient that works wonders by deeply penetrating and cleaning the skin. Murad Acne Body Wash, $40, can restore a youthful glow to your skin. However, if you have already have a soap that contains salicylic acid, you can go ahead and use it for your chest acne, too.

Wear Breathable Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics tend to suffocate the skin, allowing sweat and bacteria to proliferate. Try to stick to natural fabrics that are breathable. These materials are better for your skin overall, and they're often more comfortable as well. Cotton is the most common, easy-to-find and breathable natural fabric.



Use Lightweight Moisturizers
When heat and humidity are in full force, avoid using a heavy moisturizer. Your skin doesn't need it, and it can cause chest acne by adding too much oil to the skin. Instead, choose a lightweight moisturizer with natural ingredients, such as Korean beauty company Peach and Lily's Damask Rose Soothing Gel, $18.



Treat Zits with Salicylic Gel
Sometimes an acne body wash isn't enough to get the job done. Salicylic gel is extremely effective at knocking out acne breakouts while you wait for these other tips to kick in. For the best results, apply the gel on clean skin right after using an acne-fighting cleanser. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel, $8, is a great choice.