The reason body acne develops is straightforward, and understanding how and why will allow you to gain control of your skin. Oil glands under the skin are connected to the small holes you see on your skin, and when skin cells, sebum, hair and bacteria clump together, it causes swelling and pimples. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of body acne and prevent it from returning.
Be Gentle With Your Skin
You would never pick or poke the petals of a flower, and you should treat your skin the same way. Exfoliating for body acne is important, but exfoliating too often can inflame your skin and defeat the purpose as it's essential to avoid as much irritation to the skin as possible. Never exfoliate more than once a week and always use a gentle cleanser all over your body like Murad Acne Body Wash, $40. It's formulated with gentle cleaning ingredients so that it doesn't strip the skin and over-dry it.
Take Steps to Reduce Bacteria in Your Surroundings
Make sure to keep your phone and any other object that comes into contact with your skin clean. This will prevent bacteria and oil that accumulate on your phone from coming into contact and infecting your skin with body acne. This also includes washing your bedding, hoodies, coats, scarves and hats regularly.
Shower Before Bed
Stay clean throughout the day and shower before bed using gentle body washes when necessary to remove excess sweat and oil. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, $5.99, will help remove bacteria that has accumulated on your body during the day. This way, you can reduce the chances of bacteria penetrating your clogged pores and causing a breakout.
Prevent and Treat Ingrown Hairs
When hairs try to grow through inflamed skin in the genital area, it can cause body acne. After you wax or shave, applying a small amount of hydrocortisone cream on the specific spots can reduce irritation of the skin. Reducing inflammation in the area can help stop ingrown hairs.
Wear Light, Breathable Clothes
Your aim should be to prevent bacteria and oil from building up in the crevices of your body as that provides an optimum environment for pimples to develop. One way to do this is to wear cotton clothing that will help to take sweat away from your skin and keep your skin cool. Be sure to shower after exercising, and in general keep your body as bacteria-free as possible without using harsh products.
Use Oil-free Makeup
You want to look good, but you don't want the makeup you wear to increase skin irritation. Acne-prone skin requires careful cosmetic planning; the good news is that top makeup brands make products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it's easy to choose makeup products if you're suffering from acne. Foundation products such as Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation, $64, can give you full coverage and keep your face shine-free all day long.
MORE LIKE THIS
