If you’re struggling to treat body breakouts, this helpful guide has all the tips & advice you need to help keep blemishes at bay
What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects around 95% of people aged 11 to 30. While it may be most common in teenagers and younger adults, for some people it can stem beyond their mid-twenties.
There are six main types of spots caused by acne. These are blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. You can find out more about acne, including the different types of spots from our acne treatment guide.
What does acne on your body mean?
Acne most commonly develops on the face, back and chest. The term ‘body acne’ is used to describe breakouts that crop up on different parts of the body other than the face.
Common areas affected by body acne are:
• Neck
• Back (often referred to as ‘bacne’)
• Chest
• Shoulders
Sebaceous glands are present in our skin and found all over the body (except for the palms of our hands and the soles of our feet). These glands produce sebum (an oily substance) and are a natural lubrication that help protect the skin from friction, moisture loss or brittle hair and infections caused by bacteria and fungi. These glands can become clogged, and lead to symptoms of acne.
If you experience body acne, try not to worry as it’s often not a cause for concern. Understandably, it can feel stressful if breakouts become persistent but there are treatments out there that can help.
What causes body acne?
There are different types of spots caused by acne, like papules and blackheads, which each present in a different way. Some people are at an increased risk of developing acne if it runs in their family. Typically, both body acne and facial acne are frequently caused by the same trigger – clogged pores. Hormonal imbalances, bacteria, smoking, certain cosmetic products and medications can also trigger a flare-up.
The sebaceous glands are attached to your hair follicles (the holes that individual hair grows out of) and are located near the surface of your skin. They help keep the skin lubricated and prevent it from drying out by producing sebum.
Acne develops when your glands have produced too much sebum and consequently blocks the skin’s pores, triggering a breakout. Bacteria that live on your skin can invade and infect the blocked pore, causing papules, pustules, nodules or cysts to develop.
Can body acne be hormonal?
Generally speaking, acne can start at any age but is commonly linked to changes in hormone levels, particularly during puberty. There are certain levels of hormones, like testosterone, that increase during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to produce larger amounts of oil than the skin needs. This is termed abnormal sebum, which leads to acne breakouts.
For many women, acne can also develop from hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, the menstrual cycle or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Each can lead to episodes of acne breakouts. The same applies to body acne.
How do I treat body acne?
Although there is no cure for body acne, there are multiple treatments available that can help you control it. If your acne symptoms are mild and you’re experiencing a small number of spots, your pharmacy team will be able to advise you on how to treat flare-ups. This usually includes over-the-counter gels or creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient that works as an antiseptic and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
It’s important to persist with treatment as it can take several months before acne symptoms improve.
If you find the medicine from your pharmacy team hasn’t worked and your body acne is becoming more severe, you can seek treatment from your GP. They can prescribe the following medicines:
• Topical retinoids – help remove dead skin cells to prevent build up within hair follicles
• Topical antibiotics – help kill the bacteria on the skin, preventing infection of plugged hair follicles
• Antibiotic tablets – usually used in combination with a topical treatment
• Azelaic acid – kills bacteria and helps remove dead skin cells
Some women can also be prescribed the combined oral contraceptive pill to help improve their acne. Want to know more about them? Read our guide to different types of contraceptive pills.
You can also consider treatment through the Boots Acne Treatment Online Doctor Service* if your body acne is mild to moderate. There is no appointment needed, all you have to do is complete a confidential online consultation, which will be reviewed by one of our clinicians. If appropriate, treatment will be prescribed which you can choose to collect in store or have delivered to your door.
Top lifestyle tips to help with body acne
Maintaining healthy skin habits and refining your routine can be useful. Take a look at our four top tips to help with body acne.
Tip 1: Wear loose clothing
Not only will this let your skin breathe but it also minimises the risk of dirt and bacteria getting trapped by tight clothing. When dirt gets trapped in our clothing it can lead to the development of blemishes, particularly on our chest and back. Try sticking to loose, breathable fabrics, like cotton.
Tip 2: Look after your skin
Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse. Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.
Tip 3: Avoid picking your body acne
Although it can be tempting to squeeze or pick spots on your body this is something you should refrain from doing. Your fingers harbour dirt and bacteria, if they come into contact with body acne it can worsen your breakouts and can lead to permanent scarring. If you do come into contact with your body acne, make washing your hands a priority to prevent bacteria from spreading.
Tip 4: Use non-comedogenic bodycare products
Non-comedogenic is a term used to describe products that contain ingredients that don’t clog or block pores. When pores get blocked, this can lead to the development of acne. Non-comedogenic products can help hydrate the skin, minimising the risk of acne.
Take a look at our range of products for acne-prone skin to help you get started. Please note, these products will not treat acne but are suitable for acne-prone skin.
When should I see a dermatologist about body acne?
Your GP can refer you to a dermatologist if you’re experiencing severe body acne and are struggling to treat it with prescription medicines. Consider talking to your GP, if:
• A large number of spots on your chest, back and face have developed
• You are at risk of scarring or already have scarring
• You have painful nodules. These are hard lumps located beneath the surface of your skin
• Your body acne is starting to affect your mental health
Your dermatologist may recommend a combination of topical treatments or combine them with antibiotic tablets. At the start of your treatment, you may not notice an immediate improvement in your condition. Try not to worry as this is normal. It can take several months of treatment before acne symptoms improve so persistence is key with acne treatment.
If you would like to find out more about body acne, you can visit Boots Online Doctor. Alternatively, you can speak to your pharmacy team of GP for further advice.
