You probably already have go-to products for treating facial acne, but the best way to handle body breakouts is less clear. So we asked dermatologists for their best advice on how to achieve amazing skin on every inch of your body (it’s easier than you think).
Read on for three surefire ways to beat body acne.
Practice good hygiene
To prevent pores from getting clogged on your body, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing, wipe gym equipment before using it, wear clothes made of materials like wicking fabric that keep sweat off your skin when you work out, shower after exercise, and exfoliate several times a week, says dermatologist Jennifer Trent. If you use moisturizer or sunscreen on your body, use ones that are oil-free or non-comedogenic, says Steven Mandrea, the co-founder of Lakeview Dermatology in Chicago.
Use acne washes
Mandrea and Trent both recommend washes with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. In terms of specific products, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Oxy Deep Pore Medicated Acne Pads, Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, and PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash should all work, according to Trent. “Remember to completely rinse off the benzoyl peroxide so it doesn’t bleach your clothing, towels, or linens,” says Mandrea.
See a dermatologist
For stubborn body acne, you may want to talk to a dermatologist about more heavy-duty options. These can include prescription medications like topical antibiotics, topical retinoids derived from vitamin A, oral antibiotics, or even isotretinoin (Accutane), according to Mandrea. “If over-the-counter products aren’t helping, you need to seek treatment from a dermatologist,” says Trent.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
You might be making some major skin care mistakes. Yep, your dermatologists hate when you do this.
