Bare Necessities: How To Clear and Control Body Acne

Personal question: when was the last time you showered? If you’re like most people, your habits have probably changed in recent months. Surveys reveal that we’ve all become a little lax in the hygiene department since staying at home. Loungewear is the new black. Shoes are so 2019. And a daily shower has become optional. If that describes you, you may have noticed a little side effect: body acne. Whether it’s a new thing for you or an ongoing concern, we have some tips to keep your skin clear from head to toe.

What Causes Body Acne?

Sebaceous glands aren’t limited to the face. Whether back, chest, arms, or anywhere else, pores get clogged by dead skin cells and oil, and follicles become impacted and inflamed, leading to breakouts. Stress, which stimulates androgen hormones, can drive up oil production and compound the problem. Tight clothing and occlusive creams can also be triggers.

Shower Immediately After Activity

Don’t let dirt, oil, and sweat sit on your skin. Shower as soon as possible after a workout with a cleanser formulated to address acne triggers.

Antibacterial Scrubs

The acne that appears on the back and chest is often cystic acne, an infection deep in the hair follicle that’s often tender and inflamed. Ignoring the issue will further irritate and increase inflammation. For cystic body acne, use BP 3% Acne Wash. This potent but soothing antibacterial cleanser works deep in the pore to kill bacteria and flush out impactions. It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent to speed healing to the skin.

Ice, Ice Baby

Rubbing ice over your skin before applying a corrective product increases the product’s ability to work on a deeper level and perform at its maximum effectiveness. The cold also reduces inflammation and redness by constricting blood vessels, which speeds healing and quickly improves appearance. Massage cleansed skin with ice for two to three minutes up to three times a day.

Get It Under Wraps

A layer of plastic wrap (yes, the stuff in the fridge covering that bowl of unknown origin) over a topical medication can make the formulation up to ten times more effective. Apply a generous layer of Vivant's BP 10% Gel Medication on the affected area. Let it dry completely before applying plastic wrap over the top. A snug t-shirt will help keep the wrap in place. Leave it for up to an hour. Be sure to avoid sensitive areas like underarms, sides, and, most certainly, your face.

The Magic Bullet

Your regimen isn’t complete without our most potent targeted treatment, Clear Body Therapy. This powerful lactic acid and vitamin A lotion sloughs off dead skin cells and accelerates cellular turnover to clear impactions, reduce oil production, and dramatically retexturize skin.

When It’s Not Acne

Body bumps can be pityrosporum folliculitis, a fungal infection of the hair follicle. It’s easily confused with acne but is more uniform in appearance. If you notice rashy-looking patches of papules and pustules on the forehead, cheeks, arms, chest, and back, it’s most likely pityrosporum folliculitis. In this case, antifungal Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash is a must. Use it in the shower as a body wash. For an added boost, lather it up and allow it to sit on the affected area for a couple of minutes before rinsing away.

Try A Back Facial

Like a professional treatment for your face, the back facial includes a deep cleansing to unclog pores, extractions, a light peel, and a nice massage to boot. It’s a great way to get to those hard-to-reach spots and supercharge your clear skin mission. Make this part of your routine when things get back to normal, and we’re all able to get out again.