Body acne is a relatively common type of acne that afflicts more people than you might imagine. Because body acne is often hidden from view most of the time, it can be easier to hide, but is often a point of low self esteem for suffers, especially in warmer weather when clothing shows more skin.

Body acne afflicts people of all ages, but most sufferers are those going through hormonal changes; puberty is the most common of all. Like facial acne, body acne is often a hereditary occurrence, passed on from parent to child. The causes and treatment of body acne are often very similar to those of facial acne. Also, like facial acne, no one is able to pinpoint the exact cause and fully eliminate the condition.

However, there are some things you can do to decrease the severity of your body acne outbreaks, and to help control your appearance and keep your skin healthy and looking better.

Where Body Acne Occurs

Body acne can be found anywhere you have pores, or hair follicles. The only places it cannot form are the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. That said, body acne is most common on the back, neck, legs, buttocks, and arms.

What Causes Body Acne

Body acne, like facial acne, is the result of clogged pores in the skin. These pores are clogged by skin debris (dead skin cells) and a buildup of oil. This oil is controlled by the glands that regulate hormones, which is why times of hormonal shifting (such as puberty) make body acne so common.

Preventing Body Acne

Because buildup of oil on the skin can clog your pores, preventing buildup is the best way to prevent body acne. If you work out, make sure to shower and change your clothes soon after. This keeps sweat and dirty clothes off your skin, allowing your pores to breathe and stay clear.

Use a body wash that contains medicine designed to reduce or eliminate acne. Salicylic acid is probably the most common acne-fighting ingredient in over-the-counter body washes. However, make sure not to over-wash your skin. Too much scrubbing can irritate your pores, and too much medicine can dry out the skin, causing your body to produce more oil to compensate. This will only make acne worse.

Dealing With Body Acne

Like any acne, body acne can make people feel embarrassed. Keep in mind that many people experience body acne: you are not alone. Resist using makeup to cover your body acne; it will only clog your pores more. If a body wash is not making a difference, consider seeing a dermatologist for professional treatment.

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