Getting to the Bottom of Body Acne
As common as acne is, it still somehow qualifies as a “strange” skin issue. It sometimes seems that it is impossible to pin down. Just when the forehead seems under control, the chin becomes a problem. Then once the face is manageable, the shoulders and chest start to break out. As annoying as acne is on the face, it is arguably worse in the form of body acne, and can even be quite painful when under clothing and constantly rubbed or irritated. This begs the question: What causes body acne? Can it be avoided, and what are the best ways to aid a teen or young adult who is suffering from such a problem?
What Causes Body Acne?
There’s no secret to body acne. It forms just as acne does on the face. A combination of dead skin cells, bacteria and sebum (skin oil) serves to clog a follicle, and an infection ensues, creating a small infection most commonly referred to as a pimple or zit. This is how all acne forms, whether a whitehead, blackhead, cystic, on the face or on the body.
Body Acne – It’s Still Acne
The reason that acne is more prominent on the face is due to the fact that there are more available hair follicles on the facial skin. Along those lines, this is why body acne can develop on so many parts of the body: Arms, back, chest, neck, shoulders and even the buttocks and the legs.
One reason body acne becomes prominent in some individuals may simply be due to clothing. Tight clothing or clothing that makes the body perspire can actually be a factor in the development of body acne. Along those lines, seasonal clothing may even cause problems.
In others, variables may be clothing or skin irritants that may offer an allergic reaction, causing the skin to become more susceptible to producing excess sebum in an area.
Individuals who play sports will often struggle with body acne related to equipment, uniforms or not caring for the skin properly after training or vigorous exercise.
Regardless of the variables that may make the skin more susceptible to inflammations of body acne, the problem can be treated, managed and even prevented with a solid skin care regimen geared toward fighting acne.
Developing a Total Body Skin Care Regimen
Knowing the three main contributing factors for the development of acne, it is easy to care for the skin in a manner that will keep it acne free, regardless of where pimples may be popping up.
One of the easiest ways to care for the skin is to add the regimen to a daily shower, or a twice-a-day showering schedule for an athlete. Exfoliating the entire body, especially the areas prone to body acne, will aid in the shedding of dead skin cells that are “sticking” to the surface of the skin. In fact, an acne wash can be used in the trouble spots to help kill the bacteria that is lingering and causing problems.
Following a shower with the use of a skin toner or astringent in all the trouble spots will help to “lock down” the pores by constricting them. This also helps to calm the skin and promote its natural regeneration process.
To really go after the acne problem, the use of a benzoyl peroxide acne cream does wonders when used liberally, across all acne prone areas. Benzoyl peroxide creates an oxidized environment when applied to the surface of the skin, killing acne causing bacteria. An oil-free moisturizer or lotion can be used on the body to combat any dryness from benzoyl peroxide.