How to Get Rid of Body Acne: A 4-Step Routine

You can find a bazillion products on the market to combat zits on your face, but the fact is, pimples do not discriminate when it comes to location. These pesky bumps can appear on any part of your body, except your palms and soles where there aren’t any oil glands. So, as you invest in fancy facial treatments, don’t forget that you should know how to get rid of body acne, too!

You may already know that poor hygiene doesn’t directly cause pimples. However, it can worsen body acne – especially if you’re predisposed to oily skin and whatnot. The purpose of this routine is to remove dirt and sebum building and prevent clogged pores.

Look for a body wash with salicylic acid, benzoyl, peroxide, tea tree oil, and other antibacterial or acne-fighting ingredients. You don’t need to second guess your soap choices with Lifebuoy Antibacterial Body Wash with Multivitamins+ Total 10 which has vitamins B3, C, and E to help boost your skin’s immunity and fight 99.9% of germs.

You can also try Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash. Sensitive formulas are usually non-comedogenic and free of harsh detergents, fragrances, and dyes that can irritate your skin and worsen acne.

Clogged pores are usually triggered by buildup. Use a body scrub or chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. Pay close attention to more acne-prone areas, such as your nape, chest, and back. Use a towel or loofah to fight off stubborn bacne.

Facial and body skin differ in thickness, sensitivity, and oil gland density. It's why companies tailor their wares to address each's varying needs. You can minimize irritation and maximize hydration with the proper products.

You may be surprised to learn that dry skin can trigger body acne. When your skin lacks moisture, your sebaceous glands go on the offensive, overcompensating for the dehydration and making you more susceptible to plugged-up pores.

Lotion may seem like an excessive step, but it’s necessary if you want to avoid bumps in different parts of your body. Apply right after your post-shower pat-drying. Damp pores are more receptive to moisturization, making your skin creamier and more protected.

Is your body acne inflamed or particularly stubborn? Use over-the-counter spot treatments to see if they could help. To be safe, you can also consult with your dermatologist to check the best course of action for your skin problems.

You need to be wary of other things, too, if you want to keep body acne at bay. For example, sweat can be a primary cause of buildup and clogged pores. So, if you’re a pro sweater or work out a lot, you need to take extra measures to ensure you’re not setting up your skin for pimples. Here are other ways to combat body acne.

Did you just finish a run? Did you come from an environmental waste cleanup? Showering before bedtime can wash off a regular day’s dirt and debris. But be a little more diligent about cleansing if you finish something that begrimes you more than usual, such as exercising or biking along EDSA.

Wash up right away after these types of activities. If circumstances keep you from bathing immediately, rub down with alcohol or wipes to prevent buildup.

Wearing loose-fitting clothes made from cotton or moisture-wicking materials can help reduce sweat buildup, especially if you don’t always have an opportunity to change throughout the day.

Are you still seeing body acne even though you’ve done all the steps above? You might be neglecting your surroundings. Filthy clothes and dirty sheets can harbor sweat, oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria – all pore-clogging and breakout-triggering.  

Shower before bed to prevent the transfer of oil and dirt to your bedding. Launder your sheets and towels weekly. Avoid piling up worn clothes on “the chair” and reusing them.

Knowing how to get rid of body acne is as simple as being meticulous with the skin on the rest of your body as you do your face. Come up with a comprehensive head-to-toe skin regimen and don’t forget to follow through!