What is Body Acne?
— Soft Services newsletter
pop inside
Soft Services pop inside BODY ACNE aka ‘bacne’ ‘butne’ ‘fungal acne’ If you’re experiencing acne on your face, you’re likely experiencing it elsewhere on your body (fun fact on that below). Breakouts are usually concentrated around oil glands—think back, chest, and butt—and the hot, humid environments beneath your clothes are the perfect breeding ground for acne-causing microbes.
Body acne can be the result of hair products, detergents, friction from bras, or even sitting on a bike seat. Since its causes are different from facial acne, so are its solutions. Back Chest Back Butt Shoulder Back Body acne’s causes vary. Excess sebum production near oil glands is one culprit. Clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation are all causes, too. It’s important to identify your body acne as bacterial or fungal before treating.
Both can appear similarly, but fungal acne usually itches. Stressors and behaviors can impact body acne, too. Tanning can dry out your body’s sebaceous glands, leading to overcompensation in the form of chest acne. Forgetting to change out of sweaty workout clothes can create clingy bacteria that clogs pores. BODY ACNE QUICK FACTS VARIETY BAG The soles of your feet and the palms of your hands are the only places on the body that are safe from potential breakouts.
It’s estimated that half of people with acne on their face also have it on the rest of their body. Friction leads to inflammation. Keep purse straps and tight clothing away from areas you’re experiencing body acne. Avoid pore-clogging buildup by showering immediately after a workout. At the very least, take off sweaty gym clothes ASAP to avoid trapping grime against skin. You might be experiencing fungal “acne” if the breakout area itches or appears discolored.
Consult a dermatologist for your best treatment plan. Hair products can be sneaky culprits of body acne. Rinse thoroughly in the shower, making sure not to let conditioner trail down your back. Soft Services is here to offer the cold, hard facts on body acne. See our deep-dive into potential causes, treatments, and more expert body skin advice on Mass Index . Keeping body acne at bay is easy with our Clearing Duo .
The two-part set was formulated to treat the side effects of a sweat-prone, active lifestyle. The duo’s combination of sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc PCA, and niacinamide target body acne and the resulting hyperpigmentation. Try Clearing Clay as a mask or spot treatment. Spray Clearing Mist on dry skin to regulate sebum and fight bacteria. Repeat.
JUST SO WE'RE CLEAR Clearing Duo Clearing Clay, Clearing Mist $56 Clearing Clay Multi-Use Breakout Treatment $28 Clearing Mist Medicated Breakout Tonic $26 "I absolutely love this duo. The Clearing Clay is SO smooth and gentle. ) and I love the cooling feeling when applied. I love to use the Clearing Mist afterward - I feel like I'm locking in the effects of the clay with an extra boost.
I tend to get small breakouts on my chest after working out in a sports bra and this duo has saved my life! " Olivia, 26, after 3 months with Clearing Duo "I was so amazed by how this cleared up my skin. I wasn’t dealing with serious acne, but the occasional breakout on my chest and overall congested looking texture. After one use, my skin felt softer and I haven’t had any breakouts since using it. Noticed the same thing when I had my boyfriend try it too!
The smell is a bit medicinal. I don’t really mind it but if it’s a day I want to smell good, I just wash with another nice smelling soap afterwards. This has truly changed my skin, I just reordered more! " Madeline, 33, after 6 months with Clearing Clay "I have been plagued with acne on my back and chest for years. Within a week of using the clearing mist, 95% of my existing breakouts cleared up .
I also like the fact that I don't have to buy a new sprayer every time I reorder. " Jarrod, 33, after 3 months with Clearing Mist
Tags: Deep Dives, Body Acne, Clogged Pores, Discoloration, Dry Skin, Fungal Acne, Clearing Mist