How to handle body breakouts

Body acne is most common on the back and chest, and even if you decide to cover it up with clothing, it’s not going anywhere without proper treatment. For starters, I recommend treating the skin on your back and chest the same way as you’d treat acne-prone skin on your face. This means addressing bacteria and excess oil and incorporating gentle exfoliation to help prevent pores from becoming clogged. The easiest solution is using the same anti-acne products from head to toe.

Many patients who experience body acne don’t realize that several lifestyle factors can play a role as well. Here are a few extra tips that can help prevent these blemishes…

• Shower as soon as possible after exercising and use an acne cleanser with benzoyl peroxide.
• Wash your body after shampooing and conditioning your hair, as many ingredients in these products can cause clogged pores.
• Opt for workout clothes that breathe or wick moisture away from the skin.
• Make time for stress relief. This can be anything that helps you relax, whether exercise, meditation or spending time with friends.
• A healthy diet filled with lean protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats (and limiting processed foods) can help prevent surges in blood sugar levels, which have been linked to an increase in acne.