It’s not all bad news for those with back acne and chest acne though! Here are our top tried-and-tested tips for getting rid of it for good.
Shower daily
Showering is crucial to wash off the dirt, sweat, and debris of the day so that there are no potential pore-blockers left lurking on your skin. Use body wash in the shower morning and night, or post-workout. If you’re opting for a body wash that contains benzoyl peroxide, make sure to wash it off your skin thoroughly. Remains of the wash on your skin you could rub off onto your clothes and end up bleaching them. Use a gentle body wash in the shower, one that doesn’t contain any alcohol as this could irritate your spots.
Exfoliate
We often neglect body exfoliation, focussing on our faces instead. A good exfoliant will get rid of any dead skin cells that clog pores, and encourages the turnover of healthy new cells. Be careful when selecting your exfoliator as the skin on your chest is much thinner and more prone to scarring than your face. So instead of a beaded scrub opt for a gentle formula that contains an exfoliant like salicylic acid. This will ensure that dead skin is removed from the surface of the skin, without irritating it.
Body makeup
Body makeup is a great way to camouflage back and chest acne, especially effective for short-term coverage. Men’s makeup comes in a variety of shades, just like women’s, so you don’t need to worry about looking like you’ve caked it on. It’s really easy to use and can be applied with a sponge or fingers to work products into the chest area, you’ll probably need some help for applying on your back.
Tips for avoiding back and chest acne
Opt for loose clothing that doesn’t feel restrictive. This is especially important at the gym because you don’t want sweat to become trapped against your skin and clog your pores. Go for cotton or other breathable materials.
Post-workout, wash as soon as possible because if you leave it, your sweat risks mixing with dead skin cells or dirt to block pores.
If you have long hair which brushes against your back, be vigilant about what products you’re using for it as oily hair products can give you acne. Tie hair up when your back is exposed to avoid any contact with hair products.
