Lets get rid of acne

Have you ever woken up to find acne on your arms, or back, chest, or even groin area? Body acne is now more common among 20–40 year-olds. If you have body acne, you’re probably wondering what caused it, and how you can get rid of it.

Causes Body acne is similar to facial acne, therefore if you have one, you’re more likely to develop the other. Acne can form wherever there are sebaceous or oil glands. Therefore, acne can develop anywhere from your neck to your legs. For some people body acne is caused by heat and friction on covered skin.

For others, it may be due to hormonal imbalances, stress, or diet. However, the causes of body acne are more likely external than internal.

Back acne – this may be due to overly active sebaceous glands, irritation from shampoo, detergents or soap; not showering after exercise; clothes that are too tight or not breathable; not enough sleep; or too many fried foods. Butt or crotch acne – underwear that is too tight, poor hygiene, ingrown hairs from waxing or shaving, sitting for too long in a hot and humid environment. Chest acne – poor eating habits, digestive troubles, allergies. Neck acne – hormonal imbalances, irritation from hair products, stress, shirts with tight collars, or a high sugar diet. Shoulder acne – stress, feeling vulnerable, or handbag straps causing friction against the skin.

Treatment Body acne is more difficult to treat due to the fact that the skin on our bodies is coarser and has larger pores than that on our face. Your body is usually clothed therefore your skin has less opportunity to breathe. Our backs are usually always covered therefore this is the area that’s most affected.

The skin on your back has constant contact with the oil it produces, and if you wear tight clothing, this may result in clogged pores and acne.

• Shower immediately after a workout – Try to shower within one hour of working out. Sitting with sweaty or dirty clothes can contribute to acne, which forms when oils mixed with dead skin clog your pores. • Exfoliate regularly – doing this weekly can prevent clogged pores. Use a gentle body scrub and sponge on those hard to reach areas. • Use natural products – avoid hair products, detergents, soaps, and lotions which may irritate your skin. • Limit your intake of refined sugars. • Wear loose fitting clothing that allows your skin to breath, and try to stick to natural fibres such as cotton. • Wash your clothes regularly. • Use a medicated body wash containing salicylic acid on the affected areas. • Take a bath with sea salt once a week. • Put your hair up when you work out so that it’s not draping over your neck. • Make a body toner by mixing water with apple cider vinegar, or tea tree oil, or witch hazel. Spray this on the affected areas after a shower. • Get enough sleep. • Don’t use water that is too hot and don’t over scrub your skin.