The warmer weather calls for like tube tops and bathing suits. But persistent chest acne may keep you from wearing them, no matter how confident you are. Situations like this might make you feel self-conscious in more revealing clothes. The silver lining? Anyone can get body acne, and it’s not always as bad as you think.
The UK reports that 15% of people with acne have experienced breakouts around the décolletage area. Read on for ways to deal with chest acne and pimples in other areas of the body.
What Causes Chest Acne?
The difference between the zits on your face and your chest isn't much. You might even notice that they come out around the same time, which means your breakouts are hormone-induced.
Fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone trigger your skin to produce more oil. As a result, it mixes with sweat and bacteria, . You typically see flare-ups around the face, back, and chest where your oil glands are located.
Other factors contributing to chest acne include a high-sugar diet, , over-washing, and wearing tight clothing. In some cases, the breakouts may be , a bacterial infection.
How to Clear Chest Acne
Covering your chest for as long as you have pimples is no fun. Why limit your wardrobe choices (or wear pore-clogging body makeup) when you have options? Below are some tried-and-tested solutions to address persistent chest acne at its root.
Shower ASAP after sweating.
During the summer months, your pores expand and release more sebum. Add sweat to that formula, and it's body acne city. Sweat mingles with dirt, dead skin cells, and oil, making your skin itchy and inflamed. Making time for a quick shower is essential, especially after a or a day at the beach.
Use Lifebuoy Antibacterial Bodywash Total 10 formulated with Activ Silver+ to get rid of bacteria. It also deeply cleanses your skin, helping prevent more chest acne from plaguing you.
When showering, prioritize washing your hair before your body. It ensures that the runoff from your shampoo and conditioner doesn't accumulate on your skin, which can, unfortunately, result in breakouts. After completing your , thoroughly lather your body for 15 seconds minimum. This way, every inch of your skin gets the attention it deserves.
Remember to exfoliate.
Your body accumulates, too! You can use a or an exfoliating body wash to get rid of them but do so no more than twice a week as it can irritate the skin and trick it into thinking it needs to make more oil (uh-oh!).
If you have , regular exfoliating products might be too harsh. Instead, equip yourself with a clean washcloth or sea sponge and Dove Go Fresh Cucumber & Green Tea Body Wash. The latter contains fresh cucumber and green tea extracts in a gentle Microbiome formula that keeps skin fresh and hydrated for up to 24 hours with regular use.
Check your body care products.
Those with acne-prone skin need to be more careful with products like lotions and body butter, which may contain essential oils that can clog the pores. Always and avoid parabens. Choose “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” products since they are less likely to trigger breakouts.
Say yes to spot treatment.
Yes, you can use your favorite acne cream and pimple patch to heal those pesky zits on your chest. Look for ingredients like , adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide. Apply the topical solution on a clean surface and let it dry before putting on clothes. Pro tip: wear loose outfits to avoid stains from your acne medication and keep your skin breezy.
Be mindful of your habits.
If your recent breakouts are due to hormonal imbalances, learning to take care of your body is the best prevention. Do you clock every night? How often do you eat veggies and fruits? These may seem trivial to some, but simple adjustments to your lifestyle can improve your skin health and reduce chest acne flare-ups.
It's not just about what you put on your skin, but also how you take care of your mind. Stress can exacerbate . Take the time to , exercise, and indulge in hobbies to keep breakouts at bay.
Chest acne is super annoying but with the right approach, you can regain control and achieve the radiant skin you deserve. If you're struggling with severe or persistent acne, it's always a good idea to consult a dermatologist who can provide advice and treatment options tailored to your needs.