While body acne is nothing to be ashamed of, it can prove to be a huge discomfort both physically and emotionally — whether you are breaking out on your back [1], your chest, or your butt [2]. If it's a concern of yours this Summer, it's understandable to want it gone, especially before your next beach trip.
Luckily, there are solutions — and affordable ones, at that. We've asked dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, to give us his best tips on how to minimize back and body acne [3], as well as what to look for when shopping for beauty products that treat the skin concern. Check out his advice ahead.
Use a Body Wash With Salicylic Acid
Bhanusali suggests looking for a body wash with salicylic acid (we've handpicked a few of our favourites in the slides ahead). He mentioned that one of his go-tos is the Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Wash With Glycerin [4].
"Salicylic acid [5] is an active ingredient that can be naturally derived from the willowbark tree," medical esthetician Anita Sun previously told POPSUGAR. "It is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and is a gentle exfoliating ingredient that is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial."
Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Wash With Glycerin
Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Wash With Glycerin [6] ($6)
Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash
Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash [7] ($35)
Murad Acne Body Wash
Murad Acne Body Wash [8] ($43)
CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough and Bumpy Skin
CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough and Bumpy Skin [9] ($14)
Exfoliate Biweekly
Exfoliating prevents future back and body acne [10] by sloughing off dead cells and debris sitting on the surface of skin. The following scrubs are gentle on sensitive skin, while also containing salicylic acid.
Alba Acnedote Face and Body Scrub
Alba Acnedote Face and Body Scrub [11] ($6)
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Face & Body Scrub
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Face Body Scrub [12] ($28)
Use a Dandruff Shampoo to Cleanse Your Body
"Sometimes [back acne] may not be bacterial," Bhanusali said. "Fungal or yeast acne are getting more and more common. An overgrowth of a yeast can lead to a breakout, and for this I use zinc pyrithione products." Zinc pyrithione is often found in dandruff shampoos like the ones ahead, which Bhanusali says can be used as a body wash.
Dove Men+Care 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner
Dove Men+Care 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner [13] ($6)
Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Daily-Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Daily-Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo [14] ($3)
Malin and Goetz Dandruff Shampoo
Malin and Goetz Dandruff Shampoo [15] ($28)
When in Doubt, See a Dermatologist
"If topicals aren't working, it's best to check with your friendly board-certified dermatologist," Bhanusali said. That way, your doc can write you a stronger prescription for your acne.