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Body acne is similar to facial acne and has the same reasons for erupting too. It occurs when skin pores are blocked by dead skin cells and production of excess oil (sebum). Dermatologists categorise body acne into three levels of severity - mild, moderate, and severe and base acne therapy on these levels.
Remedies for Body Acne:
- Clothing
When choosing clothing, opt for breathable fabrics that won't trap sweat or body oils on the skin. Make sure the fabric in your training clothes are sweat-wicking. Try to stay away from causes of friction, including tight-fitting clothes.
- Hygiene
Fabrics that come into contact with your skin accumulate oils and dead skin cells. Use fresh towels, and replace your bed linen often.
- Cleanse
Be sure to take a shower frequently following each workout or any strenuous activity that makes you break out in a sweat. When bathing use soft products that won’t dry out your skin. On active acne, avoid using loofahs or abrasive scrubs.
Also Read | Which is a better treatment for acne; salicylic acid or azelaic acid
- Moisturise
Be sure to keep your skin moisturised. Use a milder moisturiser that is oil-free, non-acnegenic, or non-comedogenic (which won't clog pores). Do not use skin-clogging heavy moisturisers or oils.
- Protect
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun, which can make acne and acne scarring worse.
- Do not pop acne
Refrain from picking or popping your acne; this only makes it worse. It exposes your skin to additional dirt and bacteria and frequently results in scars.
- Consult a dermatologist
Seek a dermatologist’s advice and get an appropriate prescription if your acne is very acute.
- Exfoliate
To exfoliate your skin, use mild chemical exfoliants like AHA or BHA, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid. If you use a physical exfoliator, be sure it has really little particles so your skin doesn’t get damaged. Find products that are labelled as ‘non comedogenic’.
Ingredients that help reduce acne:
- AHAs like Glycolic acid or
- Lactic acid
- Niacinamide
- Azelaic acid
- BHA like Salicylic acid Topical Retinoids
- Vitamin C
- Sulphur
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Tea Tree extracts
Ingredients to avoid on your skin:
- Cocoa butter
- Lanolin
- Mineral oil
- Paraffin
- Petroleum jelly
- Silicone derivatives like dimethicone & cyclomethicone
Skin is the largest organ of the body and it is imperative to take care of it. To remain safe and protected from ailments such as acne that do not turn severe or acute on account of unhygienic habits, it helps to follow a simple regime daily. It will go a long way in prevention of the problem.
Also Read | Try these three homemade face packs for clear and healthy skin
