Make This One Swap In Your Routine To Prevent Body Breakouts, Says A Derm

Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.

It’s an unfortunate truth: Anywhere you have a pore, you can have acne. What’s more, as warm weather comes around, you’ll often accrue more oil in sweatier places like the back, hairline, butt, etc. This can result in clogged pores, which, you guessed it, can then lead to acne. 

Treating body acne is actually not too different from treating breakouts on the face: You want to keep up with exfoliation, use acne-fighting ingredients, and, as always, tend to the moisture barrier. The skin on your body can generally tolerate a higher percentage of active ingredients than your face, mainly because the skin is thicker and generally less sensitive. Still, some products can be way too aggressive—namely, harsh scrubs. Here, a worthy swap. 

Board-certified celebrity dermatologist Kim Nichols, M.D., FAAD, warns her clients against using harsh products on the body to treat acne. “While you may think using harsh shower scrubs is good for preventing body acne, they can lead to irritation and over-exfoliation, just like they do on the face,” she says. 

What does over-exfoliation look like? Typical physical signs include redness, small bumps, and dryness or flakes. Your skin may feel more sensitive to the touch and react strongly to products as well. You can easily over-exfoliate by using coarse body scrubs, especially if you’re rubbing too hard or for too long. Of course, not all body scrubs are bad (in fact, here’s a list of our favorite gentle buffers), but it’s important to know what your skin can and cannot handle.

Seek out the following ingredients to ensure you’re using the right product: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree, benzoyl peroxide, witch hazel, and lactic acid.

One worthy pick is the Soft Services Clearing Mist. This spray-on tonic has salicylic acid, zinc, and niacinamide. Together, this works wonders to combat existing acne, prevent future breakouts, fade hyperpigmentation, and regulate sebum production. Not to mention, the practical spray bottle makes treating hard-to-reach areas like the back that much easier.

You can also look for these toning ingredients in a body wash. Just remember to only use these washes on the affected area and stick to something gentle and hydrating for the rest of your body. 

Remember:

Maintaining a healthy moisture barrier is essential to clearing existing acne and preventing future breakouts. Make sure to follow up with a hydrating body lotion after using any toners or body serums.