Acne primarily appears on the face. However, the sad (and sometimes annoying) truth about acne is that it can grow virtually anywhere on the body, including the chest.
In the United States, acne is the most common skin condition affecting many teens and young adults. Chest acne is quite typical, similar to acne on the face, back, and shoulders. According to dermatologists, chest acne can occur because of clogged pores due to sweat and the overproduction of sebum on the skin. Others also attribute acne breakouts to hormonal fluctuation and genetics.
Chest acne can develop into several types of acne, specifically:
- Blackheads– a dark bump on the skin because of clogged and uninfected follicles.
- Papules– red, sensitive, and sometimes painful inflamed lesions on the skin.
- Pustules– pus-filled inflamed lesions that may appear white or yellow, leading to acne scarring.
- Nodules– a severe acne lesion that develops under the skin.
- Cysts – a generally painful and inflamed acne lesion that commonly requires professional treatment.
There are several causes of chest acne. Use of skin care regimen from products that do not allow water loss is one of the causes. Another cause is too much friction from clothing that easily irritates the skin. Lastly, developing chest acne can also be attributed to excessive sweating.
The following are some of the other causes of chest acne:
- Hormonal imbalance
- High-glucose food
- Dehydration
- Dyes and perfumes from laundry detergents
- Dry skin and overexposure to the sun
- Makeups
How to get rid of chest acne
Getting rid of chest acne does not require much effort, unlike other skin conditions. But, if you want to get rid of those pesky blemishes because of chest acne, you will need a firm commitment, patience, and discipline in your daily routine.
Here are eight ways you can get rid of chest acne:
Take a shower daily
A regular shower helps eliminate elements that can block your pores. It prevents bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt, and sebum from collecting on your skin. Hitting the shower daily also reduces the likelihood of worsening existing acne breakouts.
Using an acne-control body wash
Body washes that include salicylic acid in their formulation can save you on your chest acne problem. Salicylic acid is an effective agent against acne development.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating once a week is strongly recommended to remove dead skin cells to avoid clogging your pores. Doing it weekly can also help you achieve smoother skin. However, doing it more than the prescribed frequency may cause further irritation from pre-existing blemishes.
Use a non-comedogenic body lotion.
When choosing an ideal acne-fighting lotion, it is essential to ensure it is non-comedogenic. It means that the cream should not have pore-clogging properties. When applied, it should rather help your skin hydrate. A standard tip when choosing an acne-friendly lotion: make sure it does not contain too many additives such as fragrance.
Consider spot treatment
Spot treatments can reduce zits, cure underlying irritation, and treat chest acne outbreaks.
Use a different laundry detergent.
Washing clean clothes with laundry detergent can help you control your acne issues. However, choosing a suitable laundry detergent is vital. Sometimes, using the wrong one may cause you to worsen your acne breakout. Hence, it would be best if you looked for hypoallergenic laundry detergents.
Wear breathable clothes
It is highly recommended to wear cotton clothing instead of fabrics like wool, nylon, or spandex. Loose cotton clothes help your skin breathe and prevent irritation.
Hydrate regularly
Drink eight glasses of water daily to treat acne from within. It helps you stay hydrated, which is exceptionally beneficial for your skin.
How to get rid of acne fast
If you want to get rid of your chest acne quickly, here are some of the expert-approved ways you can try:
- Avoid a high-glycemic diet
- Use an anti-bacterial body wash
- Start treatment even before a breakout
- Exercise regularly
- Conceal acne using non-comedogenic makeup
Acne treatment
Numerous treatments for chest acne can help you avoid skin scarring, minimize the appearance of the acne, and reduce the emotional stress that the acne is causing. To prevent clogged skin pores, use non-comedogenic lotions and gentle scrubbing. Mild inflammatory acne can be somewhat relieved by using over-the-counter body cleansers that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Additionally, avoid using rough or abrasive body washes since they harm the skin.
If chest acne breakouts persist after these tips, you should visit your dermatologist to seek professional medical help.