A Derm’s Guide to Banishing Body Breakouts

Education

If anything can put a damper on one's confidence during summer, it's body breakouts. If you’ve noticed pimples pop up on your chest, back, butt or legs, you’re not alone. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick says these are common body breakout areas.

“Body acne and breakouts can be characterized by comedones, which refer to whiteheads and blackheads, as well as inflammatory red bumps, including papules and pustules,” Dr. Garshick explains. “Unlike some other types of skin inflammation, body acne and breakouts are generally not dry or flaky.”

So, what causes these pesky body breakouts? According to Dr. Garshick, “breakouts can be related to inflammation, oil production or clogging of the pores, as well as bacteria.” Moreover, she says body breakouts are often the result of built-up sweat or occlusion from wearing tight-fitting clothing. Because we tend to get sweatier during the summer, that’s when we’re likely to experience more body breakouts, but Dr. Garshick notes they can pop up any time of year.

To help prevent and treat body breakouts, Dr. Garshick shares some tips below.

By Felix Ruiz Diez

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Just like preventing breakouts on the face, maintaining a skincare routine for the body is also essential. Dr. Garshick says keeping it super simple is ideal. Use a gentle cleanser to wash the area once daily to get rid of excess oil and build-up, she says, and try to keep your showers short; showering for too long or too often can dry out the skin.

Medicated Cleanser Can Help

In some cases, depending on the extent of the body breakouts, Dr. Garshick advises incorporating a medicated cleanser into your body skincare routine. A dermatologist can prescribe this, but Dr. Garshick notes that there are some available over-the-counter you can try. Look for ones containing benzoyl peroxide and exfoliants such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid.

“...avoid over-exfoliation, which can occur from using too harsh of an exfoliant or exfoliating too often...”

By Felix Ruiz Diez

Exfoliate Affected Areas

In addition to regular cleansing, exfoliation can also help prevent and treat breakouts and deal with any pigmentary changes they’ve caused. There’s one caveat, though: “It is important to avoid over-exfoliation, which can occur from using too harsh of an exfoliant or exfoliating too often,” Dr. Garshick says. Generally, she advises exfoliating once or twice a week, max.

Keep The Areas Clean And Dry

To prevent body breakouts from happening in the first place, Dr. Garshick says keeping the areas clean and dry is key. Showering will rinse off the build-up of dirt, excess oil and sweat that can lead to breakouts. So, if you’ve just finished a sweaty workout or spent time in the sun, be sure to hop in the shower right after and change into dry, clean clothes.

Switch to Lightweight Moisturizers

Even in the summer months, Dr. Garshick says it’s important to continue moisturizing your entire body. But instead of the thick, super-moisturizing ones you’d wear during the winter months, opt for a moisturizer that’s lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.

"...it can also help to use vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage while also brightening the skin and improving discoloration."

By Felix Ruiz Diez

Consult with a Dermatologist

If you’ve implemented the above tips and tried over-the-counter products and your body breakouts still aren’t improving, Dr. Garshick says it’s good to visit a dermatologist. Scarring or discoloration resulting from breakouts are also signs that it’s time to see an expert.

Also, increased sweat during the summer isn’t the only thing that can trigger body breakouts. Other factors such as hormonal changes can be at play. Bumps caused by yeast or fungus can also resemble body acne. For these reasons, Dr. Garshick advises checking with a dermatologist who can help pinpoint the cause and the best treatment option.

Protect Skin From Hyperpigmentation and Sunburns

Lastly, remember to also be mindful of other skincare issues that are common during spring and summer. “Hyperpigmentation can appear in the form of sunspots or melasma and can worsen or appear during the summer months,” she says. “Regular use of sunscreen can help to prevent and treat discoloration. Additionally, it can also help to use vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage while also brightening the skin and improving discoloration. Other ingredients that can help include azelaic acid, retinol, kojic acid and licorice root extract.”

Sunburn prevention is another important reason to wear sunscreen religiously. Opt for one that is SPF 30 or higher. And Dr. Garshick emphasizes the importance of reapplying sunscreen every two hours and seeking shade as much as possible, especially during peak sun exposure hours.