Top Causes of Body Acne—and How to Get Rid of It, According to Dermatologists

Many people are well-versed in tackling a common face pimple. Whether applying pH-balancing toners, face mapping, or even learning the art of careful pimple popping, developing a battle plan can make breakouts less stressful.

Less discussed, however, is body acne, which can set up shop on your back, chest, butt, and pretty much anywhere there’s skin. We spoke with dermatologists and skin experts to get their insight into causes and treatments for body acne.

What Is Body Acne?

Body acne is a common term that refers to acne appearing elsewhere on the body and not on the face. At its base definition, acne is a common condition where hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil.1

When it comes to back and chest acne, most people get either large pustules or cysts, says Renee Rouleau, celebrity esthetician and skincare expert. “Pustules are no different than your everyday pimple, but cysts are deep under the skin, never come to a head, and can be painful. It’s important not to pick at cystic blemishes since the body usually reabsorbs the infection from within.”

Body breakouts often crop up in the same areas, like the center of the chest, buttocks, and upper back. “Since these areas have many oil glands, we are more likely to see acne there,” explains Ife Rodney, MD, board-certified dermatologist of Eternal Dermatology. You may also experience different variations of body acne, including fungal acne, which usually occurs after excessive sweating.

Types of Body Acne

There are different types of body acne—and understanding which type you have can help you find the right treatment. Here are a few of the most common kinds.

Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is the most common type of acne. It is characterized by blackheads and whiteheads, as well as papules, pustules, nodules, and even cysts. This type of acne occurs because of clogged pores, which may be clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt, debris, or bacteria.2

You may notice acne vulgaris after exercise, for example. Sweat is a major offender that can irritate the skin and clog the pores. “[Working out] is a huge cause of body acne, especially if you don’t immediately shower after sweaty sessions,” says Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

Acne Mechanica

Acne mechanica is caused by friction or heat, and it usually shows up on the shoulders, neck, and buttocks. It tends to affect athletes, as well as people who wear tight clothing and who use sports equipment. Wearing a heavy backpack can also cause this type of acne due to the repeated rubbing and friction from the straps on the skin.3 “Spending more time in a seated chair can increase friction and occlusion in certain places,” adds Sara Perkins, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Hims & Hers Medical Advisory Board member.

Acne Cosmetica

Some beauty products (e.g., hair goods and makeup) can irritate the skin. Acne cosmetica can come on from different cosmetics or skincare products that clog pores. These products may contain comedogenic ingredients like oils, waxes, and silicones, leading to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.4 Acne cosmetics is common along the hairline and on the neck. It tends to be temporary since it’s directly related to product use.

Acne Conglobata

Acne conglobata is a severe form of acne vulgaris that consists of large nodules and cysts. It can cause significant scarring on the skin, typically around the chest, back, and buttocks.5 Acne conglobata is typically caused by a combination of factors, such as hormonal imbalances, particularly high levels of androgens, genetic predisposition, and immune system dysfunction.

Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans is a rare form of acne that typically impacts adolescent males. It presents as sudden and severe inflammation, and it is accompanied by fever and joint pain.6

Acne fulminans is often associated with high levels of androgens (male hormones) and may be aggravated by the use of anabolic steroids or certain medications—particularly if they cause hormonal changes, sweating, dehydration, or other symptoms that can cause acne. Corticosteroids, for example, can lead to increased oil production and inflammation, resulting in acne. Certain hormonal therapies, including some contraceptives and testosterone replacement therapy, can lead to acne, as well.

Pityrosporum Folliculitis (Fungal Acne)

This type of acne happens in the hair follicles due to yeast overgrowth. It looks like red bumps—often on the chest, back, and shoulders—and it can be very itchy. Unlike bacterial acne, this type of acne requires antifungal treatment.7

Chloracne

Chloracne is a rare type of acne that’s due to chemicals like chlorinated hydrocarbons. It presents as cysts and pustules on the upper body and face. Chloracne can be very persistent and difficult to treat.8

Other Body Acne Causes

While some types of body acne have obvious links (like breakouts from friction or cosmetic products), there are other potential culprits that cause acne, too. If it’s not so obvious where your acne is coming from, consider these other potential causes.

Stress

Let’s get the most obvious culprit out of the way: stress. Everyone faces extreme stress at different points in their lives, so it’s natural for your skin to take a toll.

“When we’re stressed, we trigger more androgen production, which creates more inflammation and oily skin,” says Rodney.9 “Excess oil clogs our pores, creating acne. So while the stress itself does not create acne, it makes a bad situation worse.”

Menstrual Cycle

During menstruation, hormonal acne is common. In fact, studies show that more than half of people with periods (63 percent) experience premenstrual acne.10

Acne tends to happen over the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycles. While hormonal contraceptives like the pill can help treat premenstrual symptoms (PMS) like acne, other PMS vitamins can also help.

“Body acne often suggests a significant hormonal component,” explains Rodney. “Hormonal acne tends to show on the chest and back, similar to where hair would grow.”

Alcohol

Alcohol can cause body acne, as well. This is due to the inflammation that alcohol can cause, as well as altered hormone levels, which can stimulate excessive oil production. Alcohol also dehydrates the skin, which can make it overcompensate with more oil, which can further clog your pores.

Never mind that alcohol impairs the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off acne-causing bacteria. Alcohol intake can also take a toll on your sleep, which your body needs to fight off bacteria and function properly.11

How to Treat Body Acne

As with all acne, you’ll need to be strategic when tackling body breakouts. “Remember that it will take some time to clear things up. Then you’ll want to tackle both the internal and external factors that cause your body acne,” suggests Rodney. Try these tips for treating body acne.

Switch Soaps

Start with changing your soap to an acne-fighting body wash that contains ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, Perkins recommends. “Benzoyl peroxide washes are my top choice for body acne, but you need to leave them on for three to five minutes prior to rinsing to get the best effect. Other options include salicylic acid and glycolic acid, both of which are chemical exfoliants that remove dead skin cells and help to prevent clogged pores,” says Perkins.

Avoid Irritants

It’s best to stop using products that irritate or affect your skin. Avoid oil-based shower gels or moisturizers, and be wary of haircare products, all of which can be comedogenic (tending to clog pores). “Look out for panthenol if you’re acne-prone,” warns Rouleau. “I learned that my conditioner used a lot of this, and the residue that it left on my back was a huge trigger for me.”

Use Body Products

While you may be tempted to use acne-fighting facial moisturizers and cleansers on your body, take note: “Because the skin on your face is usually more sensitive than that on your body, acne-fighting products may not be as effective on your body,” says Rodney. “You should probably use products specific to your body that will contain more potent active ingredients.”

If you don’t have any, try an antibacterial or anti-yeast formula, like Head and Shoulders, as a body wash. You can also look for body washes made for acne that have salicylic acid as an ingredient.

Practice Good Hygiene

Good hygiene also takes priority when treating any type of acne. Showering immediately after exercise (or any sweating in general) and wearing loose or moisture-wicking fabrics are key for helping clear body acne.

“When someone struggles with acne on their face, I usually tell them to be very diligent about changing their pillowcase to avoid reintroducing oil, dirt, and bacteria onto the skin. The same concept applies to body acne,” says Rouleau.

Try OTC or Prescription Treatments

Sometimes, using over-the-counter (OTC) products can benefit body acne and mild breakouts. Products with the following ingredients are popular remedies: benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, and salicylic acid.

For more severe breakouts or persistent body acne, prescription treatments may work better. A dermatologist or healthcare provider can prescribe appropriate products based on your skin and other conditions. Common prescription treatments may include antibiotics, retinoids, and prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide.

Preventing Body Acne Breakouts

While body acne is quite normal, there are some strategies you can try to prevent breakouts from happening. Consider making these changes in your diet and lifestyle to help your skin be clearer.

• Lower stress levels. Since stress can cause an increase in oily skin and inflammation, limiting stress in our lives can help prevent body acne breakouts. Try stress-relieving techniques and mindfulness practices.
• Wash laundry more often. Dead skin cells, sweat, makeup, and other products can leave remnants on fabric. Keeping your bedsheets, pillowcases, and clothing clean will prevent environmental irritants from affecting the skin.
• Wear sunscreen. Regularly using sunscreen can protect your skin and keep it from getting too dry (so natural oil production doesn’t increase). Look for non-comedogenic sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
• Eat a healthy diet. While not proven, some research shows that a diet high in oil, dairy, and sugar can increase acne breakouts.12 According to Perkins, dairy is a significant factor. Consider tracking your food intake if you notice body acne after consuming such ingredients and making dietary changes if you’re eating acne-causing foods.
• Wear looser clothing. Tight clothing can cause breakouts because your skin doesn’t have the space to breathe. Dri-fit clothes are a good option because they’re sweat-wicking and breathable.
• Stay hydrated. Maintaining healthy hydration levels can help keep your skin moisturized, clear, and free of breakouts.
• Shower after sweating. When you sweat, your body releases toxins. Sweaty skin is a breeding ground for bacteria buildup, too. That’s why it’s important to shower after sweating to keep acne away.
• Exfoliate regularly. Gently exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells that can clog your pores and cause acne. You can use a mild exfoliating scrub or a product that contains salicylic or glycolic acid to exfoliate. Do it a few times a week to keep your skin clean and clear.