Body Acne 101
- Emma Edwards
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
Body acne is more common than you might think & it’s nothing to be ashamed of! Whether it shows up on your back, chest, or shoulders, it can be uncomfortable, persistent, and sometimes even painful. With the hot and humid summer months among us, comes lots of sweat and build up, which can contribute to body acne. The good news is that body acne can be treated and managed with the right combination of care, both at home and in a clinical setting!
What Causes Body Acne?
Just like facial acne, body breakouts happen when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, or sweat. But there are some triggers specific to the body:
Sweat + friction: Tight clothing, sports bras, and backpacks can trap heat and moisture.
Hormones: Hormonal shifts, especially during puberty, pre-menstrual cycle, or stress, can ramp up oil production.
Skincare products: Heavy or fragranced products can clog pores and irritate the skin.
Not cleansing after workouts: Leaving sweat on the skin too long can allow bacteria to grow.
How to Care for Body Acne at Home
Taking consistent steps in your daily routine can make a big difference!
Shower soon after sweating, especially after workouts or hot weather. If you are unable to shower immediately, try using a hypochlorous acid spray! Hypochlorous Acid Spray
Use a gentle, chemical exfoliating body wash with ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or mandelic acid to help clear pores.
Pro tip: use a special mit or wand with a handle to get to the hard to reach places!
Choose breathable, loose-fitting fabrics, especially when exercising.
Moisturize with non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores.
Spot treatments containing tea tree oil or sulfur if needed.
Try a skin brightener and/or retinol to help even out tone & texture. We have a few good options such as the ZO Skin Health Skin Brightalive, or SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Body (see below).
While these habits help reduce breakouts for many, moderate to severe body acne may need professional support to fully resolve.
Professional Options That Support Healing
At Rêvée, we offer evidence based treatments tailored to your specific skin concerns, designed to compliment your home care routine and support deeper skin healing:
VI Peel Body: A medium-depth chemical peel that helps treat acne, fade dark spots, and smooth rough texture.
Custom Facials: Tailored to your skin’s needs, these treatments help prevent clogged pores and calm active breakouts.
HydraFacial for Body: A non-invasive treatment that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates areas.
Laser Treatments: Target acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness or discoloration in post-acne skin.
Preventing Future Breakouts
Once your skin starts to clear, prevention is key. A few helpful habits include:
Washing clothes and bedding regularly
Double cleansing the affected area
Avoiding heavy lotions on breakout-prone areas
Not picking at blemishes to prevent scarring
Wearing cotton clothing that is not too tight
Getting periodic skin evaluations to adjust your care as your skin changes
Remember to stay consistent and don’t give up! Getting a solid routine for your skin can take some time and you may even see it get worse before it gets better - it is all part of the process. Everyone’s skin is different, so take what resonates with you and your skin type and try that! At Rêvée, our goal is to support you in understanding your skin and feeling more confident in it. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re happy to talk through your options and create a plan that makes sense for you!
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