Why Am I Getting Chest Acne?
Are pimples appearing on your chest, and you have no idea why?
Acne anywhere is annoying, but chest acne is particularly frustrating because it's generally harder to treat than regular facial acne. Sure, you can hide under your turtlenecks and scarves, but is that really the way you want to live? We know how much chest acne can steal your confidence. That's why we're here to be your fairy godmother and grant your wish of a clearer, clarified chest!
Here's everything you need to know about chest acne, why you're getting it, and what you can do about it.
What Causes Chest Acne?
Acne occurs when the pores become clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Within the clogged pore, bacteria can also build up, causing inflamed breakouts to develop.
There are many different types of acne breakouts, including blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, nodules, papules, and cysts. Typically changes in hormonal levels can be responsible for triggering blemishes, which is why acne is so common among teenagers. However, acne can also affect adults.
According to dermatologists, chest acne is usually caused by changes in hormones, excess oil production, poor skin cell turnover, and even poor skincare habits.
Here are some other factors that may be contributing to your chest acne breakouts:
-
Excessive sweating
-
Use of skincare products that trap in moisture, such as occlusives, humectants and emollients
-
Tight clothing, which can trap oil and moisture against the body, leading to clogged pores and breakouts
-
Use of harsh chemicals from soap or cleaning products
-
Consuming high sugar foods and drinks
-
Use of medications like corticosteroids that can impact hormone regulation
-
Dehydration -- which leads to dry skin, increasing sebum production, and the risk for clogged pores
Chest acne may also be a result of genetics. Sorry!
How to Treat Chest Acne
Start Treatment ASAP
The sooner you start treating your acne, the sooner you'll be able to enjoy a visibly clearer chest and the less chance you'll have of getting acne scars. The chest area is prone to scarring, so starting your acne treatment early is essential for preventing scarring. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment options available to you.
Look for a body wash formulated with acne-fighting powerhouses' salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These exfoliate away dead skin, oil, and grime while attacking acne-causing bacteria for a clear and smooth complexion.
Other helpful active ingredients include glycolic acid and lactic acid which gently buff away dead skin, helping to heal and prevent zits.
Shower After Sweating
One way to minimize any form of body acne is to shower straight after a workout. If you're someone who regularly exercises or plays sport and you're getting body breakouts, your sweat sessions might be to blame. Make it a priority to shower as soon as your workout is complete. And DON'T sit around in sweat-drenched clothes!
"When sweat sits on the skin for a long period of time, it clogs pores and causes acne to develop," says dermatologist Kristina Goldenberg, MD, of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City. "Therefore, rinsing after a workout will lead to significant improvement."
Avoid Non-Comedogenic Creams and Lotions
As important as moisturizing is even when you have acne, you should steer clear of non-comedogenic moisturizers as they can cause blackheads and pustules.
Many body lotions are filled with fragrances that might smell incredible but can actually cause irritation and clog pores. When you can, always aim to choose natural skincare products that are oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. Especially if you have sensitive skin, you will notice a huge improvement in your skin once you make the transition to clean skincare.
Slather on Oil-Free Sunscreen
Yes, SPF is still a big deal! Even on cloudy days, UV rays are still present. If you're wearing a V-neck shirt or sweater, you're exposing your chest to the damaging effects of the sun. And according to aesthetician Karen Fernandez, "The inflammatory reaction of heat and sun exposure can trigger chest breakouts."
Look for an over-the-counter SPF that's oil-free and non-comedogenic. Apply it every day and re-apply throughout the day if you're spending continuous time outside. Remember to wash it off well in the evening when you're in for the night and no longer require sun protection.
Best Products for Treating Boobne
Wondering how to treat acne on your chest? We've got some excellent options in store for you -- designed especially for treating boob and body acne.
Boobne Bundle
A 3-step chest acne clearing kit featuring our Acai Your Boobies Polish, Black Jelly Spot Treatment, and Super Star Acne Patches. This cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating boob blemish treating trio uses key ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, and black charcoal to resurface and decongest skin. Make them part of your daily skincare routine for swerving boob breakouts and keeping them looking perky!
Bodne Bundle
An all inclusive body acne kit featuring a step by step routine designed to cleanse, mist, moisturize and spot treat your way to breakout free boobs.
Cherry Jelly Cleanser, Tansy Water Mist, Dragon Milk Lotion, and our Pimple Party Pack work together to minimize the appearance of active breakouts while healing acne and preventing scarring. Active ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, blue tansy, and hydrocolloid work in tandem to tackle zits, minimize redness and excess sebum production while smoothing and boosting glow.
It's perfect for oily skin, acne-prone skin, and combination skin.
When to See a Dermatologist
There are many different causes of acne on the chest, but there are also many treatment options. If you have tried all of the above tips and you're still dealing with boob breakouts, consult a dermatologist for prescription topical treatments. You may actually be dealing with something known as folliculitis which is an infection of the hair follicles, and requires a different form of treatment.
If you have severe acne (i.e., cystic acne) or a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, visit your dermatologist before attempting a new skincare routine. It is important to use gentle, natural products to avoid aggravating your condition.
Continue With Facebook 
Continue With Google
