What is Body Acne and How Can You Get Rid of It?

Body acne is never fun, but wearing tank tops and bikinis in the summer can make you feel even more confident. While medicated creams and cleansers are often first-line treatments, a variety of natural remedies and easy tactics can also help clear up body acne.

Body acne, sometimes known as 'bacne', is caused by the blockage of hair follicles under the skin, as in all types of acne. Excessive oil production (sebum), bacterial buildup, and irritation of oil-producing sebaceous glands can contribute to acne formation. Also, because the pores on the back are significantly larger than the pores on the face, they can get clogged faster, which sets the stage for intense acne breakouts.

If you experience bacne, know that you are not alone. This problem is much more common than you might think, especially in hot and humid climates. Now that we understand what bacne is and how it occurs, let's take a look at some ways to get rid of it.

Tea tree oil is one of the most popular ingredients used to treat acne. Its anti-bacterial properties make it one of the most powerful over-the-counter acne treatments. Applying tea tree oil to your bacne can be an effective solution to counter this. However, it is important to remember that tea tree oil is a very powerful ingredient and should always be mixed with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. Use a q-tip to apply the tea tree oil mixture to the affected areas.

Exfoliation—the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin surface using a chemical, granular material or exfoliation tool—can help keep pores clean. You can remove dead skin cells by using a dry brush, which can combine with sebum and create pore blockages. While you can purchase a commercial body scrub, you can make your own natural version by combining equal parts brown sugar and raw honey. It is very important to understand that peeling is a preventive measure. Rubbing the skin during an active outbreak is not recommended as it can cause irritation and scarring.

Salicylic acid is a popular element in acne cleansers and over-the-counter treatments. For moderate acne, rubbing it on the skin helps clear pores by addressing abnormal skin cell shedding. Although most treatments contain synthetic salicylic acid, the molecule can also be found naturally in white willow bark. White willow bark products are a more natural option for people who prefer not to use harsher salicylic acid treatments.

Consumption of low-fat dairy products, especially low-fat types, can help prevent back acne. According to research, androgens and growth hormones found in dairy products can promote acne development.