How’s body acne different from facial acne?

Acne is the most common skin condition, affecting nearly 80 percent of people at some point in their lives. While body acne and facial acne may seem similar at first glance, they have some key differences in both, their causes and treatment options.

Body acne has some distinct causes:

Friction and pressure: Body acne is more prone to acne mechanica, which is caused by tight clothing, backpacks, or sports equipment rubbing against the skin.

Sweat: Not changing out of sweaty workout clothes and showering can create clingy bacteria that clogs pores, especially when sweat is trapped under non-breathable fabrics.

Hair products: Conditioners and other hair styling products can be sneaky causes of body acne. if not rinsed thoroughly, This is most commonly when there’s residue on the back. residue still leftover if not thoroughly rinsed off or if in contact with the skin for extended periods of time.

Skincare routine differences: Many people have proper skincare routine for their face but neglect their body, resulting in unbalanced, dehydrated skin.

Since its causes are different from facial acne, so are its solutions.

The Body Acne Treatment Plan

Body acne often appears in hard-to-reach places, like the back or butt. To target these areas, opt for sprays like Clearing Mist, which can be applied to clean, dry skin to unclog pores, regulate sebum, and fight bacteria. The mist's combination of salicylic acid, zinc PCA, and niacinamide effectively treats body acne and the accompanying hyperpigmentation it leaves behind the resulting hyperpigmentation, making it a convenient solution for those hard-to-reach spots on the body.

Retinoids are the "core of topical therapy for acne," according to the American Academy of Dermatologists, with several studies demonstrating their efficacy in treating and preventing the growth of pimples. However, when it comes to body acne, a specialized retinol solution is necessary. The skin on the body has a more diverse topology compared to facial skin, containing a mix of delicate areas (neck and décolleté), tougher and rougher ones (knees, elbows, feet), and various contours and crevices.

Soft Services' Software Update has been formulated with this in mind, offering a retinol concentration that is both effective (above 0.25%) and safe (below 1.0%). This carefully crafted high-performance product serum takes into account the unique needs of the body's skin, making it an ideal choice for targeting body acne.

Although heavy creams, oils, and butter are not recommended for acne-prone skin, proper moisturization remains crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Speed Soak offers an ideal solution with its lightweight, gel-cream texture that deeply hydrates without clogging pores. The combination of 6% glycerin and 3% aquaxyl quenches the skin, making it perfect for those in hot, humid environments (pro tip: store Speed Soak in the fridge for a cooling effect) or anyone concerned about body breakouts.

If your breakout area itches or appears discolored, you may be experiencing fungal "acne". Note You might be experiencing fungal “acne” if the breakout area itches or appears discolored. Consult a dermatologist for your best treatment plan.

Lifestyle changes

1. Trade tight-fitting workout clothes for loose-fitting, moisture-wicking ones that pull sweat away from your body, reducing friction and skin irritation.

2. Shower immediately after a workout or, at the very least, take off sweaty gym clothes ASAP to prevent pore-clogging buildup.