Wondering why you have body acne? 7 surprising causes you might’ve overlooked.

Body acne can be frustrating and sometimes even mystifying, leaving you wondering what's causing those breakouts that just won’t go away.

While many people focus on skincare products or hormonal changes as the main culprits behind body acne, there are actually several lesser-known causes that are often overlooked.

1. Hair products

Hair products are often the biggest and least-recognized culprit behind body acne. Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products frequently contain comedogenic ingredients, which can drip down your back and chest as you wash your hair, clogging pores and leading to breakouts.

If you use leave-in products, avoid letting hair come into contact with bare skin, and try to rinse conditioner while bending forward so the water streams away from your body skin. Alternatively, do your hair care routine in the shower first and put your hair up, before moving on to your body routine with a very thorough cleanse (or double cleanse).

2. Friction and Pressure

Friction and pressure against the skin, is another common cause of body breakouts. Tight clothing, backpacks, sports equipment, and even bras can lead to irritation and clogged pores.

To combat this, opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing and ensure your bras fit properly. Minimize friction by avoiding tight clothing, itchy, synthetic fabrics, and harsh scrubbing.

3. Scented Laundry Products

Laundry detergents and fabric softeners with added fragrances can be a sneaky cause of body acne. These scented products leave residue on your clothes, which can transfer to your skin, clog your pores, and irritate acne-prone or sensitive skin, exacerbating existing breakouts or triggering new ones.

To minimize the risk of laundry-related body acne, switch to fragrance-free laundry detergents and skip the fabric softener (white vinegar is a good alternative).

4. Not Moisturizing Properly

All skin needs hydration and moisture, even oily skin types. Neglecting to moisturize your body can disrupt your skin's natural barrier, but using heavy creams, oils, and butters can clog pores.

Try lightweight, hydrating products like Soft Services' Speed Soak, which is designed to impart essential hydration without clogging pores.

5. Tanning and Sun Exposure

Tanning in the sun can dry out your body's sebaceous glands, causing them to overcompensate by producing excess oil. This excess sebum can clog pores and lead to body acne, especially on the chest (a frequently exposed area).

To minimize the risk of breakouts, opt for sunless tanning products or try the "hydration sandwich" technique after being in the sun:

1. Start with Speed Soak, which contains moisturizing glycerin. This helps draw water into the skin without clogging pores.

2. Follow up with Carea Cream, packed with colloidal oatmeal, squalane, and urea for deep hydration. These ingredients soothe and moisturize without triggering acne.

6. Sweat and Synthetic Fibers

Sweat can lead to clogged pores if not cleaned promptly, especially when trapped against the skin by tight, synthetic clothing.

Make it a habit to shower and change out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible, and choose loose, breathable clothing made from natural fibers to reduce friction and allow your skin to breathe. Bacteria and fungus thrive in warm, moist environments.

7. Swimming

While swimming is a great way to stay active, chlorine in pool water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and an increased risk of body acne.

To combat this, always rinse off immediately after swimming and apply a lightweight moisturizer to restore your skin's balance and prevent breakouts caused by excess oil production.