Body Acne: Causes, Remedies, and Dermatological Solutions for Clearer Skin

• Overactive Oil Glands:

Skin is made of sebaceous glands that produce oil(sebum). This oil protects the skin from environmental damage. [1] When these glands are overactive, they produce excess sebum that clogs pores and builds up dead cells, bacteria, and dirt. This clogging results in the formation of cysts or pimples, leading to body acne. Areas with higher gland activity, i.e., the chest and back, are more susceptible to body acne.

• Excess Dead Skin Cells:

Sebum mixes with excess dead skin cells and plugs the hair follicles. [2] Clogged pores create a perfect environment for the bacteria to thrive, resulting in inflammation and acne breakouts. Acne can appear on any part of the body where excess dead skin cells accumulate and combine with oil.

• Hormonal Changes:

Body acne causes include hormonal changes at various stages of life. During puberty, androgens activate sebum production in both men and women, which results in acne formation. [3] As age advances, oestrogen levels in women decline, and testosterone levels in men increase. This enhances oil production, which results in clogged pores and acne breakouts. Hormonal changes in women in midlife can also cause body acne.

• Medications:

Medications can react in various ways and contribute to body acne. [4] They may disturb hormonal levels and activate sebaceous glands, leading to clogged pores. They can also cause allergic reactions that manifest as acne or disturb the gut flora, further affecting the skin. Some common medications that trigger body acne are lithium, corticosteroids, anabolic steroids and contraceptives that alter hormonal levels.

• Stress:

Stress does not cause body acne but can activate or aggravate it by disturbing hormonal levels. [5] When stressed, your body releases cortisol, the hormone responsible for oil production. Excess oil can clog pores, leading to body acne. Also, stress can promote inflammation and affect the skin’s immune system, making it difficult for your body to fight acne-causing bacteria.

• Genetics:

Genetics plays a significant role in body acne causes. [6] The skin type, oil production, and hormonal levels are all influenced by genetics. If there is a family history of body acne, the tendency to develop similar skin issues is higher. You may be more prone to overproducing dead skin cells and shedding them in a way that clogs pores.

• Diet:

Research indicates that diet can significantly impact body acne. [7] High glycaemic foods like white rice, pasta, baked foods, etc., spike blood sugar levels in your body. This causes the release of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), a hormone that stimulates excess oil production, enhancing the risk of body acne and inflammation.

• Poor Hygiene:

The build-up of sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells on the skin can result from poor hygiene. [8] Bad bacteria thrive under such conditions resulting in an imbalance of good and bad bacteria, triggering acne all over the body.

• Smoking And Alcohol consumption:

Smoking and alcohol can trigger inflammation, affecting skin health by causing acne all over the body. [9] Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, which weakens the skin’s healing ability. Meanwhile, alcohol dehydrates the skin and causes hormonal imbalance, both contributing to the formation of painful body acne.

• Sleeping Patterns:

Poor sleep pattern deprives your body of the required amount of rest, increases stress and can cause hormonal imbalances. [10] It also elevates cortisol production, further increasing oil production in the skin. Insufficient rest can also weaken your body’s ability to heal and regenerate skin, making you more vulnerable to body acne.

• Menstrual Cycles:

Hormonal changes like reduced oestrogen levels and increased progesterone levels lead to hormonal imbalances during menstrual cycles. This increases the oil production in the skin leading to clogged pores and body acne breakouts. [11]

• Acne Mechanica:

The combination of sweat, heat, and pressure on the skin due to sports gear and tight clothing inflame the follicles. You should understand that any unnatural pressure on the skin can cause the formation of acne in the whole body.

• Acne Cosmetica:

Acne cosmetica results from the use of comedogenic ingredients. They clog the hair follicles and pores, contributing to body acne.

• Whiteheads: (Closed Comedones)

Whiteheads or closed comedones form when excessive oil and skin debris clog the pores. They are non-inflamed blemishes that are mild and often managed with over-the-counter prescriptions.

• Blackheads: (Open Comedones)

Blackheads, which often people understand as black acne on the body, also result from oil and dead skin cells clogging the hair follicles. [12]

• Papules:

Papules are small red acne on body. They appear as raised inflamed bumps without pus. These occur when hair follicles are plugged. These are mild acne and can appear in various colours other than red.

• Pustules:

Pustules are small swollen sores filled with pus that appear on the skin and look like blisters. Infection, adverse reactions to medicines, etc. are the main causes of this skin condition.

• Nodules:

Nodules are lumps beneath the skin due to the growth of abnormal tissues. They are visible hard lumps under the skin. The armpits, groin, neck, head, and lungs are the areas generally affected.

• Cysts:

A cyst is a pocket of tissue filled with fluid, air or other substances that can appear on any body part. It resembles a blister and will need treatment if problematic.

• Use Gentle Cleansers:

When home remedies for body acne fail, using gentle cleansers can help. They remove excess oil and impurities that clog the pores. Dermatologists recommend the use of non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and non-allergic cleansers for better results.

• Exfoliate:

Body acne remedies for whiteheads, blackheads, etc, include exfoliation, which removes dead skin cells and excess oil, unclogs the pores, and clears your skin. But consult a dermatologist for an exfoliation routine and the best products and treatments that work for your skin.

• Moisturise:

The body produces more oil when the skin is dehydrated. This clogs the hair follicles and results in body acne. Using a moisturiser keeps your skin hydrated and oil production under control.

• Avoid Friction:

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough clothing or accessories. If your skin is constantly exposed to pressure, consider small changes to give your skin a break. Sweat and friction cause clogged pores resulting in breakouts.

• Reduce The Usage Of Cosmetic Products:

Avoiding unsuitable cosmetic products can prevent clogging of pores, irritation, and allergic reactions. Individuals with sensitive skin are more prone to acne when they use cosmetics containing oils and chemicals.

• Be Careful With Over-the-Counter Products:

Gentle scrubs and non-comedogenic creams can help as they do not clog pores. Mild inflammatory body acne can be treated with body washes that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Choose with care.

• Use Prescription Medications After Consulting A Dermatologist:

Prescription medications target the cause of acne. In case of severity, dermatologists recommend oral medications. Antibiotics control inflammation, and retinoids unclog pores.

• Manage Stress:

Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which stimulates oil production and inflammation. Stress management controls acne breakouts, and the result is clearer skin.

• Make Lifestyle Changes (where necessary):

Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, showering after activities that cause sweat, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, wearing loose and breathable clothes, using gentle cleansers and body washes, etc., can prevent clogging of pores and arrest acne breakouts.

• Oral And Topical Medications:

Dermatologists generally suggest oral and topical medications to treat body acne. They prescribe antibiotics for acne, which target the bacteria thriving on the skin and reduce inflammation. This relieves swelling and minimises the chances of scarring. [13]

• Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels are effective, scientifically proven solutions compared to natural remedies for body acne that do not often give the desired results. They remove skin cells from the epidermis, dermis, or even deeper layers of the skin, depending on the severity of the acne. They are effective in reducing both active acne and the scars that appear after acne heals. [14]

• Comedone Extraction:

Comedone extraction involves physically removing hair follicle blockages, where the affected skin shows instant improvement. Make sure you do this under the supervision of a dermatologist. [15]

• Laser Toning:

Laser Toning is an advanced skin treatment that involves the use of laser energy to target melanin deposits and break them down. The body naturally eliminates them. This treatment works for the pigmentation that results from acne, where the improved collagen production reduces its appearance. [16]