When acne appears on body parts such as the back, chest, shoulders or anywhere other than the face, it is referred to as body acne. Body acne is also caused by the bacterial infection of pores clogged with oil and dust. Like facial acne, body acne appears as pimples, pustules, cysts or blackheads, causing pain in the inflamed area. Facial acne can be cured with most of the over-the counter acne care products. Following are some easy ways to treat body acne.
1. Topical Oil
Blend 2 tsps of olive oil, 1tsp of almond oil, 1 tsp of calendula oil, 1 drop each of lavender and chamomile essential oils, and 2 drops of tea tree oil together. Apply this mixture of oil on the affected areas of the body daily to reduce the acne and acne scars.
2. Medicated Cleansers
Instead of using ordinary bath soaps, medicated soaps can be used for curing the body acne. Soaps containing salicylic acid are more effective in treating body acne. A crystalline form of salicylic acid will help to remove the blackheads and whiteheads on the body.
3. Hydroxy Acid
Hydroxy acid can treat body acne effectively through skin exfoliation. 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid along with licochalcone are available for treating body acne. Hydroxyl acid exfoliates while licochalcone soothes the skin. Due to this exfoliation, new skin without acne gets exposed. Severe cases of body acne can be controlled by applying hydroxyl acid after the application of 2.5% of Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide kills all the bacteria from your body acne. However, your body has to be cleaned well before applying these medications, as you may face severe irritation.
4. Tomato Pulp Paste
An easy home remedy for body acne is to apply a paste of tomato pulp. Mix rosewater and honey with tomato pulp and make a paste. Apply this paste on the body acne and let it dry for at least 25 minutes. Have a bath to clean away the dried paste.
5. Lifestyle Changes
Sweating can clog the pores, aggravating the body acne problem. Hence, have a bath as soon as you complete excessive sweating activities like exercises or dancing. Wear loose fitting clothes so as to allow a sufficient amount of air circulation; this will reduce acne on the body, as sweating will be reduced with aeration. Another important change should be changes in diet. Oily or deep fried items have to be avoided and more fresh vegetables and fruits have to be consumed on a regular basis.
Remember that none of these methods or acne-care products can give you instantaneous results. Results can be seen only after using the remedies consistently for a period of time. When these methods provide no results, even after regular usage, it is time to make an appointment with a dermatologist. Dermatologists usually prescribe strong topical medication or antibiotics to control and cure body acne.
