When we talk about acne, we’re usually talking about the pimples popping up on our faces. But for many men, acne breakouts extend beyond their face. Back acne, chest acne, shoulder acne… this annoying men’s skin problem can affect you just about anywhere. Luckily, there are plenty of simple solutions to preventing men’s body acne and eliminating body acne breakouts. Follow these men’s acne tips to help manage body acne breakouts and restore your confidence.
1. Exfoliate. Oily skin is a breeding ground for bacteria that can contribute to body acne breakouts in men. If you suffer from oily skin, consider using a men’s body scrub to get rid of dead skin cells and control oil levels. Don’t overdo it, though – too much exfoliating can lead to irritation and redness, which can aggravate existing body acne breakouts in men. “Exfoliation 101” has more information on the benefits of exfoliation for men.
2. Stick to liquid cleansers. Swap the bar soap for a men’s body wash. Bar soap can actually dry your skin out, which results in your body producing extra oil to compensate. This abundance of oil can clog your pores and cause men’s body acne breakouts if you’re not careful. A gentle liquid body wash cleanser for men ensures you treat your skin with the delicacy it deserves. “5 Dry Skin Causes for Men” lists other factors that can dry out your skin and result in men’s body acne breakouts.
3. Pay more attention to grooming. If you go months without a haircut, stop. Long, sweaty hair can cause back acne and neck acne if it constantly brushes up against your skin. If you don’t want to say goodbye to your long locks, consider finding a way to keep it off your back when you’re working out. Also, use a men’s shampoo with salicylic acid to help keep your scalp fresh and acne-free. “Men’s Grooming Do’s and Don’ts” offers some other men’s grooming suggestions to help you clean up.
4. Hit the showers. Whether you’re sweaty from the heat, exercise or some other factor, make sure you wash up and change clothes as soon as possible. Keeping your sweaty clothing on can attract bacteria, dirt and other debris that may clog pores and make back acne and chest acne worse. “Solving Sports-Related Skin Problems” has more men’s skincare tips for active males to check out.
5. Use acne products with benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective ingredients for fighting men’s body acne and back acne. A men’s acne spot cream can help you with individual pimples, while an acne lotion for men is better for body acne breakouts and back acne breakouts. If you’re always on the go, consider using men’s acne pads. They contain another dermatologist-recommended – salicylic acid – that can help with men’s body acne breakouts. “The Science of Acne Breakouts” features more information on men’s acne causes and men’s acne products.
6. Choose fabrics wisely. Cotton is notorious for trapping sweat that can clog pores and lead to body acne breakouts. So if you sweat a lot or exercise often, consider using other skin-friendly fabrics. A lot of workout clothes now feature sweat-wicking technology, which keeps sweat away from your body and may reduce the risk of body acne breakouts.
