An Aesthetician Reveals the Best Shower Routine for Body Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or hygiene habits. Body acne is simply acne that appears on the body, rather than the face. It can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts, and is often triggered by the same things that cause facial acne: hormones, sweat, and friction from clothing. Licensed Aesthetician and Skin Wellness Expert Sharon Subdhan, Founder of Skin by Sharon in New York City explains that "body acne is caused from various reasons such as sweating, not wearing breathable clothing, skin type, not showering right after working out or sweating, not changing your bed sheets enough or internal issues." The good news is that there are plenty of ways to treat and prevent body acne.
Use a Body Wash Designed to Target Body Acne
Body washes that target body acne typically contain ingredients that help to unclog pores, control oil production, and kill the bacteria that can cause breakouts. In other words, they're formulated to do exactly what you need them to do in order to get rid of body acne. So if you're looking for an effective body wash, make sure you choose one that targets body acne specifically. "You want to make sure that your body wash includes salicylic acid, mandelic acid or benzoyl peroxide. I personally love Face Reality’s Mandelic face and body wash/scrub- I recommend this to my clients depending on what kind of acne they're experiencing on the body." Sharon shares.
Apply SPF to Acne Exposed to the Sun
"You also want to make sure you are applying SPF over your acne throughout the day to ensure your products are working to treat your skin and you protect your skin from the UV Rays." Sharon explains. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, the UV rays stimulate the production of vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for healthy skin, but too much of it can actually lead to acne breakouts. Vitamin D increases the rate of cell turnover, which can clog pores and trap bacteria. Additionally, it triggers the release of sebum, an oily substance that can further contribute to clogged pores. So if you're looking to keep your acne under control, it's best to limit your sun exposure. Lastly, while there are many different sunscreen formulations on the market, it is important to choose one that is non-comedogenic and oil-free in order to avoid further clogging the pores.
Shower in cool or lukewarm water
Cool water helps to soothe inflammation and reduces redness, while lukewarm water won't strip away the natural oils that help to protect your skin. Hot water can cause body acne by opening up the pores and making them more susceptible to bacteria. Lukewarm showers are much gentler on your skin, helping to preserve its natural moisture balance and are less likely to cause body acne, as the cooler water temperature won't open up the pores as much. So next time you're in the shower, resist the temptation to turn up the heat.
Use Body Lotion with AHA
AHA, or alpha hydroxy acid, is a type of exfoliant that helps to improve the appearance of acne by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. In addition, AHA can also help to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with body acne. For best results, apply AHA lotion to clean, dry skin once or twice a day. You should start to see a noticeable difference in the appearance of your body acne within a few weeks. Sharon recommends Alpha Therapeutic Hand and Body Lotion by GlymedPlus.
Use Gentle Exfoliation - Don't over scrub
One way to help manage body acne is by incorporating gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine. Exfoliating your skin helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from the surface of the skin, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. By gently exfoliating the skin on your body, you can help keep pores clear and prevent new breakouts from forming. Plus, exfoliating can also help to improve the overall appearance of your skin by revealing brighter, more radiant skin underneath. So if you're struggling with body acne, try adding a gentle exfoliator. Exfoliate your body 2-3x a week and you can use items such as dry brushing, scrubs, or hand scrub mittens." Sharon recommends.
Remember these key takeaways if you're struggling with body acne, there are a few things you can do to help improve the situation. First, make sure you choose a body wash that is specifically designed to target body acne. Additionally, apply sunscreen throughout the day to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. You should also shower in cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can strip away the natural oils that help to protect your skin. Finally, consider using a body lotion with AHA to help exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation. By following these tips, you can help keep your body acne under control and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
