Understanding body acne treatment
Body skin has larger, more active oil glands and thicker skin than the face, so lesions are often deeper and slower to settle. Topical treatment alone is frequently insufficient.
Aggravating factors matter: prolonged sweating in gym clothing, backpack friction, hair oils running onto the back and heavy body lotions all contribute. Treatment that ignores these tends to fail.
Marks left behind on the body are also slower to fade than on the face, which is why early control is emphasised.
This may suit you if
- Acne on the back, chest or shoulders
- Recurrent body breakouts after gym or sweating
- Body acne leaving persistent dark marks
What happens at the clinic
- 1
Examination
The distribution and grade of acne are assessed, along with any contributing habits or products.
- 2
Medical treatment
Topicals, medicated washes and, where indicated, oral medication are prescribed.
- 3
In-clinic support
Body peels or extraction sessions are scheduled where they will speed up control.
- 4
Review
Progress is reviewed at four to six week intervals and treatment stepped down once controlled.
Aftercare
- Shower promptly after sweating and change out of damp clothing
- Use the medicated wash as directed, leaving it on for the advised time
- Avoid heavy oils and occlusive lotions on affected areas
- Keep hair products off the back and shoulders
Possible side effects
- Dryness or irritation from topicals
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation, which fades slowly on the body
- Medication-specific precautions, discussed before prescribing