Body acne: causes and effective solutions for healthy skin

Why do I have acne on my body? Understanding your skin better

Like facial acne, body acne is linked to an overproduction of sebum, a clogging of the pores, and inflammation caused by a proliferation of certain bacteria. But other factors can worsen the situation : friction from clothing, perspiration (sweating), poor hygiene, or using inappropriate skincare products.

The different forms of body acne: how to identify them

Body acne can take several forms, sometimes simultaneously. Open comedones (blackheads) are usually visible in oily areas such as the upper back. Papules and pustules, red pimples that may contain pus, are the most common. Deeper beneath the skin are microcysts and nodules, painful to the touch and prone to leaving marks and scars.

Individuals with acne-prone skin might also develop severe inflammatory acne, particularly on the back or chest.

Learn to recognise the different types of acne so you can choose the right skincare products.

Which factors can trigger body acne?

Hormonal fluctuations are often responsible for body acne. Puberty causes increased sebum production, which promotes breakouts in various areas of the body. Menstrual cycles, pregnancies, and hormonal imbalances—such as those linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)— are also times when breakouts are more likely to occur.

Beyond hormones, other factors are frequently associated with body acne, although their role has not always been scientifically proven. Stress, for example, increases cortisol production, a hormone that triggers sebum production and clogs pores.  An unbalanced diet, rich in fats or sugars, increases the risks of breakouts. 

Moreover, clothing that is too tight or made of non-breathable materials creates an environment conducive to skin irritation, sweat accumulation, and bacterial growth. As a result, your skin becomes more prone to pimples, inflammation, and new blemishes.

Back acne: why is this area affected so often?

The back is one of the areas most affected by body acne. And this is no coincidence: the skin here is thick, rich in sebaceous glands, and subject to repeated friction. Backpacks, sports bras, fitted or synthetic clothing – all these factors contribute to clogged pores. Sweat accumulating creates an environment ideal for bacterial growth, particularly Cutibacterium acnes, responsible for skin inflammation.

Add to that the difficulty of reaching this area for daily skincare, and you have a zone that is more prone to blackheads, painful red pimples, and deep lesions. Back acne can affect both teenagers and adults, and requires a routine that is both purifying and gentle.

Preventing back acne day-to-day: good habits to adopt

• Opt for cotton clothing: natural fabrics allow the skin to breathe and help reduce friction.
• Avoid heavy backpacks: they can irritate the skin on your back and trigger breakouts.
• Shower after exercising: after physical activity, it is important to wash to remove sweat and impurities.
• Change your bed linen regularly: sheets and pillowcases accumulate bacteria and residue from hair products.
   

Chest and torso acne: how to effectively soothe it?

The chest and torso are areas particularly prone to acne, especially for teenagers, athletes, and people subject to hormonal imbalances. Here too, the skin is rich in sebaceous glands and often exposed to aggravating factors—heat, sweat, occlusive cosmetics, or tight clothing. The result? Red pimples, small sebaceous cysts, and at times, persistent inflammatory acne, especially in women during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.

The advantage of this area is that the skin is thinner than on the back, so it is much more responsive to treatments… But it is also more easily irritated. It is therefore essential to combine effectiveness and gentleness in your skincare routine for this area.

Acne on the torso and chest: good daily habits

• Opt for loose, breathable clothing, especially in hot weather or during physical activity. Cotton is the best choice, as synthetic fabric encourages sweating and sweat accumulation. 
• Avoid applying alcohol-based perfumes directly to the skin; they can irritate the skin and upset its natural balance.
• Clean the area after exercise or prolonged exposure to heat to remove sweat and product residue (sun cream, body lotion…).
• Limit your use of comedogenic products such as certain body oils, vegetable butters, or shimmering skincare products.
• Change your bra or sportswear regularly, especially after exercising, to avoid bacterial build-up.
   

Neck acne: a sensitive area that should not be overlooked

Often neglected in skincare routines, the skin on the neck deserves special attention. This transition zone between the face and chest is thin and exposed to many irritants on a daily basis.

Several factors can contribute to the appearance of pimples on the neck. First, repeated friction from jumper or shirt collars, scarves, and jewellery causes micro-irritation. These mechanical aggressions weaken the skin and promote local inflammation.

Long hair resting on the nape can also transfer sebum, dirt, or styling product residues (oils, hairsprays, serums). These substances, often rich and occlusive, end up clogging the pores on the neck, which are already sensitive to excess sebum.

Hair products that are not properly rinsed out or applied too close to the skin are another cause of acne on the lower face, neck, and shoulders. Finally, as with other areas of the body, hormones, stress, and an unhealthy lifestyle can exacerbate the appearance of inflammatory lesions.

Daily habits to adopt to prevent neck acne

• Tie your hair back when applying haircare products or in hot weather to limit contact with the skin on your neck.
• Carefully rinse your shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask so that no residue remains on the neck and the skin on your neck.
• Choose soft, breathable fabrics to reduce prolonged friction, especially when sweating.
• Gently cleanse the neck area morning and evening, just as you would your face, making sure to not irritate the skin.
• Regularly change your pillowcase and clothes, especially in warmer weather or after physical activity.
   

How to care for your skin when you have body acne?

Whether on the back, chest, torso, or neck, the mechanisms behind body acne are the same: excess sebum blocked pores, and local inflammation. The habits you should adopt and the products you should use are therefore similar, with a few adjustments depending on the sensitivity of the area. Here is a simple yet effective routine tailored for acne-prone skin.

How to treat acne on the body?

Acne treatment is based on a combined approach: proper hygiene, non-comedogenic localised care and, if necessary, dermatological treatments. Depending on the severity of the lesions, a dermatologist may recommend topical and/or oral acne treatments (retinoids, antibiotics…). A consistent, gentle, targeted routine remains essential to limit recurring body acne.

Body acne: key points to remember

Body acne is common, multifactorial, and often uncomfortable. Fortunately, simple habits and a tailored routine can significantly improve the appearance of the skin. Gentle cleansing, targeted treatments, sensible exfoliation, and balanced hydration are the cornerstone of healthy skin. Adjusting these habits to your needs and being consistent with your skincare make all the difference.