ExplainerBody acne: what causes it – including hot, humid weather – and five of the best products to treat it

Body acne can be caused by the same factors as facial acne, but sun exposure can be a trigger

Treating it requires the same basic ingredients as facial acne, but at different strengths and applied differently

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Young girl with acne, with red and white spots on the back

Published: 9:15am, 7 Aug 2021Updated: 9:15am, 7 Aug 2021

As temperatures rise and the weather becomes hot and humid, we are faced with a new challenge: body acne.

“Body acne can be caused by many of the same factors as facial acne: genetics, oily skin or hormonal imbalances. What makes it somewhat different is the fact that it is also triggered by external conditions such as sun exposure,” explains dermatologist Mamina Turegano. “During the summer we tend to sweat more, causing heat and moisture to be trapped under our clothing. This can clog and irritate hair follicles and pores, resulting in body acne.”

Acne is the result of a build-up of oil, dead skin cells or bacteria on the skin. As such, it tends to be found on areas that contain more oil-producing sebaceous glands: the chest, upper back, shoulders and even the buttocks. Although experts say it’s more common in men, it is becoming prevalent in women.

The good news is that treating body acne isn’t that much different from treating facial acne, albeit with a few tweaks here and there. In fact, many over-the-counter products designed for the face can also be used on the body.

Dermatologist Mamina Turegano recommends salicylic wipes and body washes for body acne.

“The ingredients we use to tackle body acne are the same as facial acne, but the vehicles, strengths and the way products are applied is slightly different,” says Turegano. “For example, I am a big fan of benzoyl peroxide, which you can apply directly to the face. But if you apply it on the body it can bleach your clothes, so I recommend my patients incorporate it into their routine as a body wash. The skin on the body is also more resilient and can tolerate higher strength products.”

While a body wash will help keep the skin clean, there are other products that you can add to your acne-fighting arsenal.