How to Get Rid of Body Acne: Back, Chest & Shoulder Breakouts Explained

“Acne Awareness Month is important because it encourages us to discuss a condition that mentally and physically affects such a large portion of our population,” says Jackam. “It is an opportunity to educate the public on the many treatment options available while also providing support. This month serves as a great reminder that if you have acne, you are not alone.”

Body acne, like facial acne, comes from clogged “pilosebaceous” units, which are the scientific way of referring to the hair follicles we have all over our bodies. It often develops in adolescence when hormone levels spike and interact with the incredibly prevalent Cutibacterium acnes (C acnes) bacteria. Dead skin cells, excess oil, environmental conditions, and hormones can all gang up on and clog your pilosebaceous units, which results in acne breakouts. Also, just because acne is a common teenage affliction, anyone of any age experiencing risk factors for acne development can get body acne.

“Acne occurs in areas where we have higher amounts of sebaceous glands, such as the face and back,” explains Jackam. “These sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oil that your body uses to keep your skin healthy and create a barrier to trap moisture. During the summertime, the sebaceous glands increase their sebum production, meaning you become oilier. In addition, the warm weather causes you to sweat more. When we mix these two things together and then add sunscreen and thick moisturizers, we create the ‘perfect’ acne storm. Should you still wear sunscreen? Absolutely! Can we use lighter moisturizers in warm, humid weather? Of course.”

Jackam adds that the primary causes of body acne include:

One of the reasons teenagers are often the most afflicted with acne is that so many hormones are powering up. Girls and women can especially experience flare-ups as a part of a normal (or abnormal) menstruation cycle. Furthermore, 70% of adult body acne and bacne sufferers are female. Also, excess exposure to the stress hormone cortisol can inflame body acne in both male and female patients.

Wearing tight clothes, backpacks, sports gear, etc., can also cause skin irritation that can inflame body acne breakouts on the back, chest, and shoulders. Sweat adds to the pore-clogging action, and friction causes inflammation.

Using heavy, oily, or greasy skincare products can exacerbate clogged pores and stimulate acne flare-ups, too. It’s important to choose lighter moisturizers, makeup, and sunscreen products that are formulated to be non-comedogenic—in other words, they won’t clog your pores.

Jackam also adds that in addition to these and other causes, dietary factors such as excess sugar, dairy sensitivities, poor sleep, certain medications, and genetics can add to the complexity of body acne.

It’s also important to understand what doesn’t cause body acne, as Jackam explains:

“The biggest misconception about body acne is that if you have body acne, you are unhygienic. This could not be further from the truth. Most of my patients with acne take amazing care of their skin! Sometimes, when my patients first come to see me, they are even overdoing it with how frequently they cleanse their skin. Let’s change the narrative that acne is an issue of cleanliness.”

Jackam adds that excessive scrubbing and harsh products can actually aggravate acne flare-ups instead of clearing them up. Using a gentle, strategic approach with guidance from your dermatologist can help far more than over-exfoliating.

If you have ever struggled with any kind of acne, you know that it’s not only physically painful, but it can be emotionally scarring as well. There is a real impact on acne-related mental health struggles.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, that stress can cause more cortisol, which is one of those hormones that can trigger more breakouts. It can trigger intense self-consciousness, feelings of unworthiness, and uncleanness, all of which can lead to anxiety and even depression. This cascade of intense feelings can get worse in the summer when the summer clothing comes out of the closet, which can leave those with bacne feeling “exposed” and more unsure of themselves.

“Acne plays a huge role in mental health, regardless of whether one would classify the severity of the skin condition as mild or severe,” says Jackam. “In a world with social media, where photos present influencers with ‘glass skin’ and not a single acne bump anywhere to be found, the pressure is unimaginable. The summer months can cause a spike in the already constant anxiety about acne as we expose more of our skin. It’s important to note that if you’re adjusting your life based on whether you’re having a ‘good skin day’ or ‘bad skin day’, I highly recommend you speak to a mental health professional and a dermatology provider. Remember, your skin is beautiful and healthy, regardless of whether you have acne or not. It should not dictate what activities you allow yourself to participate in.”

So, if you are losing sleep at night because you are trying to figure out how to get rid of back acne, or acne anywhere on your body, take heart! Acne does not make you “dirty”, unattractive, or unworthy of love, care, and respect! Remember to show yourself some compassion, be grateful for your amazing body, and seek support from dermatologists who have your back, and who know how to get rid of body acne and even heal acne scars. Schedule an appointment today and get the compassionate, expert support and care you deserve.

That said, there are several things you can do right now, from home, and with over-the-counter products that can start your chest and back acne treatment regimen:

“To prevent or reduce body acne, especially on hot, sweaty days or after exercising, shower and wash your face to remove the increased sweat and oil production,” says Jackam. But with an important caveat: “This does not mean going overboard and showering 5 times a day, but 1–2 times a day is reasonable depending on one’s workout schedule or how often they’re outdoors.”

“Avoiding acne extractions (popping pimples) at home is also helpful,” stresses Jackam. “Keeping your hands away from the acne can prevent the introduction of bacteria, which could potentially make the lesions much worse.”

“Over-the-counter acne treatments containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, glycolic acid, or exfoliating body pads are great options for mild body acne,” says Jackam. “These can be in cleanser, cream, gel, and even spray forms making them very convenient depending on your needs. Just remember, for those who are spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on over-the-counter acne care (I know you’re out there because I’ve been there), acne treatment does not need to be expensive!”

Select loose, breathable clothing that doesn’t bind or rub against the skin and avoid using heavy skincare products with clogging creams or oils. Another thing for people who want to know how to get rid of back acne is to use clean towels after every shower and to change their bed sheets more often. This can reduce the spreading of bacteria and dead skin cells that can aggravate acne.

“Avoid tight-fitting, non-breathable clothing,” adds Jackam. “This can create that warm, moist environment that acne-causing bacteria love, especially during the summer. If you do choose to exercise in this type of clothing, be sure to change out of it promptly and shower when you are done.”

Finally, cut down on ultra-processed, high-fat foods that can spike blood sugar levels, as this has been shown to aggravate acne. Stay hydrated with plenty of clean water and fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources to stimulate whole-body health, which can impact your skin’s health.

Depending on the severity of your face, body, back or chest acne, you may need to consult with your dermatologist in addition to these at-home body and back acne treatment efforts.

“If someone is treating their acne with over-the-counter therapies and still not seeing improvement, they absolutely should consider seeing a dermatology provider,” urges Jackam. “I see a lot of people spending large amounts of money on their skincare and still not seeing results. I’ll say it again: acne treatments do not need to be expensive!”

Sometimes, when you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of back acne, you just need a stronger dosage of topical medication than you can get over the counter at the drugstore.

“The body tends to be able to handle higher strengths in medications such as tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide compared to the face where the skin is thinner and more delicate,” explains Jackam. “On the face, I usually start low and go slow, especially with medications like tretinoin.”

Your dermatologist can prescribe stronger retinoids, clindamycin, or combination therapies to help with body acne treatment.

“Depending on how aggressive a patient wants to be with treating their acne, there are topical and oral treatments available,” says Jackam. “My most basic regimen consists of a benzoyl peroxide cleanser, a topical antibiotic, and a prescription strength retinoid such as tretinoin. Other topicals include salicylic acid and azelaic acid.”

“If the patient feels their acne is hormonal because it flares around their menstrual cycle, topical or oral spironolactone and combined oral contraceptives are a great option,” explains Jackam. “There are oral antibiotics that we use in acne treatment as well, such as doxycycline. One of my favorite acne medications is isotretinoin, more commonly known as Accutane, as I have had great success with it.”

In the whole mix of how to get rid of back acne, there’s the difficulty of getting rid of the acne scars left behind. “Treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels, and laser treatments are especially helpful for acne scarring.” Especially persistent body acne and bacne lesions may benefit from in-office extractions as well, but only when appropriate.

As Jackam says, “This month is about more than breakouts—it’s about hope, confidence, and finding the right support.”

So, if you’ve tried over-the-counter body acne treatments, but you still feel stuck, Apex Skin is here to help! Body acne is treatable, and nobody should feel like they have to hide, especially in the summer. Whether you’re struggling with general body acne, facial acne, bacne, chest acne, shoulder acne, or even if it’s in other places—our Northeast Ohio acne clinics can help. Acne treatment is unique for each individual’s circumstances, so it’s important to get a customized acne treatment plan that fits you and your summer plans.