Back acne and body acne are more common than we think, and are just as real of a problem and treatable as facial acne. Although acne mainly affects pubescent adolescents, it is also present in children and adults. One study even found that acne in 54% of women and 40% of men are older than 25 years.
Just like facial acne, body acne occurs when skin pores get clogged by excess sebum, debris, and dead skin cells. The blocked pore creates an ideal environment for skin bacteria to flourish, leading to inflammation and infection.
We can connect the severity body acne to mostly lifestyle choices, but other factors include:
- Age
- Dietary habits
- Stress levels
- Sleeping patterns
- Weight
- Drug and alcohol consumption
- Genetic predisposition
- Menstrual cycle regularity
Even though body acne is completely normal, it can cause people to develop low self esteem, body confidence issues and even some anxiety. Let’s look at the different types of body acne and how to manage them.
Types of Body Acne
Acne mechanica
Acne mechanica is a type of acne that occurs due to friction and pressure on the skin. This type of acne breakout can happen when the skin is rubbed, squeezed, or stretched. Acne mechanica can cause inflammatory skin lesions, such as papules and even nodules. Papules and pustules are the bumps that many people recognise as “pimples.” Nodules are deep and painful lesions that result from more severe inflammation.
Acne mechanica is more common on these areas of the body:
- face
- neck
- arms
- legs
- torso
- buttock
Treatment
Because the cause of this type of acne is ‘mechanical’, there are a few easy things you can do to treat it topically, like applying vitamins to the affected areas, using gentle, fragrance free soaps and daily use of SkinSpring R3 Formulation that kills the bacteria that causes acne (Propionibacterium acnes), reduces inflammation and prevents discolouration and scarring.
Acne cosmetica
Acne Cosmetica is a mild type of comedonal acne resulting from the use of cosmetics. It shows up as small bumps underneath the skin, open or closed comedones, accompanied by uneven texture and roughness. Unlike other types of acne, the inflammation is minimal or even non-existent. Although it may form anywhere on the body, it is most commonly found on the areas that are more exposed to cosmetic products, such as:
- face
- neck
- scalp
Treatment
Simple lifestyle changes as well as investing in gentle, natural cosmetic and skin care products might be all you need to combat this type of acne. Be diligent with your skin care routine so as to keep pores clean and oil-free. SkinSpring R3 Formulation can also be used as a gentle make-up remover because of the cleansing nature of its active ingredient: Hypochlorous (HOCl).
Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is also known as just common acne, one of its main causes is hormones. It also occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells, bacteria and sebum. The blocked follicles cause blemishes on the skin, including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. Acne vulgaris most often affects the face, but it may spread to involve the:
- neck
- chest
- back
- extensively over the body
Treatment
Treatments include over-the-counter medications, both oral and topical. Sometimes severe cases require antibiotics. If not treated properly, both moderate and severe acne vulgaris can result in scarring. Daily use of SkinSpring R3 Formulation will prevent this. The active ingredient in SkinSpring is a premium Hypochlorous (HOCl) solution that essentially restores dermal tissue and activates your body’s natural immune response to infection and inflammation.
SHOP SKINSPRING TO HELP MANAGE ACNE HERE.
All forms of acne can cause emotional stress for anyone feeling self-conscious about their appearance. Body acne can be a stressful problem to have, but it is manageable and treatable with the correct medications (if necessary), natural cosmetic and dermatological products and time.