3 Tips On How To Prevent Body Breakouts, According To A Top Derm

As the sun begins to shine, we can only hope our skin follows. Body blemishes can be a frustrating roadblock, especially when you're looking forward to wearing breezy garments that may put that problem area on display. Just remember: You're not alone. So many people struggle with body acne, whether it be on the chest, back, or elsewhere. 

You might have an exfoliating regimen for your face, be it a chemical exfoliant, like glycolic acid, or gentle fruit enzymes. And guess what? Your body can benefit just as much from some of these powerful ingredients. "I find that body acne is very responsive to salicylic acid, as well as retinoids, including prescriptions like tretinoin or over-the-counter retinol serums or gels," board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., tells mbg. 

If you've tried to use retinoids on your face only to be met with irritation, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't use them on the body. Your body skin is much thicker than the skin on your face, which is why many body acne products have higher concentrations of stronger actives. Just make sure you use a product that's actually meant for your body, not your face. "Using a facial exfoliation on your body may not be strong enough to give you the results you're looking for," board-certified dermatologist Raechele Cochran Gathers, M.D., previously shared with mbg.

You may not be used to applying moisturizer to hard-to-reach areas like the back, but optimal hydration is crucial in caring for oil- and blemish-prone skin. "Preserving and supporting a healthy skin barrier and microbiome is just as critical for body acne as it is for the face," Bowe says. "While most people can tolerate a retinoid on their chest or back every few nights, it's important to rely on a daily moisturizer with barrier and microbiome supporting ingredients like prebiotics, postbiotics, and ceramides." 

Your diet does play a role in skin health. You might associate this skin-diet connection with facial breakouts, but Bowe notes that she finds the skin on the body especially responsive to dietary changes. As with all things skin care, everyone's complexion responds differently to certain factors. However, Bowe has seen a few patterns with specific acne-flaring foods—namely, dairy milk and high glycemic index foods.