If you’re wondering why your body acne seems to appear in certain areas, there is some logic to it. “We have the highest proportion of oil glands on our face (the T-zone area) but they can also be found in higher concentrations on the chest, back and shoulders too,” explains Mahto. “As a result, this is why we predominantly tend to find body acne more in these areas.”
Our genetics are one of the determining factors behind acne, since they dictate how our bodies produce oil and shed dead skin cells. But there are also external factors that can contribute to body acne breakouts. According to dermatologist Zainab Laftah, friction and sweating are two of the biggest triggers of body acne flare ups. “Sweating is increased during the summer to help regulate basal body temperature, so this can lead to blockage of pores and blemishes,” she explains. Of course, while you may experience an increase in body acne during the warmer months for this reason, if you have a lifestyle that causes you to sweat, this can also impact you throughout the year. “Exercise can cause blockage of pores from sweating and build up of oil, bacteria and dirt thus leading to acne breakouts,” Laftah adds. “Therefore washing immediately after exercising and wearing loose breathable clothing is recommended.”
“A lot of exercise clothing is tight fitting which can trap bacteria and sweat on the skin, leading to the develop of a C.acnes as mentioned previously,” agrees Mahto. “I’d always recommend changing out of sweaty exercise clothes and showering as soon as possible after your workout.”
