Best Body Acne Treatments, According to Skin Experts
Dare to bare with these body-saving picks.
While pimples are often considered as literal “in-your-face” dilemmas, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t experienced having a zit or two outside the facial area—whether it’s in the chest, arms, and of course, the back. Body acne, after all, is a real and common problem, but one that’s less talked about than our usual cheek or chin breakouts.
Here’s the thing: Acne can happen anywhere in the body where you have pores and hair follicles. These pimples can appear as small blackheads, inflamed pustules, or even red cystic lesions. As in facial acne, the main contributing factors to the formation of these zits are clogged pores, oil buildup, inflammation, and the presence of bacteria. Moreover, stress, pollution, hormonal changes, diet, and even clothing are known contributors.
Dealing with body acne
How to deal then? The first step is to try to get to the root of the problem. Typically, it’s the sweat-prone areas of the body, like the chest and back, which are more susceptible to pimples. That said, it’s important to wash these areas thoroughly and to prevent the buildup of dirt and oil by changing out of your sweaty clothes as soon as possible. To minimize friction, it’s also good to opt for light, breathable fabrics.
Dealing with hormonal or stress-related acne, meanwhile, is a bit trickier, as they’re caused by changes in your body as well as emotional, psychological, environmental, or social stressors. When your body’s level of stress hormones a.k.a. cortisol rises, oil production increases, making you more prone to breakouts. To manage this, you can try to engage in relaxing habits, such as yoga, meditation, and exercise. Moreover, avoid manipulating your pimples by pricking or squeezing them as doing so can lead to hypertrophic or keloidal scars due to the tighter skin on the chest and back.
Of course, for best results, it’s always good to have an effective anti-acne routine in place—not just for your face, but also for your whole body. Here, our resident dermatologist, Dr. Maximin Navarro, a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, and Michelle Reyes-Navarro, founder of Bella Pelle Philippines, share their top pimple-fighting picks to help you flaunt clearer, smoother skin from head to toe.
For everyday cleansing: Aknicare Gentle Cleansing Gel, P1,700
This one-step cleansing solution deeply cleanses the complexion and effectively corrects imperfections in acne-prone, irritated, and even sensitive skin. It’s great for use on the face and other areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, and back. For best results, use with the Aknicare Lotion or Cream.
For chest and back acne: Aknicare Body Spray (Chest & Back), P2,100
Powered by bacteria-fighting GT peptide 10 as well as other skin-clarifying ingredients, this convenient spray formula lets you access—and treat—hard-to-reach areas like the shoulders and the back. It also controls oil, fights inflammation, and prevents dark spots.
For inflammatory acne: Aknicare Lotion, P1,550
This alcohol-based solution provides fast action in calming inflamed pimples, helping flatten visible bumps and reduce redness quickly—even faster than some antibiotics. Studies show it can reduce oil by up to 50% to ensure prevention of blemishes.
For acne control and depigmenting: Biretix Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel, P1,350
Aside from targeting and preventing blemishes, this facial gel also features a combination of exfoliating and depigmenting ingredients to improve skin texture and restore skin’s even tone.
For acne-fighting from within: Biretix Oral, P1,300
Here’s a pimple fighter that works from within: This oral food supplement contains zinc, nicotinamide, vitamin E, selenium and superoxide dismutase, which work together to normalize skin function, control sebum production, and deliver antioxidant protection.
For quick degreasing: ZO Oil Control Pads, P4,450
Sweep away pesky zit-causing dirt and oil with these easy-to use pads drenched in skin-saving acids: salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and glycolic acid. Aside from minimizing oiliness and soothing irritation, they also help reduce the appearance of visible pores and improve skin texture.
For body exfoliation: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Corps
Featuring the core ingredients of Biologique Recherche’s famous P50 formula, this version has been infused with additional exfoliating powers to suit the body’s thicker epidermis. The lotion purifies and tones while stimulating cell turnover to reveal fresher skin.
For all-over masking: Biologiqiue Recherche Masque Bain de Plantes
Designed for use in the face, body, and scalp, this plant-based mask is an excellent detox treatment for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Formulated with sebo-regulating and purifying ingredients, it controls oil and delivers deep-cleansing action without irritating or drying out skin. (Read here for other masks that are perfect for oily, acne-prone complexions.)
For rough and bumpy skin: NeoStrata Gel Plus, P2,900
An anti-aging solution for oily and blemish-prone skin, this gel treatment works wonders against adult acne. It’s powered by alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), particularly glycolic acid, to exfoliate, enhance cell turnover, and refine the skin’s surface.
For refining skin texture: NeoStrata Ultra Smoothing Lotion, P2,500
Flaunt sexier skin with the help of this smoothing lotion that renews, rejuvenates, and refines the complexion, thanks to its exfoliating formula that contains 8% glycolic acid and 2% citric acid.
For dry and sensitive skin: NeoStrata Bionic Lotion, P3,500
This unique formula is powered by lactobionic acid, an oxidized form of lactose derived from milk that’s known for delivering the same benefits as AHAs but minus any harshness. That said, this mild lotion is suited for those with sensitive skin, and works to soothe dry and irritated skin in the face and body.
For customized skin care recommendations, you can book a virtual consultation here.
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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:
 Aknicare Cream |
 Biretix Purifying Cleansing Gel |
 Kamedis AC-Clear Spot Treatment |
 NeoStrata Clarifying Facial Cleanser |
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- Maskne Is The New Acne—And Here’s How To Deal
- 5 Best Masks For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
- Is stressing out about COVID-19 causing your breakouts?
