Summer’s scorching heat and sweaty commutes in lightweight clothes are a harsh reminder that body acne often gets worse in the warmer months. Just when you’re ready to embrace a carefree beach day in your favorite bikini, breakouts can pop up on your chest, back, or even your backside. The good news? No matter where these pesky spots appear, they’re totally manageable with the right treatments—think exfoliating body washes, soothing serums, and targeted skincare.
To help you keep your skin clear all summer (and beyond), dermatologists break down everything you need to know about body acne—what causes it, how to treat it, and the best products to add to your routine.
### Vogue’s Top Picks for Fighting Body Acne
– Best Glycolic Acid Wash: Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash ($16)
– Best Replenishing Serum: Nécessaire The Body Serum ($48)
– Best Bacne Spray: Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray ($27)
– Best Enzyme Exfoliator: Kosas Good Body Skin Exfoliating Body Wash ($22)
– Best for Sensitive Skin: Medicube Red Body Wash ($20)
– Best Hydrating Gel Lotion: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream ($16)
– Best with Ceramides: CeraVe Body Wash with Salicylic Acid ($14)
### What Causes Body Acne?
Body acne happens when sweat, oil, and bacteria clog pores, especially in areas like the back, chest, and butt. Heat, humidity, and tight clothing can make it worse.
### How Often Should You Use Body Acne Products?
Daily cleansing is key, especially after sweating. Look for gentle, pH-balanced washes with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid to keep breakouts at bay.
### Best Body Washes for Acne-Prone Skin
If you’re prone to body acne, showering daily (especially post-workout) is a must. Dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe recommends gentle, pH-balanced cleansers, like Medicube Red Body Wash, which is packed with antioxidants.
For exfoliation, Dr. Azadeh Shirazi loves Naturium’s Glycolic Acid Body Wash for its blend of AHAs (glycolic, lactic, and tartaric acids) that slough off dead skin. Kosas offers an enzyme-based exfoliating wash, while Cetaphil’s Acne Relief Body Wash relies on salicylic acid.
### Best Targeted Treatments
Leave-on treatments can be game-changers for stubborn breakouts. Dr. Rita Linkner recommends benzoyl peroxide-based topicals (like Rodan + Fields Unblemish) for their antibacterial and skin-nourishing benefits.
For serums, Topicals Slather and Tatcha’s Resurfacing Serum gently exfoliate bumps and blemishes, while Nécessaire’s Body Serum uses niacinamide to brighten and prevent breakouts.
### Best Lotions for Acne-Prone Skin
Hydration is key—look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores.
With the right routine, you can keep your skin smooth and clear all summer long.Your skin barrier is the best defense against acne and other skin issues, says Dr. Bowe. Along with staying hydrated and avoiding excessive cleansing, using acne-friendly serums and moisturizers that support the skin barrier can help. She recommends gentle, nourishing moisturizers with prebiotics and ceramides to restore the skin’s microbiome balance. However, avoid heavy, oil-rich products, which can irritate the torso.
For lightweight hydration, try:
– CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion ($17, Amazon) with salicylic acid
– Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion ($50, Amazon)
– Nécessaire The Body Lotion ($28, Amazon) with ceramides and peptides
– Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream ($10, Amazon) with hyaluronic acid
### Best Mists for Body Acne
Body mists are a quick solution for hard-to-reach breakouts. Look for options with AHAs and BHAs, like:
– Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Body Spray ($28, Amazon)
– Versed Back-Up Plan Acne-Control Body Mist ($16, Amazon)
– Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray ($27, Amazon)
– Soft Services Clearing Duo ($26, Soft Services) – includes a salicylic acid mist and a clay mask with sulfur and niacinamide
### What Causes Body Acne?
Body acne shares similar causes with facial acne, including inflammation, excess oil, clogged hair follicles, and bacteria like Cutibacterium. Sweat and friction from clothing or sports gear can worsen it, making it more common in summer or among athletes. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause) can also trigger breakouts by overstimulating oil glands, says Dr. Linkner.
### How Often Should You Use Body Acne Products?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—adjust based on your skin type. Dermatologist Noah Gratch suggests monitoring your skin’s response and keeping it hydrated. Oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from exfoliating up to four times a week, but over-cleansing can disrupt the skin’s balance and worsen irritation.
Dr. Bowe warns against harsh scrubbing: “Many think acne means their skin is ‘dirty,’ but aggressive cleaning does more harm than good.”
### How to Identify Body Acne
Body acne (truncal acne) typically appears as cystic breakouts on the chest, shoulders, back, or buttocks—areas with large oil glands, explains Dr. Linkner. Recognizing these signs helps distinguish acne from other skin conditions.According to Dr. Andrew Alexis, a dermatology professor and vice-chair for diversity and inclusion at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, more than half of acne patients experience body acne. He explains that for people of color, body acne often leads to persistent dark spots, which can affect clothing choices and comfort when exposing areas like the back, shoulders, or chest. Additionally, severe body acne may cause keloids or raised scars—more common in people of color. Early and effective treatment is crucial to preventing these long-term effects.
### Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Body Acne
Dr. Alexis recommends reducing friction on acne-prone areas by avoiding tight, non-breathable clothing, especially during exercise. Diet, sleep, and overall lifestyle also play a significant role.
Inflammatory foods like dairy, refined grains, and sugar can worsen acne. Dr. Rita Linkner notes that clinical trials show cutting out high-glycemic foods and dairy may help improve acne. Stress is another factor—Dr. Whitney Bowe explains that elevated cortisol levels from poor sleep or stress can aggravate body acne. “Beauty sleep is real!” she adds.
### Meet the Experts
– Dr. Andrew Alexis: Professor of clinical dermatology and vice-chair for diversity and inclusion at Weill Cornell Medicine.
– Dr. Brendan Camp: Double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist practicing in New York and Long Island.
– Dr. Noah Gratch: Board-certified dermatologist specializing in acne, eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
– Dr. Rita Linkner: Double board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in NYC.
– Dr. Azadeh Shirazi: Board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California.