Frequently Asked Questions
What is body acne?
Body acne arises from “the inconvenient and unfortunate cycle of clogged pores, inflammation, and poor skin turnover,” says Dr. Prather. She explains that back acne can appear as small blackheads, inflammatory pustules, or sometimes deep, tender cystic lesions.
What’s the best way to treat body acne?
To start, Dr. Prather encourages her patients to identify anything that might be triggering outbreaks. “Hair products such as conditioners or leave-in products that contain silicones and oils can leave a residue on your skin, resulting in clogged pores and acne,” she notes. “Screen your products for ingredients that are known to be comedogenic, and when getting a massage, opt for lighter lotions in place of heavy creams and massage oils that can exacerbate acne.”
After eliminating potential triggers, look for over-the-counter treatments that target body acne—just don’t treat your back like your face. “Although our back skin seems tough, it [usually] cannot handle the same acne treatment routines we use on our face,” warns Dr. Prather. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that back acne is often more sensitive due to a weaker skin barrier and microbial imbalances, especially when combined with harsh cleansers. “This discrepancy may lead to a vicious cycle in which the natural lipid barrier of the back is compromised, promoting further oil production and microbial imbalance,” explains New York-based board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD. She recommends a gentler approach: pH-balanced cleansers with humectants like glycerin, followed by a lightweight, non-comedogenic lotion with ceramides and niacinamide. Another tip? Use actives like benzoyl peroxide sparingly (no more than a few times a week and ideally over moisturizer).
Meet the experts
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City
- David Kim, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist
- Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
- Heidi Prather, MD, a Texas-based board-certified dermatologist
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best body acne treatments, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.allure.com
