Body
How to Get Rid of Bacne

How to Get Rid of Bacne and Other Body Acne

We take so much care of our faces, hair and nails but often neglect the rest of our body (which, in ye olde cloudy England makes plenty of sense since we're wrapped up most of the year). This age of neglect is over, though, thanks to the rising trend of body care being self care.

We already know that pampering ourselves through face masks, long baths and a manicure can give us a more positive mindset, so why wouldn't nourishing your body as much as your complexion give you a little mood boost?

One problem that a lot of people of all ages run into when it comes to body care is acne. These pesky pimples pop up mostly on backs and chests where, just like our faces, sebum and dirt get trapped and clogs up our pores.

Whether you’re getting ready for the tank tops and swim suits of summer, a backless dress for wedding season or just want to start caring more for your body, Cosmetify have got your back (wink wink) with some tips for effectively getting rid of bacne at home. Unless you've got deep and painful acne that requires a dermatologist visit, you can clear your body acne by yourself by following these top tips.

It'll just take some key products, a slight change in some hygiene habits and a bit of patience - but don't worry, it's totally worth the wait!

1. Cleanse gently and after sweating

You already know how important washing your face is for getting rid of the dirt, sweat and sebum that we're constantly producing, so just apply this same premise to your body.

You'll want to make sure you always shower after a workout to wash away the sweat that can clog your pores (and during your workout, remember to avoid tight clothing that traps in dirt and sweat). When you are cleansing, rub gently so you don't aggravate your acne, and use a body wash designed for treating blemishes (like the ones below).

As a bonus tip for your shower, try keeping your hair off your back, especially if it has conditioner in it, as this can cause flare-ups, and apply your body wash after you've washed out your conditioner so it removes any traces on your back.

Shop our favourite anti-acne body washes:

AMELIORATE Clarifying Clay Body Wash

£9.00 £12.00 (25% off)

Treat and prevent blemishes, blackheads and discolouration with this soothing and hydrating body wash. In addition to moisturising hyaluronic acid and inulin, there's also the brand's LaB6 Skin Clearing Complex to reduce excess oil and refine your pores, and willow bark extract loaded with salicylic acid.

Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Face & Body Wash With 2% Salicylic Acid & Tea Tree

£35.65 £42.04 (16% off)

Banish blemish-causing bacteria and prevent breakouts with this cleanser that works for body and face, all without stripping your skin. It uses salicylic acid, tea tree oil, antibacterial thyme extract and vitamin B3 to work its magic. You'll feel extra invigorated post-shower too.

Lumin Advanced Clarifying Body Wash

£9.99 £13.20 (25% off)

We also love this body wash aimed at men (but also works for everyone, of course), enriched with tea tree oil for clarifying and aloe vera and jojoba oil for keeping skin nourished and hydrated.

2. Exfoliate often (but gently!)

A gentle exfoliating scrub is going to be great for getting rid of dead skin that can get trapped in pores and revealing fresh new clear skin. Removing dead skin also helps following treatments absorb better and the active ingredients get right to work on your blemishes. Just go gently like with your body wash so you don't irritate the skin.

Our favourite body scrubs for bacne:

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub

£67.50

You get 2-for-1 with this Jan Marini scrub as it combines physical exfoliation with the chemical exfoliation of highly concentrated glycolic acid. You'll leave the shower with glowing, silky smooth skin.

WE ARE PARADOXX Crushing It Scalp & Body Scrub

£30.93

Use this scrub on your body and scalp for the ultimate head-to-toe detox. As it cleanses and exfoliates the skin, it also nourishes with vitamin B and C, copper, zinc, macademia oil and lavender oil. Scalp and body feel hydrated and calm.

Comfort Zone Body Strategist Peel Scrub

£21.60 £37.00 (42% off)

Natural silica particles, alpha-polyhydroxy acids and orange peel give you both chemical and physical exfoliation to slough away dead, dry and dull skin.

3. Use acne spray treatments

Super convenient for those hard to reach areas, a spray prevents you from having to become a contortionist just to treat your acne and covers large areas of acne quickly. Here are a few of our favourites that you can apply post-shower or whenever your skin is calling out for it.

Shop our faves:

AMELIORATE Transforming Clarity Body Spray

£13.00 £20.00 (35% off)

With a 360⁰ nozzle designed just for hard-to-reach areas, this AMELIORATE spray is easy to use for balancing your skin, getting rid of dead cells and preventing breakouts. It's powered by lactic acid, noni cell culture and white willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid). Bye bye, bacne!

Biretix Tri-Active Spray

£32.00

In yet another super convenient 360⁰ bottle, the Biretix Tri-Active Spray reduces the bacteria that causes spots with BIOPEP-15, exfoliates skin with 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid and controls oil and pigmentation with 4% niacinamide.

ELEMIS Tea Tree S.O.S. Spray

£18.50 £32.00 (43% off)

Nature's own antiseptic (tea tree essential oil) powers this concentrated antibacterial and antiviral spray. Use on breakouts all over the body, plus on fungal infections!

4. Spot treat your bacne

Try spot treatments designed just for your body, or, since you’ll be covering smaller areas of the body anyways with a spot treatment, use the same ones you’d use for your face. Ingredients like tea tree oil, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are some of the most effective for zapping those zits.

Pro-tip: Get your parent/roommate/partner to help you out with application or invest in a lotion applicator so you can get every last little blemish.

Our top acne spot treatments:

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Body Spot Exfoliant

£29.46 £32.70 (10% off)

The body-friendly version of Paula's Choice BHA exfoliant for the face, this leave-on treatment will make hard, clogged pores look way smoother and your body more hydrated and soothed overall. Antioxidants keep your skin protected from free radicals while chamomile extract calms any inflammation.

Perricone MD Blemish Relief Targeted Spot Treatment

£22.00

For stubborn breakouts, use this maximum strength, lightweight gel to kill acne-causing bacteria. It won't dry you out as it unclogs your pores and absorbs excess oil, ensuring comfortable and healthy skin. With effective ingredients like witch hazel, salicylic acid, lactic acid, tea tree and more, why wouldn't you pop this on your pimples?

HydroPeptide Spot Correction Acne Eliminating Treatment

£34.00

You can wave good-bye to pimples, dull skin and dryness with this nourishing and skin-clearing serum treatment. It contains colloidal sulfur for killing acne-causing bacteria, lactic acid for improving cell turnover and blemish healing and peptides soothe and detoxify the skin.

5. Use the right sunscreen

Sun exposure can make dark spots from blemishes worse, so of course you want to protect acne-prone areas (and any areas exposed to the sun, as usual). However, some sunscreens can just end up clogging pores and making body acne worse, so choose a sunscreen that’s lightweight and oil-free.

Here are our favourite sunscreens for acne-prone bodies:

NeoStrata Sheer Hydration SPF 40

£42.40 £53.00 (20% off)

Lightweight and oil-free, just like the doctor ordered, this moisturising sunscreen keeps oil production in check and reduces dark spots for firm, soft and clear skin. It's also fragrance free, just in case your skin breaks out at any hint of parfum!

Zelens Body Defence Sunscreen SPF 30

£52.95 £55.00 (4% off)

This oil-free and velvety sun cream protects your skin with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and squalane while nourishing with anti-ageing sesame seed oil. You'll get lightweight hydration and long-lasting protection with this Zelens SPF30.

Bioderma Photoderm Lait ULTRA SPF 50+ For Sensitive Skin

£17.50 £22.00 (21% off)

This non-comedogenic sun cream gives you high-level protection from sun damage and eight hours of hydration without breaking you out or leaving behind a greasy layer.

And there you have it - five steps to getting rid of bacne! The American Board of Dermatology estimates that you should see results in six to eight weeks, with full results in around four months. But remember, things like genetics, medications, stress and sometimes diet can also cause body acne, so if you feel like nothing's happening with consistent use of acne products, it might be time to check in with a dermatologist or aesthetician.

In the meantime, keep up with your body care routine with our Ultimate Guide to the Best Body Moisturisers, or indulge in a relaxing bath with these Top Bath Salts. Having problems with blemishes on the face as well? We've compiled the 12 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers for Stressed-Out Skin.

Written by Gabriella Buckner

Gabriella is a junior content writer with a background in creative writing, content marketing and journalism. She’s passionate about all things makeup and skincare, but especially vegan and cruelty-free beauty that is effective and inexpensive.