Help For Chest Acne Sufferers: Reduce Pimples On Your Chest
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Clear skin is a key for our self-confidence. That confidence can be shaken with breakouts, blemishes, and the dreaded chest acne. 60% of acne sufferers report breakouts in these areas, according to one estimate. Exact figures vary, but the NIAMS notes that acne often appears on the back, chest and shoulders as well as the face.
No matter if you want to wear a swimsuit, tank top, or flattering low-cut dress you may not feel at your best wearing them if you're suffering from a breakout.
Blackheads and pimples form on your chest when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Thankfully, there are several different products that can help get rid of acne on chest areas, and give you the confidence of clear skin.
Below we have compiled a list of some of the best and most effective chest acne treatments that will have you wearing your swimsuit with confidence.
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing
Throughout history, clay has been a very popular natural treatment for skin ailments.
This clay mask is made from calcium bentonite clay, which absorbs oil from the skin's surface.
In addition, it contains no additives or fragrances that can further irritate sensitive skin.
To use, simply mix the desired amount of clay with water, apply to the affected area, and allow it to dry.
However, this clay treatment by Aztec Secret isn’t just for facials and body treatments. The maker suggests other uses, such as foot soaks. Bentonite can feel drying, so start with short sessions.
Art Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face, Body & Hair
This luxurious Dead Sea mud based treatment is made with shea butter, kaolin, sunflower oil, jojoba, and aloe vera.
Mud masks absorb surface oil and can leave skin feeling clean. Claims that they "draw out toxins" are not supported, and a mask won't replace an acne treatment.
Patch test first, since natural ingredients can still irritate skin.
Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment Body & Face Wash
The Humane Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Body & Face Wash is a more traditional acne treatment.
It contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, the highest strength sold over the counter.
Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter acne medicine that kills bacteria and may decrease oil production.
A 10% wash can be drying, so people with sensitive skin may do better with a lower strength. Test a small area first and follow the label.
Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach towels, sheets and shirts, so rinse well and use white linens.
St. Ives Blemish Control Scrub, Apricot
St. Ives is one of the more well-known brands in the area of blemish control, and is touted as America’s #1 scrub brand.
Use any scrub with care on acne. The NIAMS lists scrubbing your skin too hard as something that can make acne worse, and it advises avoiding rough scrub pads.
This scrub uses natural exfoliants rather than plastic microbeads. If you use it, rub lightly and skip it on inflamed, painful spots. Additionally, it's made with apricot extract.
The scent is mild, but fragrance can bother sensitive skin.
Alba Botanica Acnedote, Invisible Treatment Gel
For a more immediate solution to pimples on chest areas, there's Alba Botanica Acnedote Invisible Treatment Gel.
Acnedote is a clear liquid spot treatment gel. Check the label for its active ingredient and directions.
It's made from 100% vegetarian ingredients and is not tested on animals.
This treatment also contains no artificial colors or fragrances that may irritate sensitive skin. The gel itself is ultra-light and not sticky.
Spot treatments take time to work, so don't expect overnight results. Clean the area, then apply a thin layer as the label directs.
Conclusion
Having acne can dramatically reduce confidence and can make us second guess ourselves when it comes to how we look.
Chest acne can make us feel far less confident in what we wear, especially around swimsuit season.
However, several over-the-counter products can help reduce acne on chest areas.
Wash gently, don't pick at spots, and give a product several weeks to work. If chest acne is painful, scarring or not improving, see a dermatologist for prescription options.
Sources
- Acne, NIAMS (NIH)
- Acne: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take, NIAMS (NIH)
