The three things that cause acne: excess oil, bacteria, and clogged pores. As someone who has acne on their face, chest, and back, since birth, I’ve developed a routine that address the root causes of acne and keeps my skin clear! ✨
- Base Cleanse with Antibacterial Soap: it gets rid of p.acnes bacteria that causes breakouts. I use this daily because it cleans the skin and gets rid of alllllll the extra oil. Step 1 in my routine, all over, with a washcloth
- Exfoliate: I started using this once a week to get my skin acclimated but now I use it every other week. It helps with skin cell turnover, aka unclogging the pores. It’s gives me a good reset getting rid of all my dead skin! Step 2 every other week, on my chest and back but just with my hands
- Naturium Glycolic Acid Wash: this wash also encourages skin cell turnover. With Glycolic acid being one of the most effective ingredients on my skin, I use this body wash from head to toe and it’s gentle enough for daily use. (Step 2 when not exfoliating) Step 3 of my shower routine, all over, with an African net sponge
... Read moreDealing with body acne can be frustrating, especially when it’s persistent on areas like the chest and back. In my experience, consistent care targeting the three main acne triggers—excess oil, bacteria, and clogged pores—makes all the difference. I’ve found that starting my shower routine with an antibacterial soap effectively lowers the presence of p.acnes bacteria, one of the main culprits behind acne flare-ups. Using a washcloth helps ensure a thorough cleanse, removing not just bacteria but also the surplus oil that clogs pores.
Exfoliation is another key step I incorporated cautiously. Initially, I exfoliated once a week to let my skin adjust, then progressed to every other week. This step boosts cell turnover and removes dead skin that otherwise blocks pores, smoothing the skin’s texture and preventing new breakouts. Unlike facial exfoliation, I use my hands gently on my chest and back to avoid irritation.
A game-changer in my routine has been the use of a glycolic acid body wash from Naturium. Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), accelerates skin renewal by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells and promoting healthy shedding. This wash is gentle enough for daily use, applied with an African net sponge, which also helps to exfoliate and cleanse without over-drying.
What’s important to note is the balance between cleaning, exfoliating, and acid treatment. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and worsen acne, so alternating exfoliation days with glycolic acid wash ensures my skin gets both resurfacing benefits and gentle daily cleansing. Drinking plenty of water and wearing breathable clothing also complement this routine by reducing sweat buildup and irritation.
If you’re struggling with body acne, I recommend trying a similar shower routine while monitoring how your skin reacts. Everyone’s skin is unique, so adapt frequency and products to your skin’s tolerance. Consistency is key — with persistence, you can see clearer, healthier skin over time.
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