With summer approaching, many will be excited to ditch their winter clothes, but for those with body acne, it can be difficult to feel comfortable showing their skin.
Dr. Rekha Tailor, a leading nonsurgical cosmetic specialist based in Surrey, has revealed why people get stains on their bodies and how to treat them at home in time for the warmer months.
She recommended ditching sugary foods for a Mediterranean diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, trying a chemical peel, and making sure you’re using the right products when you wash yourself.
The doctor said we should avoid tight clothes and instead opt for natural fabrics such as cotton and silk, as these are best for allowing air to naturally circulate around the skin and prevent build-up in the pores.
Dr. Rekha Tailor, a leading non-surgical cosmetic specialist based in Surrey, has revealed why people get stains on their bodies and how to treat them at home. Stock image
Use the right products
The key to treating acne at home is to control oil production and get rid of dead skin cells effectively. Making sure you have a skincare line that is oil-free and avoiding serums is essential, as the oil in those products will only make acne worse.
Look for cleansers that do not lather as they boost oil production and make sure your products are non-comedogenic, allowing your skin to breathe and blocking your pores.
If your symptoms are affecting your life, book a consultation with your doctor, who can prescribe an appropriate treatment plan, often combining treatments such as laser therapy with medical-grade skin care products.
There are also a number of things you can do at home to treat it, including cleaning twice a day. For women, the combined oral contraceptive pill can help, but each patient should be treated on an individual basis.
The doctor recommended using topical retinoids to remove dead skin cells and prevent build-up. Stock image
The best ingredients to treat body acne
Topical retinoids work well on the skin – these work by removing the dead skin cells on the surface of the epidermis and improving turnover to keep them from building up in the hair follicle.
It is important to consult a specialist to prescribe the correct medical skin care regimen for your individual needs (keep in mind that these are not suitable for use if you are pregnant).
Getting antibiotic cream or tablets prescribed by your doctor may also help. Topical Benzoyl peroxide is an antibiotic that reduces bacteria on the skin. It also helps reduce inflammation.
Azelic Acid is an effective treatment for both mild hormonal and cystic acne. Products containing this help reduce swelling and inflammation, unblock pores, and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Best of all, it is considered safe to use during pregnancy, so it gives pregnant women and those with acne or rosacea a great skincare option.
How to keep spots from spreading on your body
You can prevent it from spreading by trying not to touch it, as touching it spreads the bacteria that cause acne.
It is also recommended that you keep the area clean and wear clothing that allows the skin to breathe, such as natural cotton fibers.
Healthy food
While it’s usually not just caused by diet and lifestyle, these factors can dramatically affect skin as well.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can have a significant impact, as can cutting out alcohol, caffeine and sugar.
Get away from processed foods and unhealthy snacks and move to a Mediterranean diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and good protein sources such as fish, along with more complex carbohydrates (brown bread, brown rice, and legumes).
By changing your eating habits, you can prevent a rapid rise in blood sugar and insulin levels that trigger a breakout outbreak. The added benefits of the nutrients and vitamins provided by fresh fruits, vegetables and salads will all boost your skin.
Exfoliate
There are two types of exfoliation: manual (exfoliation) or chemical. I recommend chemical exfoliation rather than mechanical as I find that people often exfoliate too much, which can traumatize and damage their skin.
Look for products that contain glycolic, lactic, malic, and salicylic acids to achieve glowing skin. Ideally, I recommend using an exfoliator two to three times a week to reap the benefits of removing the dead skin cells without over exfoliating and damaging your skin.
Washing your back in the shower and using something like a loofah or long-handled brush can be a great way to keep your back clean, unclog pores, and reduce acne. And be sure to wash the area regularly, especially after doing anything that causes the skin to sweat. Also try to avoid touching the area too often.
Washing towels, underwear and pillowcases and bedding more often can also help eliminate the bacteria.
Things to avoid
Clothing that does not allow the skin to breathe easily and products that may be too oily for the skin.
Usually natural fabrics such as cotton and silk are best for allowing air to naturally circulate around the skin, reducing the amount of sweat produced and helping the skin.
The key to treating acne at home is to control oil production and get rid of dead skin cells effectively. Making sure you have a skincare line that is oil-free and avoiding serums is essential because the oil in those products will only make acne worse.