Body Acne Hacks that Actually Work

Acne appearing on the face is stressful enough, but when pimples start popping up on your chest, back, and butt, it can feel like you're having a skincare crisis.

Body acne happens for a number of reasons. From stress to hormonal fluctuations, poor skincare habits to plain old genetics, there could be many reasons why you're dealing with body breakouts.

Fortunately, you don't have to put up with it forever. Here are some genius body acne hacks to help you achieve clearer skin.

#1: The 60-Second Salicylic Acid Hack

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin and gently dissolves the glue that binds dead skin cells, leaving you with smoother, clearer skin. It's essentially the gold standard for treating blackheads, whiteheads, zits, and oily skin. You will find it in a range of acne-fighting skincare products, including cleansers, toners, exfoliators, and body washes. However, this acne treatment only really does its thing if it stays on the skin -- longer than just a few seconds.

According to estheticians, 60 seconds is the sweet number for leaving SA on the skin. In order for it to penetrate the skin and clear clogged pores, it's best to let it sit on your skin for 60 seconds before rinsing it off. If you have super sensitive skin, bring that number down to 30 to prevent any unwanted irritation.

From bacne to boobne, this hack can be helpful in keeping your body blemish-free!

#2: The Ice Cube Hack

Ice cubes can help to eliminate pain and inflammation associated with acne by constricting the blood vessels. So, if you've got those red, angry breakouts popping up on your skin, try using ice to soothe the area and bring down inflammation. 

Start by wrapping an ice cube around a paper towel or washcloth, and hold it against your breakout for 2-3 minutes. Repeat several times, taking breaks in between. The cooling effect should really help to bring down the redness. It can also be effective for sensitive skin types if you're experiencing flushes of redness associated with acne.

We consider it an excellent home remedy for calming painful flareups.

#3: The Exfoliating Hack

According to the derms, exfoliation is essential for keeping pores clear and skin acne-free. However, not all skin types (like dry and sensitive skin) can tolerate regular body scrubs, which is why you might want to try out chemical exfoliation instead.

Alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliating agents that chip away at the combo of dead skin cells and sebum responsible for breakouts. They're excellent at clearing up blemishes on the check, back, shoulders, and bum without drying out the skin. Dermatologists recommend using one of the two most popular AHAs: glycolic acid and lactic acid. 

Glycolic acid an all-round exfoliating powerhouse, which buffs away dead skin, dirt, and excess oil while smoothing out fine lines and fading hyperpigmentation, like that associated with acne scars. 

Rainbow's Glow Bundle features a face mask and serum designed for both the body and face. Glycolic acid and bakuchiol deliver a double attack on dirt, oil, and dead skin that can cause back acne, boob acne, or any acne for that matter. Make it part of your daily skincare routine to clear acne quickly and effectively.

#4: The Tea Tree Oil Hack

If you're looking for a DIY spot treatment to spot treat your body blemishes, try reaching for the tea tree oil. Unlike treatments like benzoyl peroxide which is chemically formulated to kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin fast, which can cause irritation, tea tree uses its natural antibacterial properties to banish bacteria. Plus, it's a natural anti-inflammatory, meaning it will calm the redness and irritation already on your skin. In other words, it's the perfect solution for people with a mixture of sensitive skin and acne-prone skin.

To apply, use a damp Q-tip and dab over active zits. Make it the last step of your skincare routine after moisturizing.

While this won't treat more severe cases of acne like cystic acne, it's an effective drugstore solution for battling active body breakouts.

#5: The Sebum-Balancing Hack

Most acne occurs due to the overproduction of oil, but you probably already know that. Sebum is the oily substance produced by your sebaceous glands that can congest pores and trigger breakouts. In other words, controlling excess sebum production is the secret to preventing pore blockage and attaining clear skin. But how exactly can you control sebum production?

Research from 2017 shows that hyaluronic acid locks in moisture while helping control sebum production, making it a highly useful ingredient for body acne prevention.

Acne-prone skin types also have weakened skin barriers. Your skin barrier protects you from environmental aggressors like pollution, sun exposure, and weather conditions. When your barrier is compromised, it can lead to skin issues such as dryness, itching, and acne. Hyaluronic acid helps prevent water loss, meaning it can strengthen the skin barrier and thus reduce redness and irritation.

Rainbow's Hydrate Bundle features a face mask and serum designed for both the face and body. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 work in tandem to hydrate, plump, and potentially treat acne. Remember to follow up with SPF if you're using it in your am routine.

#6: The Camouflage and Target Hack

If you're looking for the fastest way to banish body breakouts, consider turning to concealer. But not just any concealer! Look for a concealer that's formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like tea tree, witch hazel, or clay so you can instantly hide blemishes while actively treating them. 

Just make sure you pick a non-comedogenic formula so that it won't clog your pores and make your situation worse.

Body acne may not disappear overnight, but there are ways to speed up its recovery and demise. In addition to the hacks above, invest in an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen and avoid using skincare products containing fragrances, which may irritate your skin and aggravate your acne. And remember to stick to lightweight lotions that won't congest your pores and cause a flareup. There are plenty of over-the-counter options!