How to Clear Boob Breakouts in 1,2,3...

Want to know the key to staying breakout-free on your boobs? 

Boob acne, aka boobne, is more common than you think. Everything from genetic makeup to hormonal changes and your lifestyle can all be responsible for those pimples popping up on your chest. Yes, it sucks. We know.

Good news is, you don't have to put up with them forever. In fact, with just a handful of skincare products, you can clarify your cleavage in a matter of weeks. 

Here's what you need to know about boob breakouts, and the three steps to banishing them from existence.

WHAT CAUSES BREAKOUTS ON YOUR BOOBS?

There may be multiple reasons why zits are living on your chest -- rent-free. We covered the basics -- genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. But let's zoom in a little more on lifestyle, since daily habits might be behind your pesky pimples. 

According to dermatologists, simply having long hair may be the reason your tatas are getting spotty. 

"Look for the distribution of the breakout—if it corresponds to your long hair and stops at about the length of your hair, you may be suffering from what I call an acne-formed reaction to ingredients in hair products," says dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo.

According to the American academy of dermatology, sweating from hardcore workouts may be another cause of your chest acne. While sweat itself won't clog your pores, it can alter the pH of your skin and ultimately, provoke breakouts.

Other potential lifestyle culprits include wearing tight fitting clothing, eating a high-sugar diet, and spending too much time in the sun. 

WILL IT GO AWAY ON ITS OWN?

If you're dealing with blackheads and whiteheads on your chest, chances are there's an underlying culprit that needs your attention. Start by following a skincare routine designed to clear up your boob blemishes (scroll down for our favorite one!), and it should go away within 3-4 weeks if you're consistent. 

While you can just wait it out and see if they resolve on their own, it's better to get started now with a skincare regimen so you can enjoy a clearer chest as soon as possible. If you just leave it without using any acne-clearing formulas, they may take a lot longer to heal or may not go away at all. 

HOW TO CLEAR BOOB ACNE IN 3 STEPS

Lucky for you, we've got a great boobne-clearing routine designed to unclog your pores, clarify your chest, and prevent breakouts from coming back. And it can all be done in just three steps. 

#1: Clarify with Anti-Blemish Cleanser

Hop in the shower and rinse off the day's dirt with a body cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. While both are effective, salicylic acid is a little gentler and suitable for all skin types. This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliates away the buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, and sebum while attacking acne-causing bacteria to treat existing breakouts while working to prevent more. 

Anti-Blemish Cleanser is an excellent body wash for the treatment of acne. Made with zit-zapping salicylic acid and anti-inflammatory hemp, this exfoliating formula will improve the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules while reducing redness and irritation. 

Simply lather it up, massage it into the affected areas, leave it on for 1-2 minutes, then rinse. For best results, use daily. 

#2: Treat with Anti-Blemish Mask

Next, slather on our Anti-Blemish Mask to treat active blemishes on your boobs, and prevent future ones from forming. This pore-clearing mask keeps the breakout-busting ingredients in and the acne-causing bacteria out.

Salicylic acid and hemp work in tandem in this mask to purify the skin, buff away dead cells, and leave skin clear, smooth, and soothed. It's perfect for oily skin and acne-prone skin, but also gentle enough for dry and sensitive skin types thanks to its infusion of hemp that hydrates and soothes. 

In the shower or tub, apply a thin layer of the mask onto the affected areas. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. For best results, use 2-3 times per week. If you have dry or sensitive skin, use 1-2 times per week to prevent undesirable side effects such as dryness and irritation.

#3: Moisturize with Hydrate Body Butter

Finish with a generous scoop of Hydrate Body Butter. 

Most people think moisturizing isn't necessary when you've got acne, but it absolutely is. While we don't recommend slathering your skin in heavy creams and lotions, it's still important to keep your skin hydrated. When skin gets too dry, the sebaceous glands produce more oil to compensate, which can clog the pores and lead to breakouts.

Try our Hydrate Body Butter, a nourishing body moisturizer made with coconut and vanilla to drench your skin in lasting moisture while protecting it from free radicals and reducing pigmentation.

Simply apply after showering or bathing. For best results, use daily -- after every shower.

WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST

If your chest acne doesn't go away after five weeks, consult your dermatologist for a stronger solution. It may be that over-the-counter treatments don't work for your type of acne. If you have severe acne such as cysts or painful nodules or lesions, your dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral medications such as retinoids, Isotretinoin, corticosteroids. But that is normally only advised for severe cases.

If they suspect you have a hormonal imbalance, you may be prescribed oral contraceptives. Birth control pills can be very effective for some people since they reduce levels of androgen which can cause a spike in skin oiliness. 

It's also important to see a dermatology professional if you suspect you have a skin condition, as you may not be able to use all acne treatments. 

Alongside this breakout-clearing routine, other ways to treat and prevent chest breakouts include using non-comedogenic, oil-free skincare products, wearing sunscreen daily, and implementing acids like glycolic acid and azelaic acid into your routine to clear your pores and hair follicles. Just remember to avoid these products if you experience irritation, redness, or rashes directly after using. Refrain from using retinol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Chemical peels are another good option if you can't get rid of your boob breakouts. They can also be helpful for addressing acne scars.