How to Clear Acne on the Chest
Acne on your chest can be just as embarrassing as acne on your face. Chest breakouts may seem abnormal, but acne occurs when oil and dead skin get trapped in your hair follicles, so every place on your body where hair grows is susceptible to acne. You don't have to hide your issues under clothing for the rest of your life; there are ways you can alter your routine to make sure your chest is acne-free. Remember, there is no cure for acne, so it's important to be consistent in your regimen in order to maintain clear skin.
Things You'll Need
- Medicated acne cleanser
- Exfoliating body brush
- Clay mask
- Oil-free moisturizer
- Loose-fitting shirts
- Medicated body pads
- Oil-free sunscreen
Instructions
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Instructions
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Purchase a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Both ingredients work to slough off dead skin to keep pores from getting blocked. Start with a salicylic acid formula since it is the more gentle of the two. If you aren't seeing results in a few weeks, switch to a benzoyl peroxide formula, but have an oil-free moisturizer on hand as it can be more drying than salicylic acid.
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Use a loofah or body brush with your medicated cleanser to help exfoliate dead skin and dirt from the problem area, but don't scrub hard as that can irritate your skin and cause more breakouts.
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Wash your breakout areas as the last step before you get out of the shower because shampoo and conditioner can build up in pores after rinsing your hair.
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Use a mask on your chest to help give your skin a boost and give problem areas extra attention. Leave a the mask on your chest for at least 15 minutes, then rinse and follow with an oil-free moisturizer as some masks can have a drying effect on skin.
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Use an oil-free moisturizer after cleaning your chest. Consider trying a lotion with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide built in. These products will keep your skin hydrated, but the medicine will help you fight acne-causing bacteria at all times.
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Don't wear shirts that could irritate the area. Shirts with lace in the chest area and tight-fitting, nonbreathable shirts are garments to avoid. Loose-fitting cotton shirts are best.
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Don't wear necklaces that might irritate the area. Any irritation will cause your skin to produce more oil, which can lead to more breakouts.
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During workouts, wear loose-fitting clothing, and shower immediately afterward. If you don't have time to hit the showers right away, use medicated body pads that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
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Always wear an oil-free sunscreen if you're going to be outside. This will help your skin stay hydrated and avoid irritation from a sunburn.
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Don't wear the same shirt to bed every night. Bacteria transferred from your skin to the fabric will continue to be re-deposited on your skin every night. A loose white cotton shirt is best.
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Tips & Warnings
Your breakouts may be part of an allergic reaction to your detergent. If you aren't seeing results after a few weeks of following the above steps, consider switching to a different laundry detergent.
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may bleach fabrics. If you're using a medicated lotion, avoid wearing shirts you don't want to ruin. You may also want to use white towels for drying off after your showers.
