Body acne happens because pores get clogged. Sebaceous glands monitor oil production in your skin, exist on all areas of the body, and can get blocked no matter where they are. Usually these blockages are caused by dead skin cells that accumulate inside the pore. “Oil glands continue to produce oil, but when it backs up, your body sees this as foreign material and creates inflammation,” says board-certified dermatologist Robert Finney, MD. Clogged pores and inflammation can lead to both superficial and deep cystic acne.
The main difference between acne on your face and on your body, though, is that inflammation can also occur around hair follicles. It’s called folliculitis, and can happen anywhere there is hair (like your back, chest, or butt). It may look the same as acne on the surface, but what’s happening below could have more to do with bacteria than dead skin cells. “When we’re talking about folliculitis as opposed to acne, we start to think about bacteria that can get in there,” says Finney. That bacteria caught inside can lead to inflammation which leads to zits.
Another bacne culprit could be something called acne mechanica, which is caused by friction. It’s particularly common on the back because of things like backpacks, chairs, and gym equipment, which rub against our backs and force sweat and debris down into pores. “Acne mechanica can be hastened by running, sweating, tight-fitting clothing, and nonabsorbent materials,” says Finney. All of these things can hinder our body’s natural exfoliation process and make dead skin cells stick around in our pores longer, which, you guessed it, leads to irritation and zits.
Read more: Best Acne Spot Treatments
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