Body Acne: The Complete Guide

Why do I have pimples on my body?

Help! Are body pimples taking a toll on your skin? Don’t worry—this is a much more common problem than you might think, and it can affect anyone, at any age. Unlike facial skin, the skin on the body is generally thicker, has many more sebaceous glands in certain areas (such as the décolletage, back, or shoulders), and is much more exposed to friction from clothing, handbags, belts, or sports equipment.

On the back, shoulders, décolletage, or buttocks, two very distinct conditions may lie behind what are commonly referred to as “ imperfections ”:

Body acne: It follows the same mechanism as facial acne, causing an excess of sebum that clogs the pores, leading to bacterial growth and, in turn, inflammation.
Folliculitis: irritation or inflammation of the hair follicle, often caused by heat, sweat, or friction, which can easily be mistaken for acne but is not treated quite the same way.

What causes acne on the body?

There is no single cause of body acne, but several factors—often acting together—can contribute to the appearance of these blemishes. Among them are:

Hormonal changes— puberty, the menstrual cycle, periods of intense stress, or even pregnancy—are all times when sebum production can go into overdrive, both on the body and on the face.
Friction: synthetic clothing, tight-fitting sports bras, backpack straps—all combined with heat, friction, and sweat… This creates the perfect conditions for inflammation of the pores and hair follicles.
Textures that are too rich: certain very nourishing body lotions, thick sunscreens that aren’t well-suited to your skin, or even laundry detergent residue can clog pores over time.
Unremoved sweat: Not showering after a workout can contribute to breakouts, especially on the back, because sweat soaks into your clothes.
Hair care products that run down your back: rich conditioners and hair masks that drip down your back in the shower are also a common and underestimated cause of pimples between the shoulder blades.

Good Habits to Adopt in Your Daily Life

Mild cleansers

Just as with the face, the assumption that “blemished skin = a very harsh cleanser ” is a common mistake. A gel or soap that’s too drying weakens the hydrolipidic film and can, through a rebound effect, stimulate even more sebum production. It’s better to choose a gentle cleanser with a skin-friendly pH, possibly enriched with a mild keratolytic active ingredient, to be used daily in the shower—without confusing gentleness with laxity regarding frequency.

The product to try: Gentle Genius™ Barrier Care Regenerating Shower GelPai Skincare, a creamy shower gel that transforms into a rich lather, formulated with ceramides and colloidal oats to soothe and nourish without drying out the skin.

Use the eraser, but sparingly!

Exfoliation has a place in any anti-breakout routine, as long as you don’t overdo it. On areas of the body prone to breakouts, it helps remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin’s surface and, as they build up, can clog pores and lead to ingrown hairs; a common occurrence on the legs, buttocks, or arms. It’s best to opt for a fine-grained, non-abrasive scrub , used once or twice a week, and never on irritated or inflamed skin. On the most sensitive areas or where breakouts have already formed, a gentle, sweeping motion rather than firm pressure will be just as effective without damaging the skin barrier.

Note that mechanical exfoliation, chemical exfoliation (using salicylic, lactic, or mandelic acids), and dry brushing should not be done on the same days: choose one or the other to avoid further weakening the skin.

The product to try: The Exfoliating Body SerumL:a Bruket, a serum enriched with lactic acid and hyaluronic acid that gently exfoliates and refines skin texture while hydrating.

Focus on light textures

While we tend to want to surround ourselves with comforting textures, it’s best to opt for lightweight or gel-cream formulas that are non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t apply richer textures to the areas that need them most, depending on the season. The key is to choose the right texture for each area.

Key active ingredients: salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid…

Certain acids are particularly effective at cleansing the skin. Salicylic acidpenetrates deep into the hair follicle to thoroughly unclog pores while soothing irritated areas; it’s often the best ally for the back and décolletage. For more sensitive skin, lactic acid offers gentle exfoliation without ever drying out the skin, while maintaining its comfort. And if your skin tends to react or show signs of irritation easily, mandelic acid acts with particular gentleness: its gradual penetration makes it one of the best-tolerated active ingredients, even on the most reactive skin types.

The key tip: Introduce only one exfoliating ingredient at a time, starting with infrequent use, and give your skin time to adjust before increasing the concentration or frequency of application.

The Must-Have Product: Clarifying Body Spray for Blemish-Prone SkinDermalogica, an anti-blemish spray enriched with salicylic acid and specially formulated to target hard-to-reach areas of the body.

False Good Ideas to Forget

Popping pimples: While it may be tempting to do so in the moment for instant relief, this is precisely what leads to scars and dark spots. So resist the urge to touch them and treat them gently by following our previous tips.
Frequent use of harsh mechanical exfoliants: far from cleansing the skin, they create micro-lesions that fuel inflammation. Exfoliating once or twice a week is enough to care for your body.
Sun exposure: UV rays thicken the stratum corneum (which can promote blackheads) and cause long-lasting pigmentation in post-inflammatory scars. Appropriate sun protection remains essential, even on areas with blemishes.
Using multiple exfoliating products at the same time almost always results in irritated, more sensitive skin—never clearer skin any faster.

When should you see a dermatologist?

A tailored routine, followed consistently, usually takes several weeks to show visible results. Yes, patience is part of the treatment. That said, there are certain signs that should prompt you to see a dermatologist rather than continuing on your own:

Deep, cystic, or painful inflammatory lesions.
No improvement whatsoever after several weeks of following an adapted routine.
Scars or blemishes that set in and accumulate.
Uncertainty regarding the nature of the lesions (acne, folliculitis, or another dermatological cause).
An impact on morale or self-confidence that deserves to be taken just as seriously as the skin itself.

A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe a treatment to complement your skincare routine. If you have any questions, please email us at contact@ohmycream.com—our beauty experts will be happy to help.

FAQ

Occasional breakouts—such as those caused by intense sweating—may clear up on their own. However, established body acne usually requires a tailored, consistent skincare routine to achieve lasting improvement.

Yes, when it comes to active ingredients (such as salicylic, lactic, and mandelic acids), but not necessarily when it comes to textures and concentrations: the skin on the body often tolerates slightly different formulations designed for larger areas.

No, that's a common misconception. A tan temporarily hides redness, but UV rays thicken the skin and cause lasting pigmentation in the marks left by pimples.

Generally, wait 4 to 8 weeks of regular use before judging the effectiveness of a routine—that’s how long it takes for the skin’s cell cycle to complete a full renewal.

Not always: This area is particularly prone to folliculitis, which is caused by heat, sweating, and tight clothing. It can easily be mistaken for acne but isn't treated exactly the same way.

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