This story was updated in January 2019.
It’s summer, ladies and it’s the perfect time to wear light and flowy clothes. But one of the major skin problems that come with this heat is acne. Apart from your face, your chest is also prone to breakouts, which we know is quite a bummer – chest acne tends to be worse in the summer because of the high temperatures and sweat. But, don’t worry as there are some ways you can cover up chest acne while also trying to get rid of it. Read on to put a stop to this body acne for good.
Causes
Places Where You Get Acne
Conceal Chest Acne
Home Remedies
What Causes Chest Acne?
There are numerous reasons behind developing chest acne, especially in this heat. The high temperature, the friction from your clothes rubbing against your skin, the sweat and increased bacteria on your body – these factors lead to breakouts in the summer. But, before you go ahead and try to treat it, here are some other reasons you might be getting acne on your chest:
Sleep deprivation
Now, you might be thinking what’s sleep got to do with it? But ladies, let us tell you, the amount of sleep you get has got everything to do with it! If you don’t sleep enough, your skin won’t be able to recover and the less rest it gets, the higher the probability of acne and breakouts.
Unhealthy diet
Girls, you are what you eat! The greasier the food you eat, the higher the chances of breaking out. A diet high in sugar and carbohydrates may make acne flare-up even more.
Stress
Ladies, we know how demanding your college or work life is, but sometimes you have to take care as stress leads to acne. The cells in your body produce sebum that has receptors for stress hormones, leading to a pimple or acne cyst.
Not Exfoliating Enough
Another factor is that we don’t exfoliate the rest of our body the way we do our faces. The only time our bodies get clean thoroughly is in the shower which is not really enough to get rid of the dead skin.
The Weirdest Places Where You Get Acne?
On Your Butt
Two reasons why you could have acne on the butt – faulty medication and poor hygiene. Sometimes, you could experience a side effect of a drug if they contain progesterone, lithium, halogens, testosterone, vitamins B2, B 12 and B 6. In case you notice acne popping up post the consumption of medicine, please put an end to it. Also, take care of your bottom by keeping it clean and smooth. Avoid sitting in one place for long hours and loose clothes so that you give your skin the chance to breathe. Like you do for your face, you can also exfoliate your butt by using a granular-based exfoliant. This will help to scrub off all the dead skin cells and keeps your butt super smooth and soft.
On The Lips
Getting a zit on your lips is the worst thing that can happen to you, especially if you have a date or an interview to go to. The causes are plenty, it’s either to do with oily skin, hormonal imbalance, sweat and diet. You can also get them if you use another person’s lip balm, food residue and the heat. I would suggest that you use a toothbrush to remove the dead skin cells on the lips and to keep them smooth and supple. You can also drink lots of water instead of using balms to keep your pout moist and hydrated.
In The Ear
Believe it or not, but you have pores in your ear too! If they get blocked due to dirt, earwax and shampoo residue, acne could pop up! Instead of touching them, allow them to heal naturally and do not interfere with them. Talk to your dermatologist before you use any lotion on your skin. Also, make it a point to clean your ears every day using a cotton bud.
Near Your Hoo-Ha
When you wear tight clothes with rough fabric, you put your skin under a lot of stress. This damages your skin and that causes pimples. You must also avoid using shower gels and soaps that are packed with chemicals because they can irritate the skin and cause acne as well. Also, when you come out from a shower, don’t just jump into your night suit. Wipe your hoo-ha well and allow it to air-dry for a while.
On Your Neck
Believe it or not, but you can get acne on your neck and trust me, it’s painful! You can either get it if you’re always wearing a collar, a turtleneck or a scarf. The fabric clogs the pores and traps the sweat and dirt into them. What you can do is that on and off, wipe your neck with antibacterial wipes and apply baby powder to the area to keep it smooth and soft.
On Your Back
Acne on your back is known as bacne. It’s caused when your back is not washed well. Diet plays an important role too. The more oily, greasy and salty food you consume, the more acne you’ll spot on your back. Sometimes, even bacne is caused even due to shaving and cuts. Please make it a point to scrub your back well. Post scrubbing and cleansing, you might want to moisturise. Also, wear cotton clothes so that your skin gets a chance to breathe and relax.
How To Conceal Chest Acne?
Acne or acne marks don’t disappear in a day, do they? But while you’re trying to get rid of the acne, why not cover it up and make your skin appear gorgeous? Believe us, ladies, nobody will notice.
Most MUAs prefer covering the décolletage area while doing makeup, as well. You can try this whenever you’re going out for an event and flaunt all your low neck tops in this heat. To feign acne and a blemish-free chest, start with applying a moisturizer on the area. The next step is to cover all the blemishes and acne with the help of a green-coloured corrector to neutralize the red.
Use a concealer that is the closest to your natural skin tone for full coverage, on top of the corrector. Blend it thoroughly with the help of your warm fingertips or a damp beauty blender. To make sure that it stays on for long periods of time, dab on some loose powder and you’re good to go.
How Can You Get Rid Of Chest Acne?
It’s important that you get rid of the problem from the roots. For that, you need to concentrate on a lot of things and pamper your skin regularly. Start with exfoliating the affected area on a regular basis with a gentle body scrub that will help prevent blemishes and give you smoother, softer skin.
Make some healthy choices when it comes to food – swap your soft drink with green tea, reduce the number of carbs and oily food you have in a week and slowly you’ll notice a change in your skin. As we’ve mentioned before, you’re what you eat, ladies!
A Few Home Remedies That Help Treat Chest Acne?
Like your face, the rest of your body deserves some TLC as well. You can use some amazing home remedies to prevent those breakouts on your chest. Home remedies are one of the best ways to get rid of the pesky acne and the silver lining here is that whatever you are using for your face, can be used on your chest, as well. Oatmeal, honey, tomatoes and turmeric are some amazing ingredients from your kitchen that can help tackle your acne woes.
Hello There, Oatmeal!
Oatmeal helps absorb oil and unclog pores. It’s cooling on the skin and is packed with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce and prevent acne on the chest naturally. Here’s how to use the ingredient to your advantage.
Step 1: Pour a cup of oatmeal into a bowl.
Step 2: Drizzle some honey over it and then add water to the mix.
Step 3: Allow both the ingredients to soak well in the water.
Step 4: Use a spoon to blend all the ingredients.
Step 5: Apply the paste all over your chest and do not wash it off until it dries up.
Multani Mitti To The Rescue
Multani Mitti is one of the best ingredients used to treat skin care problems in India. It does an amazing job at absorbing oil and healing skin from rashes and bumps. You can also mix this ingredient with cucumber juice as it helps to soothe skin and keep it moist and hydrated.
Step 1: Add a tablespoon of Multani Mitti into a bowl.
Step 2: Add four teaspoons of water and half a cup of cucumber juice or cucumber pulp.
Step 3: Mix all the ingredients well and apply it to the acne on your chest.
Step 4: Leave the mask on the chest to dry for about an hour.
Step 5: Clean the area with a damp cloth and later, go for a warm shower to make sure that no residue stays behind and clogs the pores.
Garlic Has Superpowers!
Step 1: Toss a few pods of garlic and cloves into a mixer.
Step 2: Once you’re left with the paste, scoop it up with your fingers and spread it all over your chest.
Step 3: Wait for about 30-40 minutes.
Step 4: Wash it off with lukewarm water.
Eggs Are The Best!
I’m not sure if you know this, but the yolk of the egg is much more effective than the white when it comes to treating chest acne. It’s loaded with vitamin A, D and E. It also contains folate and a power vitamin known as vitamin B12.
Step 1: Crack an egg and separate the yolk from the white.
Step 2: Add a teaspoon of unflavoured yogurt and give it a good stir using a spoon.
Step 3: Dip a ball of cotton into the yolk and apply it to the chest area.
Step 4: Wait for about an hour before you wash the yolk off your chest.
It’s Time For Sea Salt!
Sea salt is loaded with anti-bacterial properties that are good for exfoliating skin and drawing out excess oil from the skin pores. This recipe that I’m about to share with you is gold.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of sea salt.
Step 2: Pour half a cup of fresh lemon juice.
Step 3: Dip a brush into the juice and apply it all over your body.
Step 4: Keep it on for about 10-15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
Tea Tree Oil For The Win
Did you know that tea tree oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to kill and destroy bacteria? Yep, it sure does! Not just that, it helps reduce swelling and rashes too.
Step 1: Pour some water into a bowl.
Step 2: Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to it.
Step 3: Dip a cotton ball into the liquid.
Step 4: Apply it to the acne on your chest.
Step 5: Wash it off after an hour.
Show Me The Honey!
Just FYI ladies, honey is used as a natural skin care ingredient for centuries. At one point of time, even Cleopatra used to bathe in honey and milk just so she can get smooth and soft skin. Little did you know that honey can be used to treat acne as well.
Step 1: Dip your fingers into a bottle of raw honey.
Step 2: Spread the gooey ingredient all over your chest.
Step 3: Allow it to stay on for a good 20-30 minutes.
Step 4: Go for a shower after.
Good Old Aloe Vera Pulp
Since aloe vera contains water, it makes a good natural moisturiser for women who have naturally dry skin. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal skin and prevent it from breaking out.
Step 1: Cut open an aloe leaf.
Step 2: Remove the pulp using a spoon.
Step 3: Apply the pulp to your chest area.
Step 4: You can add a layer of honey as well.
Step 5: Leave it on for a good 20-30 minutes.
Step 6: First, wipe the pulp using a damp towel and then wash it with lukewarm running water.
Lastly, don’t ever forget to apply your moisturizer as well as your sunscreen on your neck and chest areas as they get exposed to the sun too and need your attention, just like your face. Use a sunscreen that is high in SPF and will protect you from skin damage.
Images: Shutterstock
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