What’s That on Your Chest?
1. Pay Attention to Your Post-Workout Routine
Fitted workout gear can be cute AF, but it can also cause sweat accumulation and friction that leads to breakouts. Wear clothes made of breathable fabrics, suggests Nussbaum, who notes that cotton is best. You’ll also want to change out of any sweaty clothes as soon as your workout is over and shower ASAP to prevent pores from clogging. If you can’t rinse off immediately, change and then wipe down the chest area with a wet or dry cloth until you can.
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Learn more about adult acne:
2. Exfoliate Regularly
Sloughing off dead skin is just as important for the body as it is for the face. “Exfoliating one to two times a week will buff away dead skin cells that can clog pores and form pimples,” says Nussbaum. Try a body scrub with a physical exfoliant, such as Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish ($36, sephora.com). The coconut oil and Moroccan rose will help hydrate and soothe even sensitive skin.
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3. Switch to an Acne-Fighting Body Wash
Yummy-smelling body gels are fun, sure, but if you have a serious case of chest acne, benzoyl peroxide is your best bet here. “Benzoyl peroxide is a great ingredient for acne on the chest because it kills bacteria that live in pores but also helps to unclog them,” says Bloom. You’l notice that it comes in different strengths; Bloom suggests starting out at a 4% to 5% like Topix Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Wash ($12, amazon.com) and moving up to a stronger formula if your skin doesn’t get irritated and your acne hasn’t cleared up.
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If even a low-grade benzoyl peroxide wash bothers your skin, salicylic acid is another option. Nussbaum recommends an OTC option, such as Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash ($37, ulta.com), Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash ($10, amazon.com), or Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash ($38, sephora.com). “A dermatologist can also prescribe these body washes in higher potencies if needed,” she says.