How to reduce back, chest and butt acne.

Do you get back acne? Chest acne? Butt acne? You're not alone, babe. Here's why body acne is so obsessed with you — and how to actually clear it.

Backne. Buttne. Chestne. Whatever you want to call it, body acne is incredibly common and incredibly treatable. The fact that it keeps showing up doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong — it just means your skin needs the right routine. Let me explain.

Why does body acne happen?

Your back, chest, and butt have some of the highest concentrations of oil glands on your body. More oil glands means more opportunity for pores to get clogged, bacteria to build up, and breakouts to form. Add in sweat, friction from clothing, and the fact that these areas are harder to reach and easier to neglect, and you've got the perfect conditions for body acne to set up camp.

What makes it worse?

• Tight clothing. Workout leggings, tight waistbands, and synthetic fabrics trap sweat and oil against the skin. Get changed as soon as you're done exercising, and where you can, opt for looser, breathable fabrics over problem areas.
• Dehydration. When your skin is dehydrated it compensates by producing more oil — which then clogs your pores. Drink more water. Your skin will notice.
• Fragrances and detergents. Perfumed body lotions, harsh washing detergents, and heavily fragranced shower gels can all irritate acne-prone skin. If your breakouts track with a product change, that's your culprit.
• Leaving sweat on the skin. Post-gym or post-anything-sweaty, get into the shower as soon as you can.

The ingredients that actually work on body acne

Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid (AHAs + BHA)

This combination is the heavy hitter for body acne. My Triple Acid Body Wash uses all three — salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates into the pore to clear out oil and bacteria, while glycolic and lactic acids (AHAs) resurface the skin and break down the dead cell buildup that causes congestion. Use it a few times a week, or daily if your skin can handle it.

Glycolic acid (exfoliant)

Between washes, physical exfoliation helps keep pores clear. My Glycolic Body Scrub buffs away dead skin cells while glycolic acid works underneath the surface to smooth texture and prevent future blockages. Use it two to three times a week in place of your regular wash.

Lactic acid (overnight treatment)

After cleansing and exfoliating, your skin needs something to treat and hydrate. My Smoothing AHA Body Lotion uses lactic acid to gently resurface the skin while you sleep — so you're working on body acne even on the days you skip the scrub.

A simple routine for body acne

1. Shower with Triple Acid Body Wash — 3 to 4 times a week, daily if you're sweating a lot
2. Two to three times a week, swap in Glycolic Body Scrub for a deeper exfoliation
3. After showering, apply Smoothing AHA Body Lotion to affected areas

Give it four to six weeks of consistency. Body acne responds well to routine — it just needs time.

x frank