Body acne can be caused due to quite a few factors like hormonal changes, poor eating habits, infections, and generics. Although stress is not considered to be a direct cause of body acne, it can worsen the breakouts. Some of the most common reasons for body acne are explained below.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes that take place in men and women during puberty and hormonal changes that are associated with menstrual cycle in women can lead to the development of body acne. As a result of an increase in the production of sex hormone that happens during puberty, the follicles that are responsible for producing hair become larger and result in the production of more sebum.
Sebum is oil that is produced by the body to lubricate hairs and perform some other functions. Acne outbreaks begin when sebum and dead skin cells combine with each other and get trapped in a follicle or pore. Bacteria which are naturally present in the pores cause a minor infection by feeding this combination. This eventually leads to inflammation and causes redness.
Body acne in adults can be caused by pregnancy, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or Cushing’s disease that result in hormonal changes. Using steroids is also known to cause pimples as they have a similar effect on the sebum-producing glands and follicles.
Poor Eating Habits
Very few people know that eating processed foods and high fat foods can cause and worsen body acne. This is because these unhealthy foods are loaded with preservatives and lack nutritional value. Since the body fails to digest these foods properly, it can cause an inflammatory response, which can in turn result in body acne.
Infections
All pimples involve minor infection. Overgrowth of certain kinds of bacteria is one of the leading causes of body acne. Overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes bacteria is a well cause of severe body acne.
Genetics
If even one of your parents has body acne, then you have a strong chance of experience this issue. Therefore, you need to be careful and take proper precautionary measures if the problem of body acne runs in your family.
Ways to Get Rid of Body Acne
You can easily get rid of body acne and even prevent them by following the simple tips explained below.
Bath Regularly
Taking frequent baths with lukewarm water is the best way to get rid of body acne. Soaking the area that is affected by acne in warm water helps to open up the pores and also loosen dead skin cells. Never scrub the affected area with a body scrubber, as it can cause irritation and make the problem more severe.
Wear Loose and Comfortable Clothes
It is recommended to wear comfortable and loose clothes, as skin irritation caused by tight clothes can worsen body acne. People who have body acne should avoid wearing woolen clothes because they can increase the severity of the condition by scratching the skin.
Skin Exfoliation
Skin exfoliation will help to remove dead skin cells, which are among the leading causes of clogged pores and body acne. To get best results, you should perform skin exfoliation at least twice a week.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Your diet should be rich in fresh fruits and green vegetables. These foods contain ample amounts of antioxidants that help to improve your skin health by fighting against free radicals and strengthening your immune system.