ACNE ON BACK AND CHEST

Dear Jellybean,

I have had really smooth skin always up until now. All of the sudden I have acne on my back and chest. I am very hygenic and I just can't seem to get rid of it, can you help?
Sincerely,
Bumpy Back

Dear Bumpy Back,

Summertime is body acne time for many people... even those with normally smooth skin. Perspiration and tight-fitting clothing can combine to trap moisture close to the skin, where it mixes with surface oils. The result is a film that clogs pores and causes blemishes.

Since it's close to impossible to prevent sweat completely in the hotter months, unless you hide inside an air conditioned house all summer (and that's no fun), start by eyeing your clothes. If you've been wearing tight halters and tubes, switch to flowy empire-style tops and looser-fitting tees, that allow some air to circulate over your skin (which prevents the pimple-creating moisture trap).

Also try to choose tops made from cotton, a natural fabric that "breathes" - allowing your skin to get some air, rather than man-made fabrics such as Spandex or polyester, which seal your skin in.

As for treating your body acne, the course of action is much the same as for facial acne. Wash daily with a salicylic-acid-based cleanser (find one at your local drugstore), and be sure to shower as soon as possible after perspiring. After your shower, wipe blemished areas with a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid pad. Follow up with an alpha hydroxy acid-based body moisturizer if needed (it will help exfoliate skin while preventing it from drying out).

At night before you go to bed, you can also pat your body blemishes with a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatment, for some overnight TLC.

If body acne isn't going away after a few weeks of regular treatment as described above, see your family doctor for a referral to a dermatologist.