How to Get Rid of Butt Acne, According to Dermatologists
Plus, everything that can cause it.
Stocksy
Medically reviewed by Lucy Chen, MD
Acne is something almost entirely unavoidable. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states that acne affects up to 50 million Americans annually. While we typically associate acne with facial breakouts, body acne also falls under the umbrella, and within that bucket falls butt acne.
Acne is nothing to be ashamed of, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little uncomfortable. What's more, body acne (and butt acne) is discussed way less frequently than facial breakouts. However, it's way more common than you think, and there are plenty of ways to get rid of it.
We asked three skin experts to give us their advice on clearing this type of acne quickly and efficiently. From wearing loose clothing to using body washes formulated with salicylic acid, keep reading for the best butt acne treatments.
Amanda Doyle, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Russak Dermatology Clinic in New York City.
David Lortscher, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Curology.
Kelly Viavattine is a senior esthetician at the Kate Somerville Skin Health Clinic.
What Are the Types of Butt Acne?
Before we begin talking about treatments, it's important to identify what type of breakout we're dealing with to best determine the course of action that needs to be taken. Just note, most acne flare-ups will consist of two or more of these different types. Below, Amanda Doyle, MD, breaks down the types of butt acne that exist and what they look like.
Closed comedones: Small, skin-colored bumps.
Open comedones: Dark brown/black bumps with an opening to the surface of the skin.
Pustules: Pus-filled bumps, otherwise known as whiteheads.
Papules: Small, red, swollen bumps.
Cysts: Larger, deeper bumps that can become red, angry and inflamed that sometimes drain material.
What Causes Butt Acne?
According to David Lortscher, MD, “The causes of bottom acne are very similar to that of other acne on the rest of the body as well as the face. A mixture of genetics, normal hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, and other lifestyle choices can all contribute.” Let's break each of these causes down in order to find out how to best prevent butt acne from happening in the first place.
Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to acne flare-ups than others. In other words, if you're susceptible to acne, there's not much you can do to change that other than keeping your skin clean, your mind and body healthy, and your vanity stocked with effective skincare products.
Stress: It's no secret that stress can cause acne. As such, the best holistic acne remedy is anything that helps you balance your mood, calm your frazzled nerves, and relax.
Diet: Certain foods have been shown to spike acne flare-ups, such as sugar and skim milk.
Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal acne is notoriously tricky, but with certain tailored remedies, and "hormonal manipulations" like birth control, it can be sorted out.
Restrictive clothing: Tight clothing, and the friction it causes on the skin, can lead to breakouts: "We often see acne in women that occurs along the line of a sports bra or otherwise," Dr. Lortscher says.
Perspiration: Sweating from exercise doesn't cause acne. However, letting sweat sit on your skin for long periods of time without washing it off can, since the high-moisture environment encourages icky bacteria to thrive.
How to Treat Butt Acne
Use a Cleanser With Salicylic Acid
This is a safe-for-skin acid that exfoliates on a cellular level by dissolving the 'glue' that holds skin dead cells together. It also penetrates deep into the pores to clear away clogging impurities (other exfoliating acids only work on the surface of the skin). "[Salicylic acid] provides exfoliation that helps to prevent and treat blocked pores, and it may help diminish some types of superficial hyperpigmentation," Dr. Lortscher explains.
“Our bodies (with the exception of the neck, underarms, and groin) can tolerate stronger ingredients than our faces do. So, even if your face does not tolerate exfoliation often (or at all), your back, shoulders, and probably your mid-chest typically should." He recommends using exfoliating washes formulated with salicylic acid, such as Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash ($9), or Kate Somerville's EradiKate Clarifying Acne Gel Cleanser ($44). These washes offer an easy way to treat acne-afflicted skin with salicylic acid. Simply lather up and rinse off.
Apply Benzoyl Peroxide to Your Treatment Area
Another star ingredient for decreasing acne is benzoyl peroxide, which can be found in products such as PanOxyl's Acne Foaming Wash ($10). “Benzoyl peroxide washes can be beneficial, despite the brief contact with skin,” Dr. Lortscher says. Just take it easy, and maybe do a patch-test first. "I’d advise being careful with products containing benzoyl peroxide—some people are allergic to this active ingredient—you’ll know if you’re one of them, as an itchy rash will result every time you use it." If your skin doesn’t react, you’re in the clear (figuratively and literally).
Wear Breathable Clothing
When you combine tight clothing with synthetic athletic fabric, it creates an even stronger possibility for butt acne to appear due to the fact that athletic fabrics aren't as breathable as other fabrics, such as cotton. Dr. Doyle recommends wearing "light, cotton attire that is breathable." She also cautions against sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Get Laser Hair Removal
Kelly Viavattine, a senior esthetician at the Kate Somerville Skin Health Clinic, says a lot of butt acne is caused when hair gets trapped in the pore and becomes infected. "Causes can include waxing, threading, and wearing tight clothing that causes friction, especially after working out," she explains. Viavattine recommends getting laser hair removal to reduce the odds of developing butt acne.
Rinse Off After a Sweat Session
"The eccrine glands produce sweat, and the sebaceous glands produce sebum—so revving up the sweat glands does not turn on the oil glands involved in acne breakouts,” explains Dr. Lortscher. However, “the moisture produced may encourage acne as it lets bacteria proliferate.” Take a quick rinse after a sweaty workout session to avoid leaving perspiration on your skin for too long.
Invest in an LED Device
They don't just look cool, they actually work. LED light therapy can be used to alleviate a number of skin ailments, including acne. Viavattine says she recommends blue light for butt acne treatment as its wavelength is antimicrobial, which decreases inflammation. She recommends Light Stim's handheld device ($169) as it's created specifically for acne treatment and is clinical strength.
Overhaul Your Diet
While studies have not found conclusive evidence that certain foods cause acne, plenty of experts do suggest a connection between what you eat and what your skin looks like. As previously mentioned, foods high in sugar and dairy content are often linked to breakouts. Focus instead on eating leafy greens, fruits, and other non-processed foods to keep breakouts at bay. To jumpstart a diet change-up, try this anti-acne diet for a week.
Avoid Products With Pore-Clogging Ingredients
It's also a good rule of thumb to avoid using any heavy pore-clogging lotions or body washes. If you’re unsure whether or not a product will clog pores, check it on cosDNA. “Pull up and run the ingredient list through the ‘Analyze Cosmetics’ section of their website,” Dr. Lortscher says. “Once you click Analyze, look in the ‘acne’ column—if there are any 3s, 4s, or 5s, consider stopping the use of this product.” It’s a good resource for learning more about the products you use.
Practice Mindful Relaxation
Stress can be a major factor when it comes to acne flare-ups. Use self-care as a tool to see if boosting your mental and emotional health will also boost your skin's health. Incorporate meditation (Headspace is a great app with free and premium options for $12.99 per month) or yoga into your daily or weekly routine.
Make Sure It Really Is Acne
It is possible, however, that butt acne isn't actually acne. It could be a disease called Hidradenitis suppurativa or HS: “HS is a complex disease process that can mimic acne, and it has been called inverse acne—but it is not acne," says Dr. Lortscher. "Characterized by recurrent boil-like lumps (abscesses), difficult-to-heal open wounds and scarring, it commonly occurs in the groin, bottom, the underarms (axillae) and under the breasts.” So please take note: Always (again, always) see a dermatologist if you’re unsure—it never hurts to get a medical professional’s advice.
Try Prescription Acne Medication
If your skin doesn't respond to any of the treatments listed above, it may be time to consult a dermatologist for a topical prescription. These are stronger than store-bought products, which is useful, considering "the skin here is a bit thicker than facial skin." Because of this, Dr. Doyle says butt acne can be unresponsive to traditional store-bought products that might work on facial acne.
Interestingly enough, if your butt acne is caused by bacteria that are proliferating due to the moisture provided by excess sweating, Dr. Doyle would address it directly with a prescription-strength medication, like Qbrexza. It's an effective remedy for Hyperhidrosis (otherwise known as chronic sweating). By reducing sweat, you'll reduce moisture, which will reduce acne-causing bacteria.