11 tips to prevent and get rid of shoulder acne

On the list of the most annoying places where acne can appear are the shoulders, next to the back and chest. On the other hand, acne in this hard-to-reach area can be dealt with. Shoulder acne can be treated in the same way as facial acne, with a targeted treatment. Ahead, we've compiled expert tips on how to stop acne and get rid of acne on your shoulders once and for all.

What Causes Pimples on Shoulders?

Don't shower right after your workout

After your workout, be sure to take a shower and rinse off for ten minutes. “When you get pimples on your body, it’s often caused by not showering for too long after a workout,” says board certified dermatologist Dr. Lisa Jeanne.

Friction from sports equipment

Athletes get pimples from their sports equipment so often that there's actually a name for it: mechanical acne. Anything from backpacks to synthetic uniforms that rubs and traps sweat and heat on the skin can cause irritation. To prevent aggravation, try putting a clean pad between the equipment and your skin to reduce friction. It is also helpful to wear loose clothing whenever possible.

Do not wash clothes after sweat

Sweat, dirt and other bacteria can stick to your clothes if you don't wash them after your workout. Get in the habit of throwing your dirty laundry straight into the wash, and bring a change of clothes with you, especially if you're sweating a lot. Sitting in sweaty clothes for too long can lead to the formation of acne on the body. “Remove sportswear or anything sweaty as soon as possible,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand. “The faster the sweat evaporates, the less likely it is to have bumps.”

Bacterial infection

According to board certified dermatologist Dr. Ted Lane, one of the main causes of shoulder pimples is a bacterial infection. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including improper cleansing, lack of exfoliation, and dirt or impurities getting deep into your pores.

hormones

Due to increased sebum production due to hormonal fluctuations, teenagers during puberty are most prone to various forms of acne, which can include acne on the body.

Use antibacterial soap and body wash

When it comes to body wash, the fresh scent of lavender is a popular shower cleanser, but if your skin is sensitive, using scented products can cause irritation. Skincare.com consultant and board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Laura Halsey recommends antibacterial soaps and body washes instead. “To get rid of shoulder pimples, I always recommend using an antibacterial soap and an exfoliating product like the SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub,” she says. "If patients continue to have problems, I recommend adding SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense to their problem areas."

Cleansing with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid shower gel

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are among the most popular ingredients in skin care products to combat acne. You can find them in cleansers, creams, gels, spot treatments, and more. If you are using a benzoyl peroxide cleanser, leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off. The skin on the shoulders is thicker than the skin on the face, so this tactic allows the ingredient to penetrate better. We recommend trying CeraVe SA Shower Gel as it contains salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate acne-prone skin without stripping it of moisture.

Try an Acne Body Spray

The shoulders are not the most easily accessible part of the body, so acne sprays are useful for influencing hard-to-reach areas of the skin. Try Bliss Clear Genius Acne Body Spray, which contains salicylic acid to help clear existing breakouts and prevent new ones without drying out your skin.

Exfoliate your skin

"It's very important to gently remove the buildup of skin cells on your shoulders by exfoliating them when you shower," says Dr. Huschmand. Dr. Lane also recommends using products that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which are chemical exfoliators. These ingredients help to gently remove dirt, grime, and deposits from the surface of your skin.

Don't pick your pimples

Plucking pimples will only worsen their appearance and can lead to infection. If you feel like you've exhausted all your options, don't resort to leather picking. "Instead, see a board-certified dermatologist for help with acne that won't go away," advises Dr. Houshmand.

“There are medications that can be prescribed to help get rid of acne,” adds Dr. Halsey. "It's important to establish a relationship with a dermatologist or esthetician to help develop treatment protocols that can control acne and speed up results."

Apply broad spectrum sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, but many people still tend to forget to apply it all over their body. No matter what time of year it is, Dr. Houshmand recommends applying sunscreen daily to your shoulders, face, and any other exposed areas of your skin. “You have to make sure you protect your skin with a non-comedogenic sunscreen,” she says. "If you have oily skin and are prone to blemishes, make sure your sunscreen is also oil-free." La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Clear Skin SPF 60 oil-free sunscreen absorbs excess sebum and reduces shine without leaving a greasy feeling.