Monday, December 15, 2008

Body Acne

By Jimmy Johnson

People who suffer from body acne have breakouts primarily on their neck, back and shoulders, although breakouts can occur in many other places as well. Acne can be embarrassing, uncomfortable or downright painful depending on the type, and those who suffer from body acne usually have it for most of their lives.

The only pain I associate with body acne is the pain of embarrassment. One of my current concerns is having an outbreak of blemishes on my back and shoulders during the summer months. It is difficult enough to feel comfortable in a revealing summer outfit without worrying about pimples popping up all over. I hate to think that the months that I spent whipping myself into shape are undermined by body acne that makes me cover up.

There are many products out today that are specifically targeted for acne-prone skin, so finding a regime that works for you shouldn't be too difficult. Most pharmacies offer a whole section on clear skin routines and you can always ask a pharmacy consultant in the beauty section to help you choose the best products for your skin.

Most acne medications contain an ingredient called benzoyl peroxide, which is a strong drying out agent that quickly gets rid of oil on the skin and dries up acne. Users of products containing this ingredient need to be careful, as applying it too often may dry out the skin too much, and benzoyl peroxide can actually bleach your clothes if you get it on them.

Until someone figures out the cause of acne, treating it may take a few tries to find the product that works best for you. Certain foods have been known to irritate the skin and cause breakouts, so you may want to adjust your diet and see if you have any results. Also make sure that you are always drinking enough water, as hydrating the skin is very important to keeping skin clear.

When you are treating acne, you will want to keep in mind that some areas of your body are more sensitive than others, and when you are treating these areas you need to be careful not to irritate the skin, which could cause the acne to get worse. Treat the skin on the face and neck with products make for sensitive skin, and don't use harsh exfoliates or products containing alcohol. - 15438

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