As warm temps ensue, you’ll likely be sporting tank-style bodysuits and linen dresses (or, your favorite swim trunks). The worst part, though? Having unwanted acne flare-ups dotting your shoulders and elsewhere on your body.
To help ward off blemishes that don’t cater to soft, smooth skin at all, a quality body wash for acne-prone skin — after frequent and consistent use — may be your new BFF. (Related: Best acne spot treatments).
“You should use a body wash for acne-prone skin one to two times per day based on need; lifestyle affects this recommendation such as how much someone works out and the use of occlusive clothing,” Roberta Del Campo, MD, board-certified dermatologist, told the New York Post. ” everity of the acne and also skin type will also play a role.”
Ahead, our team of board-certified dermatologists outline what to know about ingredients, usage and more in our in-depth FAQ section on body washes for acne-prone skin. Plus, Papri Sarkar, MD, Massachusetts-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, hand-picked seven tried-and-true options for you to shop from below.
“This product is one of the gentler body washes but is still quite effective at treating blackheads and whiteheads,” Dr. Sarkar notes.
Not to mention, this over-the-counter formula is applauded by more than 14,000 positive reviews for being gentle, moisturizing well and featuring a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulation.
2. CLn BodyWash, $36
“This is a great option for patients with sensitive skin who have acne,” Sarkar says. “It isn’t irritating, is great at preventing and treating inflamed pimples and contains sodium hypochlorite.”
What’s more, this particular body wash is said to help prevent skin redness, drying and flakiness, too.
“This product contains either four or 10% benzoyl peroxide and has a good lather which is important to a lot of my patients,” Sarkar says. “It can be quite drying though so it’s not the best option for dry or sensitive skin.”
Not only is this one of the best Amazon purchases you can make for less than $25 — buying in bulk, too — but it’s also one of the quickest-acting formulas to grab as it’s recommended to wash off after two minutes.
“This product gently exfoliates with a PHA (polyhydroxyacid) and contains salicylic acid to help unclog pores and treat blackheads,” Sarkar explains.
Plus, the Neutrogena Stubborn Body Acne Cleanser & Exfoliator is fragrance-free, helps remove dirt and oil from pores and, over time, can help clear body acne because of its nuanced approach to fighting impurities.
“This formulation hits acne with multiple ingredients to get it under control,” Sarkar says. “It contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid and also contains fine date seed extracts for some mechanical exfoliation.”
Not to mention, she says this is great for those who don’t feel like their body wash is working unless it has a scrubbing component, as is the case with this formulation.
“This body wash has glycolic acid and is great for patients who are sensitive to ingredients like benzoyl peroxide (which can be drying),” Sarkar notes.
Even better, it doubles as a keratosis pilaris treatment, thanks to its ability to help smooth rough and bumpy skin.
Speaking of rough and bumpy skin, the CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin is a fan-favorite, no-brainer option that boasts more than 27,000 rave reviews for its non-irritating, niacinamide-infused formulation that’s a rockstar at helping to moisturize and gently exfoliate the skin.
“Although this body wash is marketed for keratosis pilaris or strawberry skin, it doubles nicely as an acne wash,” Sarkar says. “The 2% salicylic acid helps to prevent and treat blackheads while ceramides help to rehydrate skin.”
An FAQ on Body Washes for Acne-Prone Skin
Ahead, our team of board-certified dermatologists explain the ins and outs of body washes specifically formulated for acne-prone skin.
How to tell if you have acne-prone skin, per dermatologists
First things first: How do I know if I have acne-prone skin? A common misconception is that oily skin is synonymous with acne-prone skin, but they’re not one and the same.
“By definition, to have acne-prone skin, you must have comedones (white heads and black heads- blocked pores),” Dr. Del Campo tells The Post. “Those with acne-prone skin tend to have inflammation in the skin, redness and possible tenderness associated with lesions. Those with ‘sensitive skin’ will also notice redness and or more reactive skin.”
However, if you don’t have comedones, you’re technically not labeled as having acne-prone skin.
“Acne-prone skin basically just means that your skin is more likely to get acne than the average person’s,” Sarkar further explains. “For example, although coconut oil is a fine makeup remover for some patients, for acne-prone patients, they are more likely to get acne in response to using that.”
Similarly, those with acne-prone skin may be more likely to get clogged pores, often have more oily skin and might respond with acne during stressful times. “Sensitive skin is more reactive than the average person’s,” Sarkar adds. “A patient with sensitive skin may react with dry patches, redness, acne, hives or a rash to common situations or products.”
Certainly, there’s overlap between acne-prone and sensitive skin. “Some patients respond with acne to many triggers making their skin more reactive or sensitive than other patient’s,” she adds.
What to look for in a body wash for acne-prone skin, per dermatologists
It’s important to note that just because a body wash says it’s great for acne on its product label doesn’t necessarily mean it is. That said, shopping for a quality body wash apt for acne-prone skin requires a careful look at its ingredient list.
Luckily, New York Post Shopping and our team of dermatologists carefully vetted the handful of best products to shop from above. There are some key elements to keep in mind, though.
“Ingredients to combat bacteria-causing acne — such as benzoyl peroxide can be effective,” Del Campo shares. “I also like alpha and beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid to cut oiliness and exfoliate the skin to minimize the risk of blocked pores; blocked pore come from trapped dirt, debris and oil.”
Keep in mind that both glycolic and salicylic acid are known to dry out the skin, so be careful when using in excess — if you have dry and/or sensitive skin, that is — and be sure to follow up with a body lotion post-shower for more hydration.
Aside from benzoyl peroxide, other ingredients to look for when seeking out an acne body wash are sodium hypochlorite and lactic acid. “In general, since the skin on the body is less sensitive and thicker than the skin on the face, body acne washes often have higher concentrations of these ingredients than their facial wash counterparts,” Sarkar notes,
What are the benefits of using a body wash for acne-prone skin?
Even the best body wash won’t clear acne overnight, but these formulations offer plenty of cleansing and skin-boosting benefits.
“The benefits of using body washes are that you can easily apply actives to your skin (you’re naked already and all of your skin is easy to lather up in the shower), you can use more irritating ingredients as you’re applying them for a short while and then washing them off and it’s easy to apply to large amounts of surface area at a time,” Sarkar lists. “Essentially it’s a twofer: you’re showering to clean your body and, by using an acne body wash, you’re getting to clean your body and treat your acne at the same time.”
How often should I use a body wash on my acne-prone skin?
Of course, usage depends on how severe your acne is, how sensitive or reactive your skin is and how often you shower.
“In general, unless your skin is very sensitive, if you have body acne that is bothering you, using an acne body wash every other day is a good bet, Sarkar recommends. “As with all skincare though, tailor your routine to your skin. If your skin is irritated, use less frequently. Similarly, if your skin is handling your acne body wash without a hiccup, you might be able to use daily.”
Can I shave when using a body wash for acne-prone skin?
According to Del Campo, shaving can be done immediately after using your favorite body wash for acne-prone skin.
“I recommend shaving afterward as bacteria and dirt will be wiped from the skin so, if microscopic openings from the shaving are introduced to the skin, the bacteria will not enter the skin,” she explains. “It’s interesting to note that the shaving process can also act as a mechanical exfoliant.”
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