Acne on the body can take many forms, from blackheads and papules (small red bumps) to pus-filled cysts and nodules (large, hard lumps beneath the skin). For effective and long-term treatment, look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog your pores.
Check for ingredients like sulfur, which derms recommend due to its antibacterial, antifungal and skin softening benefits. And for maximum relief try a wash containing maximum over-the-counter concentration of benzoyl peroxide.
1. Salicylic acid
This formula has long been regarded as a top pick for treating breakouts and smoothing rough, bumpy areas on the back and chest thanks to 2 percent salicylic acid content. Furthermore, this noncomedogenic product will not clog pores.
This oil-free wash is gentle enough for daily use. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid to target and treat breakouts on back, chest, and shoulders without overdrying or irritating skin, as well as zinc PCA to regulate sebum production and niacinamide to fade post-blemish hyperpigmentation, it makes an excellent addition to daily care regimens.
Zeichner suggests reaching for an acne body wash containing this ingredient if your skin tends to become congested and you want something that targets blackheads and whiteheads specifically. It has proven more effective than benzoyl peroxide which could irritate sensitive skin and lead to flaking or dryness.
2. Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide doesn’t penetrate skin as deeply and can sometimes leave it feeling dry; yet, its anti-inflammatory effects make it extremely effective at treating pustules, papules, cysts and nodules of acne. Furthermore, benzoyl peroxide also reduces propionibacterium acnes colony counts which contribute to cystic and nodular acne outbreaks.
Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen into the skin, killing bacteria that causes breakouts. Starting out at 2.5 percent concentration is best to avoid irritation; higher concentration levels can be irritating. Like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide can also unclog pores and unplug hair follicles by peeling away dead skin cells, helping unclog pores and unplug hair follicles by peeling away dead cells that accumulate over time. Use once or twice daily before moisturizing afterwards; hot water may strip the skin of its natural oils leaving behind its own natural oils unprotected.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an all-natural solution that may help treat acne and other skin conditions effectively, while still being gentler on the skin than harsh chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide.
Essential oils can help balance the natural oils on your skin, improve texture and tone, and may even be effective against fungal infections such as athlete’s foot or jock itch. To reap maximum benefit from essential oil use, it is crucial that a high-grade, therapeutic grade oil be chosen.
Due to its potency, raw tea tree oil must first be diluted with carrier oil before applying topically. A body wash containing tea tree oil eliminates this step and allows you to take advantage of its antibacterial properties – helping prevent acne breakouts while soothing irritation or dryness as well as helping treat dandruff and other common skin conditions.
4. Glycerin
Glycerin has long been used as a staple skincare ingredient, benefiting many skin types over many decades. Glycerin is nontoxic, safe for all body systems, and doesn’t build up over time – its production occurs naturally by heating certain plant oils.
Hydration-retaining ingredients bind moisture to your skin, leaving it supple and smooth. Furthermore, it offers protection from environmental damage while increasing hydration levels within your complexion. Among others, it acts as a hero ingredient for individuals with dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis; helping reduce inflammation levels as well as soothing their symptoms.
Add Misumi’s Blemish Clear Body Wash into your daily skincare regimen for maximum skin hydration and health benefits. Packed with gentle glycerin and aloe vera extracts as well as other beneficial botanical extracts, it offers great value.
5. Ceramides
Ceramides are naturally present in skin, providing essential hydration for all types of skin types and softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – particularly beneficial for mature skin with diminished natural ceramide production.
As we age and experience various skin conditions like rosacea, eczema and dry skin, our bodies become less capable of producing protective molecules like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. A cream that’s rich in both can help replenish these protective molecules.
Yadav and Bosworth recommend this moisturizing cream that combines three different ceramide types as well as skin-plumping hyaluronic acid for enhanced hydration that soothes and softens the skin. Furthermore, this pair works great when taken alongside retinol to combat any potential irritation caused by its powerful ingredients.