Question to expert: What to do with acne on the chest, shoulders and back
Text: Anastasia Andreeva
RESPONSES TO THE MAJORITY OF US QUESTIONS we used to search online. In the new series of materials we ask such questions: burning, unexpected or widespread - to professionals in various fields.
Acne and facial inflammation is perhaps the most popular topic in skin care materials. However, rashes can appear on the body, most often on the chest, shoulders and back. Inflammations on these zones usually try to produce lime with salicylic acid and iodine, since the skin is less sensitive there. Meanwhile, skin with such features can be treated with the help of more humane means. We talked to a cosmetologist about the causes of such rashes and how to deal with them, and also collected a small list of tools that will be useful in the care of reactive skin of the body.
Maria Merekina
dermatocosmetologist "Clinics of modern cosmetology of Yulia Shcherbatova":
Acne is a disease of the sebaceous glands, manifested by blockage and inflammation of the hair follicles. Acne is considered characteristic of adolescence, but often inflammation occurs in adulthood. Among people over the age of twenty-five, according to various sources, between 20 and 40% of people experience acne. Women are more likely due to hormonal features. There are many reasons, and some of them require the joint work of several specialists.
Inflammation and rash can appear on different parts of the body: in the décolleté, back, shoulders, buttocks. Acne on the chest and back may be associated with a hormonal imbalance, which will require examination by a gynecologist and an endocrinologist. Sometimes disruption of the sebaceous glands is a side effect of overproduction or inhibition of hormones. Acne in women can be the result of gynecological diseases or inflammatory processes, which also lead to a change in the normal level of sex hormones, and again to the appearance of acne on the body. For treatment in this case, an integrated approach is needed on the part of the endocrinologist, gynecologist, and dermatologist.
Another provoking factor is stresses and experiences: mental processes can also participate in hormonal imbalance
The direct link between nutrition and the occurrence of acne has not been proven, but during periods of exacerbation, experts recommend a balanced diet that does not allow for deficiency of protein, vitamins, amino acids, and excessive amounts of carbohydrates, and also refrain from reducing diets. Another provoking factor is stress and anxiety: mental processes can also participate in hormonal imbalance. Taking care of a healthy day, sleep and rest regimen can significantly contribute to recovery. The treatment of back and shoulder acne is complicated primarily by the constant wearing of clothing that creates friction; In addition, these inflammatory processes are more complicated than on the face. Often, the combined use of drugs is necessary - it can be antibacterial therapy and local remedies: ointments, gels, creams.
The choice of treatment depends on the degree of manifestation. You can try to remove light inflammations on your own, by systematizing daily skin care and, if possible, providing yourself with water treatments immediately after excessive sweating. To enhance the effectiveness of self-treatment, you can use soap or special products (lotions, creams, sprays) with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Good results are shown by preparations containing retinol: it is easily absorbed by the skin, prevents clogged pores, controls fat formation, promotes skin regeneration and exfoliation of dead cells. Glycolic and lactic acids contained in hygiene products, enhance the metabolism in the skin, help cleanse the pores and exfoliate. However, it should be remembered that in the event of irritation and dryness, the use of therapeutic drugs should be discontinued. Also, if you have a mild acne, it is recommended to do peeling (you can choose milk, salicylic, almond, PRX-33%, gas-liquid) on the inflamed areas: back, shoulders or décolleté.
Acne of moderate and severe is much more difficult to treat and in other ways, under the obligatory control of a dermato-cosmetologist and with the involvement of other specialists. Self-removal of inflammation can leave scars on the skin and provoke increased disease.
10 funds that can be useful
Natura Siberica Body Exfoliate Scrub
349 rub.
Scrub from the Siberica White series, which includes the famous acid peeling for the face. Leaving aside the controversial whitening, which is useful only to those who want to overcome hyperpigmentation, this is a good working tool for reasonable money. The main component is ANA / BHA acids, they are assisted by Amur lingonberry, camel, arctic wormwood and angelica. Scrub gently exfoliates enough, but also has anti-inflammatory effect and does not dry the skin.
Clark's Botanicals Cleansing Face and Body Gel
3300 rub.
It contains salicylic acid, as well as seaweed and jasmine extracts. Helps to calm down inflammation without overdrying the skin around, and also prevents the appearance of new rashes with regular use.
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion Exfoliating Lotion
1650 rub.
Here in the composition all the same flawlessly working salicylic acid. A plus to it is acetylglucosamine, which softens and exfoliates dead skin cells and also cleans pores. In addition, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, capryloyl glycine and chloroxylenol are combined in one complex. Together they prevent the appearance of new inflammations and the spread of acne over the surface of the skin.
Body Cream CeraVe Renewing SA Cream
1594 rub.
A powerful exfoliating and at the same time emollient. This effect can be achieved due to the combination of salicylic acid with ceramides and vitamin D. After its use, in no case should we forget about the Sanskrin on open areas of the body.
REN Clarifying Toning Lotion Cleansing Lotion
1310 rub.
Tonic provides quite soft and simultaneously noticeable exfoliation. As part of lactic and glycolic acid and fruit extracts. Due to the non-aggressiveness, the tool can become a lifesaver for those who have acne on the body combined with the sensitivity of the skin.
Stridex Cleaning Discs
359 rub.
For the body, you can choose discs with a maximum concentration of salicylic acid - 2%. They are very effective when you need to control the situation with rashes and inflammations, but dry the skin. People with sensitive skin will not be able to use discs for regular use, but they will be useful for relieving inflammation.
Lipid Balsam La Roche-Posay Lipikar
1146 rub.
In general, this tool from the line for skin prone to dermatitis. But in the care of reactive skin of the back and décolleté also works fine due to good moisturizing. In addition, the balm helps to quickly soothe sensitive and irritated skin.
Cream-shower gel for sensitive skin Barnängen
379 rub.
Budget Scandinavian brand Barnängen recently in the Russian market. Acquaintance with him can be started with this shower gel with cold cream, which intensively moisturizes the skin and does not allow it to dry out during the use of active ingredients in the care.
Serum VProve A-Cleanew After Serum
1690 rub.
Another budget tool, this time Korean, which will help in the care of acne-prone skin. Serum copes well with local inflammation, while leaving areas where it is applied, moisturized.
Cream with camellia and green tea Madre Labs
517 rub.
Green tea oil is known for its antibacterial and drying properties. In this cream it is combined with hyaluronic acid, which allows you to kill two birds with one stone: to prevent the spread of lesions and moisturize the skin. In a jar of 50 ml, which is not so much when it comes to, for example, the care of the skin of the back and shoulders, but the low price allows you to take several packages at once.
Photos: iHerb (1, 2), La Roche-Posay, V-Prove, Ostriv Chrisi, Natura Siberica, Cosmotheca, Clinique, REN, Walmart, Africa Studio - stock.adobe.com, shishiga - stock.adobe.com