Chest acne can be fairly unsightly and can undermine your confidence. The good news is you can get rid of it with the following time-tested remedies.
1. Anti-Acne Soap
The first step to get rid of chest acne is to clean and exfoliate your skin thoroughly using an anti-acne soap and a loofah scrubbing sponge. However, make sure you scrub gently to slough off dead skin cells. If you scrub too roughly, you risk depleting your skin of natural oils, which will irritate and exacerbate your acne.
2. Scrub
Alongside the soap, you can try using a good scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells and clean the pores. You can make your own scrub (orange peel or almonds work nicely) or choose one which contains salicylic acid, which works wonders for chest acne.
3. “Zit Zapper”
Another way to fight chest acne is using a topical “zit zapper.” The cream should have a 0.5 to 2 percent concentration of salicylic acid. Rub it directly over your acne to heal the spot more quickly.
4. Aspirin Paste
A homemade aspirin paste is a very effective chest acne treatment, as it contains salicylic acid. Crush 2 aspirin tablets, add 1 teaspoon of water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Rub it on your chest, wherever there are acne breakouts, and leave it 10 minutes to dry. Rinse off with cool water.
5. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a quick and effective treatment for chest acne, fighting the bacteria that cause it and helping remove dead skin cells. On the downside, it can cause dryness and redness.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another great natural remedy for chest acne, targeting the root of the acne. You can apply it directly on the spot for quick healing or dilute it in water and rub it on your chest, as a preventive measure.
7. Ice
A very effective way to reduce the redness and swelling caused by acne is applying an icepack or ice bag on your chest for about 20 minutes.
8. Retinoids
Retinoids (over-the-counter retinol and Retin-A, available with prescription) fight acne by controlling sebum production. Since they tend to make skin sensitive to the sun, you’d better use them at night (and always wear sunscreen during the day). To prevent allergic reactions, start by applying every other evening and gradually work your way up to nightly use.
9. Oral Antibiotics
In some cases, you may need doctor-prescribed oral antibiotics to fight the acne-causing bacteria. They will help reduce the inflammation and minimize the scars.
See also:Benefits of Sulfur Soap for AcneFight Acne with Exercise
Photos: Thinkstock
