Should you exfoliate with active body acne?

If you're dealing with body acne, you might be wondering if exfoliation should be part of your treatment plan. It seems logical that promoting skin turnover through exfoliation could help unclog pores and prevent breakouts, but before you reach for that scrub, it's essential to understand the right way to exfoliate when you have active acne.

The benefits of exfoliation for body acne

Exfoliation can indeed be beneficial for treating and preventing body acne when done correctly. Its benefits include treatment and prevention of body acne by removing dead skin cells, bacteria, and buildup of oil, sebum, and grime from pores and the surface of your skin.

Regular exfoliation also smooths out uneven texture, fades acne scars and hyperpigmentation, and improves the absorption of hydration and moisture.

Physical vs. chemical exfoliates for active body acne

When it comes to exfoliating skin with active acne, not all products are created equal. Harsh physical scrubs with rough particles can actually cause more harm than good by irritating acne lesions and further inflaming your acne, and potentially spreading bacteria across the skin, causing more acne.

Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid (BHA) and glycolic acid (AHA). These ingredients work by gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing for a more controlled and less abrasive exfoliation process.

Salicylic acid, in particular, is an excellent choice for acne-prone skin. As a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), it's oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deep into the pores to remove excess sebum and debris. This helps prevent clogged pores and future breakouts without aggravating active acne.

Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), is another effective option. Unlike BHA, it's water soluble and it doesn’t dissolve oil within pores, glycolic acid minimizes the likelihood of pore blockages by keeping the surface clear. In addition to improving skin texture, it can also help fade acne scars, and promote cell turnover for brighter, clearer skin with consistent use.

When incorporating exfoliation into your body acne treatment routine, the key is to be gentle and consistent. Look for products with lower concentrations of active ingredients (around 2% salicylic acid, for example) and introduce them gradually into your routine. Start by using them just a few times a week, monitoring your skin's response and then adjust usage frequency accordingly.