What Causes Butt Acne
Just can’t turn the other cheek to blemishes on your derriere? Here are four reasons why you may get a zit where you sit.
1. Dry skin
Pimples usually crop up on your buttocks because of dry skin. Try using a moisturizer that fights acne as it moisturizes skin directly after stepping out of the shower, and again before going to bed.
2. Tight-fitting clothing
Tights, yoga pants, synthetic underwear, and other common clothes aren’t breathable. They end up trapping sweat and bacteria against your skin, and this leads to irritation, and — you guessed it — acne on your buttocks. Stick with loose-fitting clothing that’s made from breathable materials whenever possible. Sleeping without underwear also helps, because it allows the skin on your butt to breathe.
3. Sweating
If you tend to hang out in your gym clothes after a workout, you’re allowing bacteria to propagate on your skin’s surface. This leads to blemishes. StyleCaster recommends that you exercise in “silky, moisture-wicking fabrics.” Be sure also to shower immediately after you finish exercising.
4. Physiological causes
Rarer causes of butt acne include hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, allergies, and other skin afflictions. If you suspect you suffer from one of these, visit a dermatologist to find out for sure.
How To Get Rid Of Pimples On Your Butt
OK, now that you know the possible causes, here’s how you get rid of butt acne.
• Use a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide body wash
This dries up and sloughs off the dead skin clogging follicles. What’s more, benzoyl peroxide fights bacteria. But beware: It might also dry out your skin. If you notice your skin is drier than usual after using these products, use a light moisturizer to balance it. Look for body washes that contain at least 3% or more acid by volume.
• Try salicylic acid pads
“Salicylic acid is one of acne’s biggest enemies,” Allure reports. Using these pads on a daily basis not only fights current breakouts. It also prevents future ones from happening. It does this by unclogging pores. Try using salicylic acid pads on your butt region a few times a week.
• Apply a lotion containing lactic acid
“Derived from dairy, lactic acid is an AHA [alpha-hydroxy acid] that exfoliates the skin to even skin tone and prevent acne,” XOJane reports, “while its humectant properties hydrate the skin.” In other words, it moisturizes as it clears up pimples.
• Apply tea tree oil to the area after cleansing
Tea tree oil is an all-natural essential oil known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Try blotting your butt with some after stepping out of the shower. If your skin is extra-sensitive, try mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil (which also has antibacterial properties), and then apply to the area.
• Exfoliate your butt every other day
Exfoliation is the key to opening up pores and removing buildup from dead skin. You can either use a body scrub or a
• Apply iodine to inflamed pimples
Iodine disinfects pimples that are already inflamed, causing them to disappear. You’ll want to apply iodine to pimples twice a day, and only on the pimple itself. But be careful: “iodine can dry out your skin and can also cause irritation,” NewBeauty warns.
• Moisturize your buttocks
It’s important to moisturize your behind, especially if you’re using products that easily dry out the skin. Try using a moisturizing lotion that contains tea tree oil, or make your own by using coconut and tea tree oils.
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time
This can lead to skin irritation, sweat, and acne on your butt. Let your butt get a breather, and stand whenever possible throughout the day.
Getting to the bottom of butt acne
Butt acne is a common issue for women. Acne on the butt forms as a result of a buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria in the hair follicles. And this buildup happens because of shaving, lotions or creams, and wearing clothes that irritate the skin among other things.
