Today, we’re going to be talking about butt acne – the thing everyone wants to discuss! Seriously though, for many people the butt acne struggle is real, causing daily physical and emotional discomfort and distress. Feel confident about your butt again by reading on to find out how you can curb the problem and live confidently and acne-free.
What is butt acne and is it common?
If you’re concerned you’re on your own, don’t be. Butt acne is highly common, it’s just most of us steer clear of discussing it with the people in our lives who don’t see us naked every day!
One thing we should highlight at this point is the kind of acne you get on your butt, isn’t actually the same type as the kind you can develop across the face – it’s known as folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicles.
Whilst acne is defined as having white and blackheads, folliculitis on your butt manifests itself as a red pimple, with a hair at the centre.
What Causes Butt Acne?
Butt acne, also known as “buttne,” can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition. It differs from facial acne in that it is typically caused by a variety of factors. Here are some common causes:
1. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the most common cause of butt acne. It occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, usually due to bacterial or fungal infection. This can result from friction caused by tight clothing, sitting for extended periods, or sweating.
2. Occlusion and Friction
Wearing tight-fitting clothing, especially non-breathable fabrics, can trap sweat and oil against the skin. This occlusion creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to clogged pores and pimples. Prolonged sitting and activities that cause repeated friction can exacerbate this condition.
3. Sweating
Excessive sweating, especially during workouts or in hot climates, can contribute to butt acne. Sweat mixed with bacteria and dead skin cells can clog pores, leading to breakouts. Wearing moisture-wicking clothing and showering promptly after sweating can help mitigate this issue.
4. Hormonal Changes
Just like facial acne, butt acne can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations. This is particularly common during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or due to hormonal imbalances. Hormones can increase oil production, leading to clogged pores.
5. Poor Hygiene
Infrequent washing of the buttocks can lead to the accumulation of sweat, oil, and dead skin cells, which can clog pores and lead to acne. Ensuring regular and thorough cleansing can help prevent this.
6. Diet
While diet alone is unlikely to be the sole cause of butt acne, consuming high amounts of dairy or sugary foods may exacerbate acne in some people. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended for overall skin health.
7. Hair Removal Methods
Shaving or waxing can irritate the skin and hair follicles, potentially leading to folliculitis and subsequent butt acne. Using proper techniques and aftercare can reduce the risk of irritation.
8. Stress
Stress can lead to increased hormone production, which can in turn increase oil production and the likelihood of acne. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and proper sleep can be beneficial.
9. Allergic Reactions
Certain products such as laundry detergents, fabric softeners, or skincare products can cause allergic reactions or irritations that manifest as acne-like bumps on the buttocks. Opting for hypoallergenic products can help.
Treatment and Prevention
- Hygiene: Regular cleansing with mild soap and water can help keep the area clean.
- Exfoliation: Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells that clog pores.
- Loose Clothing: Wearing breathable, loose-fitting clothing can reduce friction and sweat accumulation.
- Shower After Sweating: Shower promptly after workouts or sweating to remove bacteria and sweat.
- Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help treat and prevent breakouts.
For persistent or severe cases, consulting with a dermatologist is recommended to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Chemical peel
Chemical peels are a jack of all trades when it comes to your skin, encouraging the shedding of old and tired skin, to make way for a fresh and healthy layer.
A professional chemical peel carried out by an experienced dermatologist can yield immediate results in people with mild to moderate butt acne (results can take between 3-6 sessions to show in those who are severe sufferers) and reduce scarring and blemishes too. What’s more, chemical peels trigger collagen production, giving you a supple-looking booty!
Try a benzoyl peroxide wash
Using a cleanser containing a high percentage of benzoyl peroxide helps to eradicate the type of bacteria on the skin that leads to folliculitis. You should leave the cleaner on for around 3 minutes, long enough to let it do its thing and then rinse it off using water.
La Roche Posay and OxeDerm are both excellent brands and contain 10% benzoyl peroxide, deemed to be a good concentration of this substance within a cleanser.
Choose Your Workout Clothes Wisely
Remember earlier, we mentioned friction being no friend to your butt? It’s possible to minimise this by choosing the right workout clothes and making sure you invest in a chunky gym matt – this will also stop you from running the risk of developing pilonidal cysts.
Choose loose-fitting clothes when you hit the yoga matt, as they stop sweat and oil from becoming trapped against your butt.
Be sure to change out of your gym clothes ASAP after your workout to stop any lingering bacteria from irritating your skin.
Check How to Get a Nice Non-Surgical Butt next.
