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How To Banish Butt Acne

Posted by Ellie Swain on May 7th 2022

How To Banish Butt Acne

It’s bad enough to have acne on your face, but spots can crop up anywhere on your body, including your butt.

Come summertime, when you’re ready to debut your new bikini for a dip, you may realize you have a few pimples scattered on your bum.

You might find solace that those bumps on your behind aren’t actually acne. At least not the same kind that develops on your face.

Butt acne is actually folliculitis, a mild infection of the hair follicle contributing to red bumps and pus-filled pimples.

But how can you banish these breakouts for good to get your booty summer-ready? Keep reading to learn how to get your butt peachy soft.

What Causes Butt Acne?

Pretty much anything that causes friction can cause butt bumps. Often, they develop from clothes rubbing against the bum, like tight gym clothes that trap sweat, oil, and bacteria, and friction from sitting for long periods.

Likewise, harsh skincare products, bacterial overgrowth, or an allergic reaction can inflame the hair follicle.

Hop in the Shower After Exercising

To start, you must hop into the shower as soon as possible after exercise. This helps blast away any bacteria that can affect the hair follicles.

You can also give your booty a good exfoliation with a body scrub in the shower to slough away built-up dead skin.

Likewise, you should also change out of your gym clothes immediately after kicking up a sweat. Damp, sticky clothes are a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria, so changing into clean, dry clothes after a workout (and shower) is essential.

Tight gym clothes can also trap sweat and bodily fluids against your skin for long periods, contributing to chronic breakouts on your backside.

Be sure to wipe down any gear you’re using at the gym. Especially anything that might touch your butt, like the seat of a spin bike.

All sorts of equipment can harbor bacteria if they’re not appropriately cleaned between use – think yoga mats, exercise balls, and communal equipment.

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes

Following on from the last point, if you’re struggling with booty acne here’s your official invitation to wear sweats. Skinny jeans, tight leggings, and snug undies can all rub against your backside during the day and aggravate your follicles, especially if your skin is already delicate from shaving or waxing.

Treat yourself and wear your sweatpants. After all, it’s for your health.

Wash With Benzoyl Peroxide

Try washing your booty with a benzoyl peroxide body wash or cleanser. The ingredient is renowned for treating acne and folliculitis thanks to its antimicrobial (bacteria-fighting) properties.

Leave the product to sit on your skin for a while before rinsing it away thoroughly. Heads up: benzoyl peroxide can bleach colored fabrics, so try using white towels and be sure to wash the solution away well.

The GlyMed Plus Serious Action Skin Wash is an excellent option to help you smooth your booty. The all-natural acne wash is designed for the face, but it can also be used on your other cheeks.

Formulated with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, the wash thoroughly cleanses skin and targets acne by killing the bacteria that causes them to spread. The cleanser also contains aloe vera, which has a natural soothing effect that helps the healing process.

Unclog Pores With Salicylic Acid

You can also treat your butt breakouts with a salicylic acid acne treatment. This type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) can help reduce excess oils and exfoliate dead skin cells so they don’t become trapped in your follicles and pores.

Apply a salicylic treatment, like the Revision Purifying Cleansing Gel , after showering. The gel will leave your skin feeling refreshed while refining your pores.

The highly concentrated exfoliating gel wash contains salicylic and lactic acids, cleaning deep into your pores and reducing excess oils and impurities. Plus, the product smells heavenly with a scented blend of citrus and sage.

Moisturize Daily

A calming moisturizer, especially one containing aloe vera, can restore the acid mantle of your skin to kill bacteria and balance your skin’s ecosystem.

Be sure to moisturize your butt daily after showering to help keep your cheeks become clear and smooth.

Check In With a Dermatologist

If at-home treatments aren’t working, it may be time to reach out to a pro. Meet with your dermatologist and explain your situation. And don’t be embarrassed – remember your derm has probably seen and heard about far worse.

Your derm may suggest topical antibiotics like clydomycin and azithromycin lotion. In severe cases, they might prescribe antibiotics by mouth.

Do you want more skincare advice? Here are the best ingredients for fighting acne .