What the HECK is Skinification?

As summer rolls on, so does the excitement of sunny pool days, beach trips, and sweaty outdoor fun. But while we all love soaking up the sun, our skin can face some unexpected challenges. This season often brings about a few common skin concerns that can put a damper on our confidence. Let’s dive into the world of summer skin issues: back-ne, butt-ne, and chest-ne! What Is Back-ne, Butt-ne, and Chest-ne? Back-ne, butt-ne, and chest-ne are terms that refer to acne that develops on the back, buttocks, and chest, respectively. These areas can be particularly prone to breakouts during the warmer months due to increased sweating, humidity, and friction from clothing. It can also pop up from exposing the skin to chlorine swimming pools, freshwater lakes and even the salty ocean waters. Why Does This Happen? Increased Sweating: As temperatures rise, so does perspiration. Sweat can mix with oil and bacteria on the skin, clogging pores and leading to more breakouts. Tight Clothing: Summer often means wearing more fitted clothing, such as swimsuits and workout gear. These fabrics can trap sweat and create friction, contributing to acne in these areas. We even have to watch out for our sunglasses and hats as the rubbing of those items on the skin can cause more friction and bacteria-based blemishes on the face. Sun Exposure: While sunlight can “disinfect” the skin with its antimicrobial properties, it is also a surefire way to increase skin inflammation, irritation and free-radical exposure. These are three of the most powerful ingredients for cooking up breakouts.  Body Products: Certain sunscreens can cause breakouts in some due to certain ingredients that might get trapped in the pores. To prevent breakouts, look for oil-free formulas and make sure to cleanse and moisturize your body every afternoon or evening when you come out of the sun. Also watch out for certain faux tanning products, body makeup and oils. Shaving/Hair Removal: Summertime means shaving and waxing more (is it just me?), which can also leave our pores and hair follicles more susceptible to clogging and ingrown hairs. This is more common of an issue for those that struggle with butt and groin acne. Swimming: Depending on where you swim, you’ll still have certain risks of developing a breakout.  Chlorine pools tend to overstrip the skin of natural oils and hydrators, leaving the skin a bit more exposed and inflamed - a perfect environment for acne to thrive. Make sure you rinse off the body with fresh and filtered water immediately after swimming, along with soothing the skin with a lightweight moisturizer after. Freshwater lakes can also cause issues as you may be exposed to more pollution, bacteria and pathogens, which could cause everything from acne to certain health conditions. Again, make sure you immediately cleanse and moisturize the body after swimming in fresh water. Ocean swimming is probably the better out of the above two swimming options, but our skin is still prone to irritation from salt and other pollutants in the water. Follow the same practice of cleansing and moisturizing the skin right after you get out the water. Tips for Preventing and Treating Back-ne, Butt-ne, and Chest-ne 1. Keep Your Pores Clean Shower After Sweating: Make it a habit to shower after workouts or spending time outdoors. Use a gentle exfoliating body wash to help remove sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells. I love using Dove Body Wash products or any body cleanser with moisturizing ingredients inside for daily bathing. Spot Treat Breakouts: Use a 2% salicylic acid, 5-10% mandelic acid or 5% benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser to wash the areas that have active breakouts or brewing blemishes. This will help to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation in the area and provide accelerated healing. You may need to choose a face product over a specifically-labeled body product. Consider a Body Serum: Serums are not just for our face! We can also use targeted serums to help our body skin for a more concentrated treatment. I love to incorporate professional formula serums with every single one of my body acne clients. I especially like to use retinoid, alpha hydroxy acid, niacinamide and humectant-based serums for all body acne. Exfoliate Regularly: Incorporate regular physical or chemical exfoliants into your whole body routine - either via your cleansing or moisturizing. Look for products containing salicylic acid, mandelic acid or glycolic acid for chemical exfoliants, or a gentle scrub for a more mechanical exfoliation. I love to use products labeled at KP scrubs like this one from First Aid Beauty, or even exfoliating moisturizers like this one from Cetaphil.  Consult a Professional: If over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective, consider consulting an esthetician or dermatologist for personalized products, advice and treatments like chemical peels or specialized facials. NOTE: Remember that we never want to dry out the skin. This is a recipe for disaster when it comes to breakouts. We always want to keep the skin hydrated above all else! 2. Choose the Right (Dry) Fabrics Opt for Breathable Fabrics: Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton to allow your skin to breathe. Take it Easy on Skin Tight Clothing: Tighter clothes can harbor more heat, bacteria and friction, which can lead to more breakouts. Air flow is your friend! Avoid Heavy Products: Avoid heavy creams or oils on the back and chest, opting for lighter lotions that are less likely to clog pores. Don’t Sit in Wet or Sweaty Clothes: Damp and dark environments equal bacterial and fungal growth. This can start to create the perfect landscape for breakouts and other undesirable health conditions (yeast infection, anyone?). Keep your Clothes (and Bedsheets!) Clean: Piggy-backing from above, never re-wear underwear, bras or other clothing that has been sweaty or soiled before you wash it. Always start with fresh, clean and dry clothing to avoid breakouts. 4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle The skin is so connected to the rest of our body systems that it would be ridiculous not to mention this aspect of skincare. The key areas of overall body health I see connected to body acne are: Hormonal Imbalances (can include certain birth control medications and IUDs) Chronic Stress and Sleep Deprivation Excess alcohol and/or smoking Certain food intolerances (get blood work done with your general doctor if you suspect this might a cause) If topical skincare, professional treatments and best practices don’t offer you relief from body acne, I recommend talking with your doctor about potential internal issues. Have Questions? If you have any questions or need personalized advice, feel free to reach out! Let’s make this summer your best one yet—free from skin worries and body acne! Xo Emily