It’s safe to say, no one likes acne, but it’s kind of a rite of passage. As we go through our teenage and young adult years (and even late into adulthood), a zit (or three or four) is to be expected dotting their way across our faces. But for some people, they also have to deal with acne breakouts below their chin—on their back and chest.
“While we tend to focus on the face, acne can present challenges on your back and chest as well,” said Trevor Thompson, MD, a dermatologist with Banner Health Center in Peoria, AZ. “More often, we encounter truncal, or body acne, in our younger years and it is slightly more common in males than females.”
While acne prone skin can be extremely bothersome and embarrassing, the good news is that much like face acne, there are ways to get your body acne under control. We spoke with Dr. Thompson to better understand the causes for body acne and ways to combat it.
What causes acne on your chest and back?
Body acne develops the same way as face acne, but there are some factors that lead to the development of acne on your chest and back.
“Genetics, hormones and diet are likely some of the bigger triggers for acne,” Dr. Thompson said. “Other contributors to truncal acne can include use of androgens, such as testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT), among male or transgender patients or androgenic anabolic steroids in body builders.”
Is it acne or could it be something else?
There are various other conditions that can cause red bumps on your chest and back, but one common one that is often confused by many is a skin condition called folliculitis. Although it may look and feel the same as acne, folliculitis is not the same.
“Folliculitis usually has inflammation around hair follicles, but it can have a more infectious cause with a pus-filled pimple instead of the blocked sebum of acne,” Dr. Thompson said. “Folliculitis can occur around any site with hair follicles, and acne is more common on the face, back and chest.”
If you’re unsure whether your red bumps are body acne or folliculitis, it can be helpful to see a dermatologist to make sure. They can give you tips to help clear it.
How do you treat back and chest acne?
If you’re experiencing severe body acne with deep, painful cysts, it’s best to partner with a dermatologist to develop a unique plan and prescribe acne medications for ongoing care. That being said, for mild to moderate body acne, some of the basic treatments used to treat acne on the face can be used for the chest and to prevent back acne. Here’s how to get rid of body acne for good:
1. Use an acne cleanser
While any gentle soap or body wash can help remove dirt and excess oils, there are specific products geared toward fighting body breakouts. Dr. Thompson suggests starting with skin care products that include benzoyl peroxide.
“Normally, I favor milder (<5%) benzoyl peroxide washes as stronger (10%) washes can cause more dryness and irritate the skin on your face. Fortunately, the trunk tends to be less sensitive with treatment,” Dr. Thompson said.
2. Try a topical retinoid
Whether a prescription agent or over-the-counter adapalene gel, this is another great option for treating body acne. Products like Differin (adapalene 0.1%) gel and Retin-A play a crucial role in the treatment of acne by regulating skin cell turnover, so dead skin cells don’t clog pores, and reducing inflammation deep in the skin to not only clear but prevent future pimples.
3. Remember sun protection
People may report different experiences regarding the impact of sun on their acne. While sun exposure can increase vitamin D and be associated with exercise and fun, moderation is key. While certain light spectrums including blue light may help acne, too much ultraviolet sun exposure can increase skin aging and further darken acne spots. To combat the damage with ultraviolet light, it is important to understand the benefits of hats, shade, awareness of the time of day and duration of sun exposure. For sunscreens, try to use a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), oil-free, mineral sunscreen.
4. Develop good workout habits
It’s great to put in the time for workouts, but don’t hang out too long in your sweaty clothes. Make sure you shower and change clothes right after working out—or after excessive sweating.
5. Resist the urge to pop, pick or scrub acne
A zit may be harder to reach on your back but resist the urge to pick and pop a pimple to avoid acne scars. As well, avoid course or rough body scrubs that are traumatic to the skin. These will only make acne worse.
6. Modify your diet
When it comes to acne, your diet could also be to blame. Findings from some studies found that following a low-glycemic diet may help reduce acne. Instead of reaching for a burger, fries and Coca-Cola, focus on eating a diet rich in fresh produce and whole foods. Steer clear of dairy products and sugary high carbohydrate foods that raise your blood sugar quickly. For more tips, check out this article from the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
7. Other prescription treatments
For more challenging cases, your doctor may prescribe topical and oral antibiotics. Isotretinoin is another prescription agent that can be used. These medications work by killing excess skin bacteria and reduce redness and inflammation.
Takeaway
If your body acne treatments aren’t doing the trick and you find yourself wearing a turtleneck in June, don’t sweat it—literally. Let your dermatologist know. It can take several tries to zap those zits, but with the right treatment, every type of acne can be treated. To find a Banner Health physician near you, visit bannerhealth.
21 Fruits For Glowing, Youthful & Envy-Worthy Skin
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when we say healthy food? Or, what’s the answer you get when you ask that friend/celebrity about the secret behind her glowing and gorgeous skin? Lots of fresh fruits?
Well, since time immemorial, we have been hearing enough about the benefits of fruits for our health and skin. Hence, in this post, we have decided to list the top 21 fruits you should consume to achieve the best version of your skin.
What Expert Says
“Fruits are rich in antioxidants that prevent oxidative damage. Foods rich in vitamin A can help in reducing acne. Pineapple and cucumbers are great for solving acne issues.”
Dr. Harish Koutam, Chief Dermatologist, SkinKraft
Why Are Fruits So Important For Healthy Skin?
Maintaining healthy skin is not an easy task. No matter how many products you use, your skin will glow only if you are healthy from within. That’s why getting the right amount of nutrients through your food is a must.
An abundant source of nutrients and essential vitamins is fruits. Vitamin C enriched fruits are great for reducing acne marks and skin brightening. Fruits with B vitamins are great for improving your overall skin health. According to our chief dermatologist, Dr. Harish Koutam, “Fruits are rich in antioxidants that prevent oxidative damage. Foods rich in vitamin A can help in reducing acne. Pineapple and cucumbers are great for solving acne issues.”
What Fruits Do You Need To Add To Your Regular Diet?
1. Oranges
Daily Vitamin C intake is mandatory for radiant skin. The natural oils present in oranges keep your skin hydrated, making it look plump.
Vitamin C is known to aid in collagen production, which keeps your skin firm and reduces the appearance of signs of aging (1) (2). High in vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges help fight free radicals in the body, minimizing DNA damage. This slows down premature aging.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Eat half an orange everyday.
- You could even consume freshly squeezed orange juice. Avoid the pulp if you have ulcers in your stomach, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- You could make a tasty orange smoothie or add it to your salads.
B. For Pigmentation
Apply plain, freshly squeezed orange juice to your pigmentation spots.
C. For Oily Skin
Mix 3 tablespoons of orange juice with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Add a pinch of turmeric to the mixture along with 2 tablespoons of gram flour. Apply it as a pack and leave until dry (around 15 minutes). Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water.
D. For Dry Skin
Mix 3 tablespoons of orange juice with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Add half a teaspoon of milk to the mixture along with a pinch of turmeric and one teaspoon of honey. Apply it to your skin and leave it on for 10 -15 minutes.
2. Papaya
Carica papaya or simply ‘papaya’ as most of us call it, is a naturally moisturizing agent that helps keep your skin hydrated and soft when used topically.
Rich in Vitamin A, C and B, this fruit can prove to be effective in maintaining good skin health. Papaya can also improve your digestive system and prevent constipation. This, in turn, aids in clearing up your skin. Studies suggest that this fruit can also speed-up the wound healing process (3).
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Eat a bowl of papaya in the morning as part of your breakfast.
- Papaya smoothies are also a good option. Blending the fruit with some lemon juice will make for a tasty drink.
B. For Smooth Skin
Mash some papaya pieces in a bowl and apply them onto your skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
C. To Reduce Pigmentation
Mash a few pieces of papaya and mix with lemon juice. Add a pinch of turmeric. Apply to the affected area and wash off after 10 minutes.
D. To Moisturize Dry Parts Of Your Skin
Mix mashed papaya with half a teaspoon of almond oil and apply to the affected area. Wash off after 10 minutes.
E. Papaya Scrub
3. Lemon
Lemon is popularly used in a number of skincare products. From anti-acne creams to anti-aging lotions, this citrus fruit can prevent a host of skin issues.
Rich in Vitamin C, lemon can help reduce signs of aging, hyperpigmentation and scarring (4). Lemon is also a natural bleaching agent. It helps reduce sun damage and tan. Addressing a host of skin issues, this ingredient should be made a mandatory part of your skincare regimen.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Lemon juice water with a teaspoon of honey added to it should be the first thing you drink in the morning.
- You can add lemon juice to your salad and even your curries while you consume them.
B. For Tan
Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to a teaspoon of sugar and mix the two. Rub it onto the affected areas and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
Note:
Make sure you do not scrub your skin too hard to prevent it from getting dry.
C. For Puffy Eyes And Dark Circles
Mix one teaspoon of lemon with one teaspoon of milk. Gently apply to your undereyes. Make sure you do not allow the ingredients to enter your eyes to prevent burning. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
D. For Pigmentation Spots
If you have oily skin, applying lemon juice alone to your affected areas is recommended. However, if your skin is dry, mix a few drops of lemon juice with some coconut oil.
E. For Acne Scars
Mix lemon juice with rose water and dab it gently on your skin using a cotton ball. Rinse off after 10 minutes.
4. Watermelon
The name itself sounds so refreshing. Watermelon is rich in fibres and of course, water. It contains 92 percent water, which means hydrated, soft and supple skin. This red ball of refreshment, quite literally, contains Vitamin C, A, B1, B6 and Lycopene that are essential in improving overall skin health and texture.
Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A and B contributes to maintaining an even skin texture. Lycopene acts as a free radical scavenger, preventing tissue damage in your skin (5).
Free radicals are responsible for increased skin inflammation that promotes a number of skin issues. The best part – watermelons contain no fat and are cholesterol-free (6).
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Have watermelon juice in the morning or instead of your evening snack.
- Add freshly cut watermelon to your salads and smoothies.
B. For Oily Skin
Mix 3 tablespoons of watermelon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of fuller’s earth. You could even add a teaspoon of rose water if you wish. Apply the mixture to your skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes (till it dries) and rinse off with cold water.
C. For Dry Skin
Mix 3 tablespoons of watermelon juice with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and aloe vera gel each. Apply it to your skin and rinse off after 10-15 minutes.
5. Cucumber
According to the technical definition, cucumbers are fruits, and oh so hydrating! The major part of cucumber is water. Thus, they have a cooling effect on the body and are high in antioxidants (7).
The peel of a cucumber contains Vitamin C and Vitamin K, which is vital to achieve healthy, glowing skin. Studies suggest that sea cucumbers can aid in skin whitening and can also reduce the appearance of fine lines (8). They also help in reducing puffy eyes and dark circles.
How To Use
- You can consume a cucumber every day just by eating it raw as a snack.
- You can also add cucumber slices to your sandwiches and salads.
- Cucumber juice can also be eaten first thing in the morning.
A. To Reduce Acne
Add 1 tablespoon of gram flour to a freshly grated cucumber. You can add a teaspoon of rose water to the mixture. Apply it to the affected area and rinse off with cold water after 15 minutes.
B. For Dry Skin
To moisturize dry skin, grate a cucumber and add 1 tablespoon of milk to it. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the mixture and apply it to your skin. Rinse off after 10 minutes.
6. Pineapples
Pineapples contain Vitamins A, C, K and minerals that are essential in maintaining clear, healthy skin (9). They are also rich in bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties (10) (11).
This fruit can improve your skin texture, reduce sun spots and reduce acne symptoms. It is also effective in speeding-up the skin’s healing process and removing dead skin cells (12).
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Consume freshly chopped pineapple as part of your morning breakfast or as an evening snack.
- You can add pineapple pieces to your pizzas, sandwiches or even desserts.
B. Anti-aging Face Pack
Add a teaspoon of milk to a teaspoon of pineapple juice and apply it to your skin. Rinse off after 10 minutes with cold water.
C. To Brighten Skin
Take a few spoons of pineapple pulp and add a tablespoon of gram flour to it. Mix till you get a paste and apply to your skin. Allow it to sit on till it gets dry. Wash off with cold water.
7. Mango
Almost all of us look forward to the summer for mangoes! This delicious fruit is not just a treat to your taste buds; it also benefits your skin in many ways.
Mangoes are packed with Vitamins A, E and C. It also possesses wound-healing properties (13). This makes it effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and acne marks. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne symptoms. This fruit rejuvenates your skin to give you that beautiful, radiant summer glow.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- What could be better than starting your summer mornings with freshly cut mangoes?
- Mango smoothies are also a drink to savor.
B. For Oily Skin
Mix mango, rose water and lime together in a bowl and apply to your skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
C. For Dry Skin
Mash a mango and mix with 1 teaspoon of yoghurt, 1 teaspoon of honey and mix well. Wash with normal water after 10 minutes of application.
8. Apricot
Apricots are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps fight free radicals in your body. It helps reduce the appearance of signs of aging. Apricots also possess anti-inflammatory properties that can improve acne symptoms.
Apricots are also rich in Vitamin A, K and folate that are effective in improving your skin’s overall health.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- You can add chopped apricots to your breakfast or smoothies.
- You can also add some spices to it and dry it under the sun to store it for future consumption.
B. For Healthy Skin
Place thin slices of apricots to the pigmented areas of your skin and remove them after 10 minutes.
9. Apple
Apples are packed with Vitamins A and C that cater to a host of skin issues. Apple peels are also rich in antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of signs of aging. Apples also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress.
Note:
The peel of an apple is rich in antioxidants (14). Gently rinsing an apple for a minute under the tap and consuming it with the peel is the best way to eat it, to reap its benefits!
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Eat an apple every day with your breakfast.
- Apple smoothies are a tasty way of consuming this fruit.
B. Topically
Apply a grated piece of apple to your skin for 10 minutes for better skin.
C. For Dry Skin
Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with a grated piece of an apple. Apply to your skin for 10 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
10. Strawberries
Apart from being great ice cream flavors, strawberries also possess qualities that can help improve skin health! Strawberries are great chemical exfoliators. They contain an alpha-hydroxy acid known as salicylic acid which is a popular ingredient in beauty products.
Salicylic acid in itself possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce acne symptoms. It cleanses the skin and removes unwanted dirt and bacteria that may clog your pores.
Strawberries also contain Vitamin C and ellagic acid. Ellagic acid prevents UV damage and reduces the appearance of signs of aging (15).
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Have a bowl of strawberries with your breakfast.
- You can also add strawberries to your desserts.
B. For Pigmentation And Tanning
Mash a few strawberries and add a tablespoon of lime juice to it. Apply to the affected area. Wash off after 10 minutes with lukewarm water.
C. For Glowing Skin
Mash a few strawberries (how much ever you think you may require). Apply the mashed pieces to your skin and wash off after 10 minutes.
11. Muskmelon
Another fruit that is packed with vitamins is muskmelon. Muskmelon contains vitamins A, C and K that are essential for good skin health. It also contains folate and minerals.
This fruit is effective in treating psoriasis, a dry skin condition that causes itchy, flaky and red patches of skin (16). Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a good option to help reduce skin issues like pigmentation.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Consume a bowl of muskmelon with your breakfast.
- Turn it into a fresh juice.
B. Topically
Mash up a few pieces of the fruit and apply to your skin for 10 minutes for glowing skin.
C. For Uneven Pigmentation
Mash up a few pieces of muskmelon and add a few drops of grape and lemon juice to it. Apply it to the affected area for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
12. Avocado
Avocados possess anti-inflammatory properties that reduce oxidative stress. This prevents skin damage. They also contain dietary fiber and Vitamins A, C, K, B3 and B6.
Avocados also contain lutein and zeaxanthin that protect the skin against UV induced damage. Avocados also improve the firmness of your skin and speed-up its wound-healing process (17).
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- You can add this fruit to your salads/smoothies.
- You can also use it in a variety of recipes from sushis to dimsums.
B. Topicallyy
Apply mashed pieces to your skin and rinse off after 10 minutes.
C. For Soft Skin
Mash an avocado to form a paste. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 tsp honey to it. Apply for 30 minutes to your skin and rinse off.
13. Cherries
Cherries, apart from being mouth-watering, are extremely beneficial to your skin. Packed with Vitamin A, C, K, folate and minerals, they can do wonders for your skin. They also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce damage caused to your skin.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Consume cherries at any time of the day as a snack.
- You can even add this delicious fruit to your cakes, smoothies and yoghurt dishes.
B. For Glowing Skin
You can mash a cherry and apply it to your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
Did You Know?
Vitamin C boosts collagen production in the skin that keeps it firm and free of wrinkles. It also inhibits the production of tyronaise in your skin.
Tyronaise is responsible for the production of melanin. Blocking it can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots. It also fights free radicals that are responsible for a host of skin issues, including skin aging and tissue damage.
14. Banana
Delicious, easy to peel and not at all messy! This fruit is packed with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, and is also very moisturizing (18). It contains Vitamin A, C K, E, folate and minerals that make it effective in improving your skin health.
It is also rich in dietary fibre that is required for a good digestive system, which helps with good skin as well. Bananas are also moisturizing agents that help soothe dry skin.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Just peel it and have it at any time of the day.
- You can even make a banana smoothie that is extremely filling and healthy.
- Bananas can be used to make breads and various desserts.
B. For Smooth Skin
Mashed bananas when applied to your skin can instantly make it soft and hydrated.
15. Kiwi
Puffy eyes and wrinkles can be quite an issue for some of us. However, kiwis can come to your rescue! Kiwis promote the production of collagen in the body (19). Rich in Vitamin C, this fruit also prevents oxidative stress in the body.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- You can slice a raw kiwi and have it with your breakfast.
- Kiwi smoothies are also great to have in the morning and can be refreshing.
B. Topically
Mash a kiwi and add the same to your skin. Rinse off after 10 minutes.
C. For Skin Lightening
Mash a kiwi and add a pinch of turmeric to it. Apply the same to your skin.
16. Pomegranate
This fruit is a good option if you tread out in the sun a lot. Pomegranate peels are packed with antioxidants and the fruit itself is rich in Vitamins C, K, folate and minerals.
It helps reduce UV damage and pigmentation. Researchers also found that this fruit was effective in renewing the human skin.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Pomegranate can be added to your salads, smoothies, desserts and other meals.
- You can also juice it or enjoy the raw fruit as it is.
B. For Normal Skin (Pigmentation)
Mash half a pomegranate and apply the juice to your pigmented areas.
C. For Oily Skin (Pigmentation)
Mix 1 teaspoon of fuller’s earth and 1 tablespoon of gram flour with 1 teaspoon of lime juice. Add 2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice to it to form a paste. Apply to the affected areas.
D. For Dry Skin (Pigmentation)
Mix 1 tablespoon of gram flour with 1 teaspoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice. Apply to the affected areas.
17. Gooseberry
This is one fruit that doesn’t get enough credit! Packed with antioxidants and loaded with Vitamin C, gooseberry makes a great fruit to effectively speed-up wound healing and treat inflammation.
Gooseberries also boost collagen production in the skin, making it effective in treating signs of aging.
How To Use
The best way to reap its benefits is by consuming it post your meals (preferably lunch) or adding the same to your smoothies/desserts.
18. Grapes
Another fruit that is loaded with antioxidants is a grape. Grapes contain resveratrol that protect your skin from UV damage. They are also rich in Vitamin C, K, folate and minerals.
What sets them apart is that their seed extracts have skin rejuvenating and wound-healing properties.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Just munch on a bunch of grapes as an evening snack.
- You could also add them to your smoothies/desserts.
B. Topically
Mash a few grapes and apply them to your skin for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.
C. For Skin Brightening
Mash a few grapes and add them to a blender. Add a tablespoon of yoghurt and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the paste to your skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.
Note:
If you have dry skin, you can skip the lemon juice.
19. Peach
Pink, peachy cheeks is something a lot of us strive to achieve. Peaches do just that. Well, maybe not literally, but this fruit contributes to a healthy glow.
Peaches are packed with vitamins C, A, E and K. They also contain calcium and other minerals, along with dietary fibre for a healthy digestive system. Peaches contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, preventing UV damage and contributing to that healthy glow!
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- You can consume a few peach slices in the morning with your breakfast.
- You could even add a few pieces to your smoothies or make a peach smoothie.
B. For Healthy Skin
Slice a peach and apply the pieces to your skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes before you wash it off with cold water.
20. Tomato
Another fruit that is rich in lycopene is the tomato. It contains powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from UV damage and premature aging. Its natural acids regulate sebum production, making it a good option for those with oily skin types.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Consume a freshly cut raw tomato in the morning.
- You can even have fresh tomato juice or use it in all your curries.
B. Topically
Blend half a tomato into a puree and add half a teaspoon of lemon juice to it. Gently dab the mixture onto your skin using a cotton ball and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
C. For Skin Lightening
Blend a tomato to form a puree and add 2 tablespoons of turmeric to it. Apply to your skin and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
21. Blueberries
Blueberries have high nutritional value and are rich in vitamins A and C. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body. These fruits, if consumed regularly, can leave your skin feeling softer and more youthful.
How To Use
A. In Your Diet
- Consume them raw any time of the day.
- Add blueberries to your desserts/smoothies.
B. For Skin Toning
Mash a few steamed blueberries and add them to a tablespoon of yoghurt. Apply to your skin for 20 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
Wrapping Up
It is important to remember that a number of factors contribute to glowing skin. Consuming the above-mentioned fruits is good for a healthy digestive system and to treat a number of skin issues. However, healthy skin in the long run is usually the result of a collective effort.
Other factors that contribute to glowing skin include following a healthy diet (rich in antioxidants, vitamins and dietary fibre), pampering your skin every now and then with a face massage to improve blood flow, exercising regularly and using the right skin care products made to suit your skin type.
