All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
The cherry on top of this unprecedented, difficult year is actually more like a cyst.
Getty Images
“I have seen a surge in both facial and body acne during this pandemic.
Body and facial acne have similar underlying causes, explains Chang.
“The buttocks are also a common area due to irritation from sweating and tight-fitting clothes.
Legs can be prone to acne after shaving due to irritation around hair follicles.”
“Body acne can be completely separate from acne on the face,” explains Engelman.
From the emotional to the physical, pandemic-related issues are contributing to the rise in acne.
For one, there’s the lifestyle change.
More time spent in sweaty clothes (because who’s changing right after a workout anymore?
), and then sitting in those sweaty clothes on the couch, can cause clogged pores.
“People are exhausted, mentally and physically,” says Gohara.
Others are showeringmore,which can lead to irritated skin.
Diet is also contributing to newfound body breakouts.
Pandemic-related poor diet may be exacerbating your acne,” says Chang.
Lastly, there’s the emotional toll that this year has taken.
“Pandemic-related stress may contribute to acne flares,” Chang continues.
“Stress induces the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and elevates cortisol levels in the body.
This isn’t so simple as “I slept in my makeup and now I have a zit.”
As always, but especially right now, make a run at be gentle with yourself and your choices.
Dermatologists offer a multi-step process for tackling body acne: “Find ways to de-stress.
She also suggests balancing any takeout or highly processed foods with a dose of fruits and vegetables.
As for all that couch friction, Chang offers a simple solution: wear loose-fitting clothes.
Meanwhile, make a few changes to your skin-care routine.
As for body wash, opt for a cleanser that contains acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
