Shoulder acne can make you feel uncomfortable wearing off-shoulder dresses, tank tops, and sleeveless clothes. However, we all deserve to feel comfortable in our skin; therefore, if you have acne around your shoulders and it's making you feel uncomfortable, we can work on that. In this article, we shall look at how to get rid of shoulder acne. That will give you a chance to work on them and feel like yourself again in your summer clothes.
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition, and it is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States. When dead skin cells clog pores in our skin, you are likely to develop acne. Ace presents itself as small to large bumps on the skin, which can be painful and filled with pus in some cases. It can also be caused by excess oil (sebum) production and a bacterium known as Propionibacterium acnes. Acne is more common on the face, but it forms on the face and other body parts, such as the neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back.
What Causes Shoulder Acne?
A single product does not cause shoulder acne. However, it is caused by several factors, which we shall discuss below in detail.
a). Hormones
Hormones are one of the main causes of acne. That is why acne starts at puberty when hormones are raging. Higher hormone levels also cause acne, and this may result in increased acne breakouts. Acne may be more common in teenagers, but they also affect people from other age groups.
b). Inflammation
Acne is also caused by inflammation, which is a pore blockage known as microcomedo. These blockages may be invisible to the naked eye but eventually, turn to the inflamed pimple you see on your skin. As oil keeps pouring in, it engorges the pore and makes a great home for the acne-causing bacteria.
When the pressure becomes too much, and the pore can no longer hold it, its walls break, releasing the substance and spreading on your skin. Your body will try to repair the damage, and in the process, the skin may turn red, swell, and get irritated, leading to an inflamed acne blemish.
c). Hair Products
Your hair products may make your hair amazingly lustrous, but they cause your shoulder acne as well. The product may be perfect for your hair but not your skin type. If they are too oily, they may cause acne on your shoulders, especially for people with long hair. When you apply a conditioner, and the hair rubs onto your shoulders, or at that moment when you are washing your hair, and the shampoo drips on your shoulders, it can cause shoulder and facial acne.
d). Your Hair
The hair naturally produces sebum. When the excess sebum transfers to your shoulders, it can clog pores, and the result will be a breakout. This can happen to anyone, but you may be at a higher risk of getting shoulder acne if you have long and oily hair.
e). Sweat Build-Up
If you are a sweaty person or a fitness enthusiast, you may be more likely to get acne. This is because sweat build-up can block your pores, leading to breakouts. So, showering more often if you are sweaty may be a great way to ensure your sweat does not cause acne.
Types of Shoulder Acne
All acne does not look the same; this is because they are of different types. They include;
i). Whiteheads
Whiteheads are tiny bumps with a skin-colored appearance. Inside, the whiteheads contain a buildup of keratin and oil. (The body naturally produces keratin).
ii). Papules
Papules are small red bumps, about one centimeter in diameter. They do not have a clear head.
iii). Blackheads
These are a result of clogged pores. Many think that their dark color is due to dirt in the follicle. However, it is due to the oxidation of keratin and melanin.
iv). Pustules
Pustules are red bumps. They can be filled with pus or other fluids.
v). Nodules and Cysts
Nodules and cysts are large and red. These acne lesions are often painful and occur in severe acne known as nodulocystic.
Let us now get straight to how to get rid of shoulder acne. There are various ways to get rid of acne, including shoulder, facial acne, or even body acne. You can use natural home remedies, over-the-counter drugs, or prescription medication.
1. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
If you want to get rid of should acne at home, you can use apple cider vinegar. This product has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can eliminate redness and skin irritation. In addition, the acid in vinegar can help remove excess oils, dirt, and dead skin cells that may be blocking the pores.
Using apple cider vinegar is easy. All you need to do is dilute a tablespoon of vinegar with three tablespoons of water, then apply to the shoulder parts with acne. Leave the vinegar on your skin for 10 minutes and rinse off with water. Do this repeatedly for a few days until the acne disappears.
2. Oatmeal Mask
If you have sensitive skin, this is a great solution for you. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that help to clear body acne. However, you will also need hone and lemon juice to make this method more effective. Honey helps to open clogged pores, and it also leaves the skin hydrated. On the other hand, lemon has antibacterial properties that exfoliate the skin and reduce increased inflammation.
Method
- Grind 2-3 tablespoons of oatmeal
- Add a tablespoon of lemon and one tablespoon of honey
- Mix the ingredients to make an oatmeal paste
- Apply the paste on the affected shoulders and leave it on for 30 minutes
- Rinse with warm water and apply a moisturizer
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is known to be effective in eliminating mild to moderate acne vulgaris. It also helps to reduce inflammation, prevent fungal infections, irritation and hydrates the skin.
Method
- Get a piece of aloe vera stem and slice it open
- Squeeze the gel on the affected shoulder and apply evenly
- Let it dry and rinse off with water
You can also mix lemon juice with the aloe vera gel to make it more effective.
4. Lemon
Lemon is packed with vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which can help to clear acne. It also opens clogged pores. It is a great remedy to help clear acne-prone skin. Lemon juice also helps to lighten dark skin and remove dead skin cells.
Method
- Cut a lemon and squeeze one half into a bowl
- Add one tablespoon of brown sugar to the juice and mix
- Apply it on the shoulders with acne and massage gently
- Leave it on the affected part for 10 minutes and rinse
Besides the above procedures, you can also use the following methods to get rid of shoulder acne.
1. Use Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid Body Wash
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are some of the most effective ingredients used in skincare products. You can find them in different products, including gels, creams, spot treatments, and face washes. If you are using benzoyl peroxide, leave it on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing. Other products include those enriched with salicylic acid, as it also helps to clear blemishes.
2. Use Anti-Bacterial Body Washes
Ant-bacterial body washes can help prevent bacteria buildup on your skin; this helps prevent body acne breakouts, including the shoulders. However, as much as you may like the fresh smell of lavender in your body wash if you have sensitive skin, it is recommended that you avoid body washes formulated with fragrances as they may irritate the skin.
3. Use a Soluble Water Cleanser
Using a gentle and non-abrasive drugstore cleanser is also a great way to get rid of shoulder acne. A water-soluble cleanser cleans without leaving residues behind. When using a cleanser, it is important to remember to be gentle with your skin. Please do not rub it vigorously; instead, gently massage the cleanser on the skin, and rinse it off with clean water.
How Can You Prevent Shoulder Acne?
a). Wear Loose and Breathable Clothes
You can prevent should acne by wearing loose-fitting fabrics. Tight clothing can trap bacteria, oils, and dirt which can develop into blemishes, and lead to acne mechanica. Also, if the fabric is not breathable enough, it can cause more irritation. Cotton clothing is the best choice to prevent this type of acne.
b). Use a Non-Comedogenic Body Lotion
A non-comedogenic lotion means it does not clog pores. This is important, especially when choosing body products that stay on your skin all day or overnight. If you use a non-comedogenic body lotion, it will hydrate your skin without clogging the pores.
If you buy a body lotion with salicylic acid, it can eliminate the acne from your shoulders and help prevent further breakouts.
Other Methods
i). Drink plenty of water. Drinking a lot of water keeps you hydrated and helps to flush out toxins and regenerate skin cells.
ii). Avoid hair sprays, shampoos, and conditioners with harsh chemicals. Such products can easily cause shoulder or back acne.
iii). Avoid detergents that may contain irritating chemicals when doing your laundry. The residues may cause skin irritation.
iv). Make it a habit to exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells that may clog pores.
