How to Get Rid of Acne on Your Chest at Home

PDF download Download Article
Dermatologist-approved methods for banishing chest acne
PDF download Download Article

When summertime rolls around and you want to wear your favorite tank or new bathing suit, the last thing you want to deal with is chest acne. But you’re not alone: many people who have acne-prone skin also deal with acne on their chest. That’s why we’ve gathered the best treatment methods so you can target your chest acne and get back to clear skin fast. Keep reading to learn how to treat, prevent, and disguise chest acne starting today.

This article is based on an interview with our board-certified dermatologist, Paul Friedman, director and founder of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

  • Use an acne-fighting cleanser that contains salicylic acid in the shower daily to quickly reduce chest acne.
  • Apply a topical cream that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
  • Exfoliate your skin once a week to unclog your pores and prevent breakouts.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Treating Chest Acne

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use a cleanser with 2% salicylic acid while you’re in the shower. Gently scrub your chest and rinse well with lukewarm water every day. [1]
    • Soaps containing these ingredients unclog your pores, which will help to curb acne.
    • If you scrub too roughly, you'll deplete your skin's natural oils, and you'll irritate your acne. Always scrub your chest gently to get rid of dead skin cells.
    • Take a shower every day. If you don't clean your skin, you invite sebum and bacteria to collect on its surface, causing acne.
    • If you have long hair, consider putting it up when sleeping. The oils from your hair can clog pores on your body.
  2. Use a cream with salicylic acid between 0.5% and 2%. Smear the cream directly over your acne to dry out and heal spots quickly. [2]
    • Salicylic acid can be drying. If you deal with dry skin regularly, apply a non-comedogenic lotion as well as a topical cream to your chest.
    • Over-the-counter vitamin A creams, like Differin , can also be effective.
    • Any regimen that you try could take up to 6 weeks to work. Don't give up too quickly on something that may eventually be effective.
    Advertisement
  3. Benzoyl peroxide fights the bacteria that cause acne, and assists in drying out and peeling dead layers of skin on the epidermis. Apply a topical cream with benzoyl peroxide to help fight acne. [3]
    • You can use products with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid in them at the same time for extra acne-fighting power. However, using both products at the same time could lead to excess redness, irritation, and dryness.
    • Try using either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid at first to see how your skin tolerates them.
  4. Exfoliate your chest once a week. Exfoliating removes the dead layers of skin on the epidermis, or the top layer of skin. Use an exfoliating scrub on your chest while you’re in the shower to reduce chest acne and help fade any old acne marks. [4]
    • Chest acne is often the result of clogged hair follicles or pores, which causes sebum to build up. This ultimately leads to acne.
    • Exfoliating can help in moderation, but exfoliating too much can actually increase acne. Stick to once a week (or even less) to make sure you don’t irritate your skin.
    • Men tend to have chests covered with hair while women tend to wear more tight-fitting bras and tops. Both of these may contribute to chest acne, making exfoliation very important.
    • Make sure to wipe down with a cleansing toilette or toner after excessive sweating during a workout.
  5. Look for masks made of mud or charcoal, or try a mask that contains mandelic acid. Try using a mask once a week on your chest to help soothe your skin and fight acne. [5]
    • Mud or charcoal mask . Rub this mask on your chest twice per week and then rinse it off. A mask will cleanse the area and unclog your pores.
    • Mandelic acid mask . Apply this mask 10 to 15 minutes before a shower. Then, rinse the mask off with acne wash.
    • You can also try a clay-based mask or a mask containing tea tree oil . Many people think that tea tree oil is a good treatment for a variety of skin conditions.
    • Use your mask on freshly washed skin before going to bed at night.
  6. Crush 2 aspirin tablets and combine with 1  tsp (4.9 mL) of water and 1  tsp (4.9 mL) of honey. Apply the paste to your chest, or wherever else necessary, and let it dry for 10 minutes. Then, rinse your skin off with cool water. [6]
    • Aspirin actually contains salicylic acid, which both dries out acne and reduces inflammation caused by acne. This makes it the perfect candidate for an effective paste.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Preventing Chest Acne

PDF download Download Article
  1. Cotton and linen are the most breathable fabrics, and they let sweat evaporate instead of forming a layer on your chest that clogs your pores and invites bacteria to grow. [7]
    • If you find that your clothing tends to make you break out, try switching laundry detergents or foregoing fabric softener (if you use it). Sometimes, our skin can be sensitive to certain ingredients, which can cause breakouts.
    EXPERT TIP

    Kimberly Tan

    Licensed Esthetician
    Kimberly Tan is the Founder & CEO of Skin Salvation, an acne clinic in San Francisco. She has been a licensed esthetician for over 15 years and is an expert in mainstream, holistic, and medical ideologies in skin care. She has worked directly under Laura Cooksey of Face Reality Acne Clinic and studied in-person with Dr. James E. Fulton, Co-creator of Retin-a and pioneer of acne research. Her business blends skin treatments, effective products, and education in holistic health and sustainability.
    Kimberly Tan
    Licensed Esthetician

    Finding the source of your acne can help you prevent it in the future. Licensed aesthetician, Kimberly Tan says: "Although having acne is hard, the good thing about it is that it's a sure sign that there's something going on in your body that you need to address. If you have other chronic issues, your body might not show visible symptoms until it's a big problem. With acne, you can tell that something is affecting your body."

  2. Eating a healthy diet will improve your skin over time. Eat a handful of walnuts every day to reduce skin inflammation. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Get lean protein, such as poultry breast or soy, into your diet, along with whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids.
    • People who eat more fruits and veggies, and less milk and sugar, tend to have less acne. Make sure you get 5 to 9 servings of healthy vegetables (especially leafy greens) per day.
    • Healthy fats, like omega-3s, help fight inflammation and promote healthy cells. [8] Omega-3s are damaged by oxygen, meaning if you eat foods that are rich in omega-3s, try to eat them raw. Foods rich in omega-3s include:
      • Fish, particularly salmon, sardines, and herring.
      • Seeds and nuts, particularly flaxseed.
      • Leafy greens, particularly spinach and arugula.
  3. Drink plenty of water every day. Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Like other organs, it needs plenty of water to stay hydrated and functioning on a healthy level. Many doctors recommend that you drink between 9 and 12 cups of water per day (2.2 to 3 liters), depending on whether you are a man or woman. [9]
    • Cut sweet, sugary drinks like sodas, juices, and smoothies out of your diet. Although the evidence has been disputed for decades, new reports seem to indicate that diets do have a substantial effect on acne, listing sugar as a trigger. Sugars cause a spike in insulin, which in turn stimulates a certain pimple producing hormones.
    • Unsweetened green may work, too. Green tea contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals; free radicals affect the cells that may be responsible for signs of aging in the skin. For a healthy alternative to water, brew some tasty and healthy green tea!
  4. Dairy products contain hormones from cows, and these hormones stimulate your pores and your oil glands. [10] If you have to drink milk, choose skim milk. The hormones are largely concentrated in the fatty portion of the milk, so drinking skim will limit your exposure.
  5. Use non-comedogenic body lotion to prevent additional breakouts. Look for labels that say "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free." Comedogenic ingredients have a tendency to clog pores. [11]
    • Comedogenic ingredients include cocoa butter, pigments and dyes, coal tar, and isopropyl myristate.
    • If your skin is oily, always look for non-comedogenic lotion and cleansers.
  6. If you have germ-ridden hands and then touch your chest, you transfer bacteria onto your chest skin that can clog your pores. So wash up. You'll not only prevent acne but also a variety of diseases. [12]
    • Do your best to keep your hands away from your chest, too. Poking, prodding, or popping pimples can irritate your skin more, leading to further breakouts.
  7. Lower your stress levels as much as possible. Doctors aren't completely sure why, but they do know that there is a link between stress and skin disorders, specifically stress and acne. [13] Somehow, the cells that produce sebum, which is the stuff that ultimately causes acne, become unregulated when a person experiences a lot of stress. Always get plenty of rest, and practice self-care when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
    • Doctors know that the less you sleep, the more likely you are to experience stress throughout the day. And the more stress you experience, the worse your acne gets.
  8. Exercise throughout the week. Exercising is almost a universal panacea. In this case, exercise promotes healthy circulation and helps ease anxiety and stress. So find an excuse to run—or walk—around the block, join an intramural sports team, or hit the stationary bike.
    • Shower after you exercise . This is very important. Your pores may be clogged with sweat after you exercise. If you shower and clean them, there's a good chance that you might avoid some of the chest acne that is caused by simple neglect after exercising.
    9. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Disguising Chest Acne

PDF download Download Article
  1. Hydrogen peroxide has been shown to target the bacteria that causes acne. [14] To spot treat pimples and reduce redness quickly, dip a cotton swab into a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, then dab it onto your blemish. Let the hydrogen peroxide dry to treat your acne.
    • Alternately, dab a blemish with a Q-Tip that you've soaked in eye drops (used for redness relief). Eye drops can help reduce inflammation and the visibility of redness. For added relief, place the soaked Q-Tip in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes before applying.
  2. Apply a concealer that contains salicylic acid. Choose a concealer that's 1 shade darker than your skin tone to fully conceal the acne. Blend the concealer in with your fingers or a clean makeup brush. [15]
    • Having trouble concealing the redness of a pimple? Use a green color-correcting concealer underneath your normal concealer. Since the green counteracts the red, the result will be a much less noticeable blemish.
    • If your concealer isn’t going on smoothly, prep your skin with a primer before applying.
  3. The concealer may be slightly noticeable, so cover it up with your usual foundation. Use a makeup brush or beauty blender to blend everything in.
  4. Powder helps your makeup stay in place all day, even when it’s on your chest. Use a light dusting of translucent powder or powder in your shade to set your makeup.
    • Still concerned that your chest acne is noticeable? Wear a necklace to take the attention away from your chest.
  5. Try calamine lotion if you don't want to use makeup. The pink color masks the acne while providing relief from the irritation. Plus, calamine lotion is drying, so it can help dry up blemishes quickly. [16]
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Do not spray perfume on your chest because it may aggravate your pores or clog/close them.
        Thanks
        Helpful 13 Not Helpful 0
      • Change your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week. Not doing so lets all the dead skin cells and bacteria build up on the place you sleep, promoting acne on your body.
        Thanks
        Helpful 14 Not Helpful 1
      • Don't let chest acne get you down. Almost 30% of those with facial acne break out on their chest at some point in their life.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 6
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Talk to your doctor before you take oral medications for fighting acne, particularly if you're pregnant or have a long-term health condition.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • If you're going to wear a scarf or jewelry to cover your acne, make sure you aren't sensitive to any of the materials in them (if you are, the acne can worsen).
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Pop a Pimple
      How to
      Get Rid of Bacne
      How to
      Get Rid of Acne Scars Fast
      How to
      Get Rid of Acne on the Buttocks
      Getting Rid of Painful Pimples inside the Ear: 12 Expert-Approved Ways
      How to
      Remove Blackheads on Your Back
      How to
      Get Rid of Neck Acne
      How to
      Get Rid of Acne Scars on Your Chest
      How to
      Get Rid of Back Acne Fast
      How to
      Get Rid of Leg Acne
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/prevent-acne.html
      2. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/prevent-acne.html
      3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/prevent-acne.html
      4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
      5. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/march/the-magic-behind-face-masks
      6. ↑ https://share.upmc.com/2015/11/pimple-patch-can-aspirin-aid-acne/
      7. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/prevent-acne.html
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet
      9. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet
      2. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/acne
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips
      4. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28871928/
      5. ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/hydrogen-peroxide
      6. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a26382/chest-acne-cause/
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23338-calamine-lotion

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you have chest acne, wash the affected area daily with a cleanser containing 2% salicylic acid until the breakout goes away. If you still have breakouts, treat bumps with an acne-fighting cream made with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. You can also make a paste from 1 teaspoon of water, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 2 crushed aspirin tablets. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Keep reading to learn how to disguise chest acne while it heals.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,964,467 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Feb 14, 2017

        "I have been suffering from acne on my chest, back and shoulders for a long time now. I'm going to try all ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement