Bethany Heitman is a contributing editor at NBC Select.
Andriana Kourkoumelis contributed.
How to get rid of butt acne, according to dermatologists
Don’t let these zits bum you out. Here’s what to do about them.
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Buttne is exactly what it sounds like — acne on your butt. “Anyone can develop buttne, but those who are more prone are individuals who sweat excessively, wear tight or non-breathable clothing, or have prolonged periods of sitting,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida. “Athletes or those who regularly exercise may also be more susceptible due to increased perspiration and wearing tight workout attire.”
Some of the same things that cause facial acne can also lead buttne. “It can be triggered by clogged pores due to excess oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria,” says Chacon. “Sweat and friction can exacerbate these issues, leading to irritated and inflamed hair follicles.” Finally, warm weather can also up the chance of breakouts on your butt. This is because higher temperatures mean more opportunities to sweat and clog pores.
I asked experts what to look for in products that can treat buttne. These are the top things they suggest paying attention to while you shop:
Ready to treat buttne? The body washes and spot treatments below are specifically formulated to treat body and butt acne and were recommended by experts, are favorites of NBC Select staffers or are highly rated.
Made specifically for your bum, this lotion has has tea tree oil, which Harth says can reduce inflammation and soothe bumps. The lotion is also hydrating, which can prevent more acne from popping up — that’s because if your skin feels dry, your oil glands go into overdrive to lubricate the area, which can cause even more zits. The brand recommends applying this three to four days during a breakout to help clear skin.
This body wash has 2% salicylic acid to remove bacteria and unclog pores, plus shea butter and glycerin to hydrate the skin. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin uses this body wash after sweaty workouts and likes how gentle it is. “It is non-irritating and leaves my skin feeling soft and clean,” she says.
I was sent this product a few years back when it first came out and was instantly taken with the cute packaging (there’s a Corgi’s butt on the lid). But it’s what is inside the jar that is really impressive. It’s a face mask for your butt, with a blend of glycolic, malic and azelaic acids to gently resurface the skin and tiny beads to gently exfoliate as you wash it off. To use, simply spread a thin layer on your skin, wait three minutes and rinse off.
NBC Select editorial intern Andriana Kourkoumelis uses this wash in her shower routine daily. “As someone who struggles with textured skin and acne all over my body, this wash has helped keep my pores unclogged and made me breakout less overtime,” she says. This acne body cleanser also made our list of the best body washes for acne-prone skin. It has salicylic acid to unclog pores, plus ceramides and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and prevent irritation.
Kourkoumelis loves this spray by Magic Molecule because it works to reduce irritation from breakouts, tattoos, bug bites and even buttne. “This spray basically sanitizes your skin and prevents breakouts before they even happen,” she says. The spray helps heal over 50 common skin problems and works to remove bacteria, reduce redness, calm skin and minimize imperfections over time, according to the brand. Magic Molecule also offers a smaller size, which is perfect for travelling.
We list this as one of the best body washes for those with oily skin or who get regular breakouts. It has salicylic acid, which can exfoliate and unclog pores, says Chacon. The formula also has glycerin to keep skin hydrated, according to the brand.
One of our favorite treatments for teen acne, these First Aid Beauty facial pads are safe for sensitive skin because they gently exfoliate using an alcohol-free (non-drying) formula, according to the brand. Their gentle formula makes them a good option for buttne, too. Plus, the pads are easy to swipe across acne that may be hard to reach. These pads also have hyaluronic acid and white tea extract to hydrate and protect your skin, according to the brand.
This spray is one of our favorite treatments for back acne, but it’ll work for your butt, too. The nozzle allows you to easily spray a fine mist of a salicylic mixture over any infected area that may be hard to reach. The leave-on exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use and works by exfoliating the skin to unclog pores, according to the brand.
Both of the experts I spoke to agree that lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in keeping new butt breakouts from happening. They suggest the following:
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I am a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I interviewed two board-certified dermatologists and researched highly rated butt acne treatments on the market.
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