If you’ve got acne on your face, it probably means pimples pop up on your body, too. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it: sometimes, body acne happens for predictable reasons.

We’re going over the most common, controllable, causes for acne flare-ups in various areas of your body, to pinpoint what’s behind your breakouts — and what you can do about it.

This is the second installment of our two-part series, focusing on why you’re breaking out in certain areas of your body. Click here to check out part one, acne face mapping. 

Breakouts on your neck

While the neck doesn’t have quite as many sebaceous glands as the face and scalp, people who have facial acne may also experience inflammatory pimples in this area.

Common causes of upper neck acne

• Makeup, dirty makeup brushes
• Hair products, natural hair oils
• Razor irritation
• Occlusive shaving products

Common causes of lower neck acne

• Too-tight collars (acne mechanica)
• Synthetic fragrance (cosmetic perfume or laundry detergent)

How to treat neck breakouts

• Include your neck in your acne skincare routine
• Pull your hair back
• Avoid comedogenic cosmetics and shaving products
• Don’t shave over active acne
• Launder clothes frequently with hypoallergenic detergent
• Spritz neck and inside of collars with acne treatment spray
• Protect active pimples with acne patches

Dr. Lee’s SLMD Skincare suggestions: Acne System, Salicylic Acid Body Spray, Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches

Breakouts on your chest

This is one of the most common sites for body acne, especially for those who live an active lifestyle, says Dr. Lee.

Common causes of chest acne

• Buildup of sweat, dirt, and oil 
• Wearing tight, non-breathable fabrics
• Leaving on occlusive, sweaty clothing 

How to treat chest breakouts

• Shower after working out or perspiring
• Avoid body sprays with synthetic fragrance
• Use a medicated body wash that kills acne-causing bacteria
• Spritz chest, sports bras and workout clothing with acne treatment spray
• Spot treat inflamed pimples with max-strength benzoyl peroxide

Dr. Lee’s SLMD Skincare suggestions: Body Acne System, BP Acne Spot Treatment

Breakouts on your back and shoulders 

Acne in these areas (aka bacne) usually happens for the same reasons as on your chest. But the location can make it a bit trickier to treat, notes Dr. Lee. 

Common causes of back acne

• Sweating under tight clothing
• Backpack straps or athletic gear
• Sitting on non-breathable chairs/car seats

How to treat bacne

• Shower after working out or perspiring
• Wipe down desk chair, car seat, gym equipment regularly 
• Use a medicated body wash that kills acne-causing bacteria
• Spritz back and sports gear with acne treatment spray 

Dr. Lee’s SLMD Skincare suggestions: Body Acne System

Breakouts on your thighs and buttocks

Yep, below-the-waist body acne (aka buttne) is certainly a pain in the you-know-what. Relatively speaking, there aren’t a lot of sebaceous glands in these areas, so cases of buttne and thigh pimples often fall into the category of acne mechanica.

Common causes of thigh and butt acne

• Wearing non-breathable undergarments
• Leaving on leggings or workout shorts after exercising 
• Sitting on non-breathable chairs/car seats
• Chafing

How to treat buttne and thigh acne

• Shower after working out or perspiring
• Wipe down desk chair, car seat, gym equipment regularly 
• Use a medicated body wash that kills acne-causing bacteria
• Spritz butt and thighs with acne treatment spray 
• Use a non-occlusive product to prevent chafing

Dr. Lee’s SLMD Skincare suggestions: Body Acne System, BP Acne Spot Treatment