The Real Reason You Get Chest Acne

Reaching for your favorite v-neck doesn't feel quite as good when you've been suffering from blemished skin. Similar to having a breakout on your face, chest acne can come from the same culprits: clogged pores, sweat, irritants, and other common issues. InStyle notes that these bumps can also stem from an issue with your diet, such as indigestion or food intolerance. As various foods can spur inflammatory responses and thus appear on your skin, taking a look at what you've been eating may make a big difference in the state of your chest.

Furthermore, taking time to mitigate high levels of stress and hormonal fluctuations may help, as well. Especially common among teenagers, chest acne often results from a hormonal issue. Since our hormones are constantly rising and lowering, it can wreak havoc on our skin. "What happens is that as your hormones fluctuate," Dr. Gary Goldenberg explains to Cosmopolitan, "which often occurs before, during, and after your menstrual cycle, for example, your hair follicles [a.k.a. pores] produce more oil, creating a petri dish for P. acnes [bacterium on the skin] to grow, triggering inflammation, and resulting in a blemish."

Issues with this area could also be folliculitis, which is inflammation of the follicles, and often appears like acne, Bustle explains. So, speaking to a dermatologist could help you see if this is to blame.

When it comes to having a clear chest, check your self-care products first. Many have irritants and other ingredients that may lead to inflammation of your skin. InStyle recommends taking a look at products like laundry detergent, which often contains synthetic ingredients and fragrances that can pose a problem. If you've switched recently and are noticing breakouts, it's time to find a new soap.

Sports bras and sweat can also lead to blemishes with trapped bacteria laying on your skin. Following a sweaty workout, hop in the shower and wash off, then finish with an exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells that may be clogging your pores. The outlet also recommends trying a benzoyl peroxide body wash if the problem persists, just make sure to find a relatively mild option first to see how your skin reacts. Once your skin is cleansed and exfoliated, use a spot treatment to zap any bumps. InStyle notes that you can find one at your skincare outlet or opt for a dab of toothpaste for best results.

Even though they're annoying, chest pimples may be the result of various involuntary factors and can go away quickly. Keep up with your hygiene, and consider seeing a dermatologist if your acne doesn't clear up with a few home remedies.