Almost 60% people experience chest acne at a certain point in their lifetime. Though it is not immediately visible like facial acne, it can cause discomfort especially when wearing tight or low neck clothes.
So, What Triggers Chest Acne?
There are various reasons behind the trigger. Finding out the exact reason can be of a great help in dealing with chest acne.
Clogged Glands – when oil glands, hair follicles or sweat glands get clogged with dead skin, oil or sweat, the bacteria thrive in it and cause acne.
Hormonal Imbalance – Due to improper diet, stress or puberty, hormones get imbalanced which triggers acne on various parts of the body, especially chest and back.
Allergy – If you are allergic to perfumes, body lotions or any cosmetic product then the allergy can trigger pimples on chest.
Reproductive System Issues – During puberty, PCOS and other issues related to reproductive glands can cause cystic acne on chest and other body parts.
Mismanaged Blood Sugar – Diabetes, spikes in blood sugar level or over consumption of sugars can lead to chest acne.
Hygiene – If bed sheets, clothes are not properly washed or if bathing irregularly, it can also cause bacteria or dust build up on skin and trigger chest acne.
Whatever might be the reason, chest acne can be greatly controlled with nutritional diet and proper hygiene.
Meanwhile you can try topical applications to reduce the chest acne. There are many ingredients like oatmeal, lemon, garlic, tea tree oil, baking soda, fuller’s earth, fenugreek and many others that can be used to treat chest acne.
Home Remedies to Get Rid Of Chest Acne Fast:
1. Oatmeal
It absorbs oil and prevents the pores to get clogged. Its inflammatory properties reduce swelling and redness. It exfoliates toxins, dust and dead skin from the skin.
Process 1:
- Cook one cup of oatmeal.
- Let it cool down and apply it on the chest area.
- Gently massage from 5 minutes and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- For better results, add 1 teaspoon honey and lemon juice.
- Repeat 3 times a week.
Process 2: with Onion
The astringent properties of onion reduce the blemishes and prevent future outbreaks.
- Cook a bowl of oatmeal and let it cool down.
- Puree one medium onion in a blender.
- Mix oatmeal and onion puree.
- Refrigerate the mixture until chilled.
- Apply the mixture on the affected areas of chest.
- Leave it for few minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat regularly.
Note: The mixture should be chilled before application as the coldness helps to reduce the inflammation.
2. Garlic
The allicin compound present in garlic kills bacteria. It improves blood circulation and repairs skin tissues. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and other discomforts caused by acne.
Process 1:
- Peel and crush garlic clove.
- Apply on the affected area of the chest.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat daily.
Process 2: With Lemon
Just like garlic, lemon also contains anti-biotic properties which fight with bacteria causing acne.
- Peel and crush a garlic clove.
- Combine the crushed garlic with lemon juice.
- Apply it on the chest acne.
- Leave it for 30 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
- You can repeat it daily, but be careful as it can cause irritation sometimes.
- Alternatively, you can mix garlic juice and lemon juice.
3. Lemon
The ascorbic acid and phytoncides present in lemon juice can discourage the bacterial growth. Its astringent properties shrink acne and constrict excess oil build up.
Process 1:
- Slice a lemon into half.
- Massage sliced lemon on acne affected area of the chest.
- Leave it on for half an hour and wash off with water.
- Repeat 3 times a week.
Note: If you have sensitive skin or cannot withhold the irritation caused by lemon, dilute lemon juice with water or olive oil.
Process 2: Lemon with Cinnamon
- Combine 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder.
- Stir well and apply it on pimples affected areas of chest.
- Leave it on for an hour and rinse off with cool water.
- You can repeat it daily, but it can sometimes cause irritation.
4. Tea Tree Oil
The terpinen-4-ol present in it is responsible for anti-bacterial effect on acne. It penetrates deeply into the sebaceous glands, balances the production of oils and disinfects the pores.
- Get a drop of tea tree oil and place it on the affected area of the skin.
- Rub it a bit and leave it to dry.
- Repeat 3 times a day.
5. Fuller’s Earth, Sandal wood and Rose Water
Fuller’s earth absorbs the excess oil from the skin but never dries out. The astringent property of rosewater shrinks the pores. Sandalwood soothes the irritation.
- Combine 1 tablespoon each of fuller’s earth, rose water and sandalwood powder.
- Apply the mixture on chest acne.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat 3 times a week.
6. Baking Soda
It can clear accumulated dead skin and excess oil from the skin. Its mild anti-septic properties have the ability to fight fungus or bacteria causing chest acne. The anti-inflammatory properties present in it reduce redness and irritation.
- Combine baking soda and enough amounts of water.
- Apply the mixture on acne affected area of the chest.
- Gently massage from 5 minutes.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat 3 times a week.
7. Aloe Vera
The gibberellins and polysaccharides present in it kill the bacteria causing pimples on the chest area. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the swelling and redness. It hydrates the skin and removes excess oil on the skin.
- Scoop out gel from an aloe vera leaf.
- Apply in the on acne affected areas.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat daily.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
It is the king of all home remedies. The anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties in it kill the bacteria. It contains minerals and vitamins which speedup the healing process and avoid scarring. It removes the buildup of dead skin, oil and other toxins.
- Soak a cotton ball in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Gently rub the cotton ball on acne affected area of the chest.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Clean with water and pat dry.
- Repeat 4 times a week.
9. Fenugreek
Fenugreek contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It removes dead skin and absorbs excess oil from the skin. Fenugreek can be used in three forms: leaves, powder and seeds.
Using Fenugreek Leaves
- Take handful of fenugreek leaves and grind them.
- Add few drops of water to achieve paste consistency.
- Apply it on chest acne and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
Using Fenugreek Seeds
- Soak fenugreek seeds overnight.
- Blend them with water.
- Apply the mixture on the acne affected areas of the chest.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
Using Fenugreek Powder
- Mix enough amounts of fenugreek powder and water.
- Apply the mixture on acne affected area.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat 3 times a day.
10. Toothpaste
Look for toothpaste that contains at least 2 or 3 ingredients of baking soda, triclosan, alcohol, menthol, hydrogen peroxide and sodium pyrophosphate. Avoid toothpaste that is gel based or contains artificial flavors and colors.
- Before going to bed, wash your face with a cleanser.
- Apply pea sized toothpaste on chest acne.
- Note: It should not be spread like a mask.
- Leave it overnight and rinse off it the first thing in the morning.
- Repeat only 4 times a week.
Note: Toothpaste can dry and irritate your skin so it is very important to use this particular method very sparingly. Always choose a paste that has lower fluoride content. Avoid teeth-whitening toothpaste.
11. Egg Whites
They are rich in vitamins, proteins and amino acids soak up the excess oil, fight with bacteria and shrink the pores to prevent dirt accumulation. It promotes skin cell repair and nourishes skin tissues.
- Separate egg white from an egg.
- Whish the egg white till frothy.
- Apply it on the chest acne.
- Leave until dry and apply another layer of egg white.
- Repeat the application process for 4 – 5 layers.
- After the last application completely dries, rinse off with water.
- Repeat 3 times a week.
12. Mint
Menthol present in it fights with the bacteria and reduces the swelling and redness. It also soothes the irritation.
- Blend handful of mint leaves with few drops of water.
- Extract juice form the mixture.
- Add a pinch of turmeric and mix well.
- Apply it on the acne affected area of the chest.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat daily.
13. Honey
It contains anti-bacterial properties which deal with the bacteria. It dissolves the accumulated dead skin and removes excess oil. The humectants in honey lock the moisture in skin cells and moisturize it.
Process 1:
- Slash a layer of honey on chest acne.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water followed by cool water.
- Repeat daily.
- For extra benefits, add a pinch of turmeric or 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Process 2: With Radish Seeds and Milk
- To a blender, add 1 tablespoon each of radish seeds, milk and honey.
- Blend them to create smooth paste.
- Apply a thick layer of the mixture on chest acne.
- Leave it on for 2 hours.
- Wash with cool water and moisturize with any moisturizer of your choice.
- Repeat daily.
- Refrigerate the leftover mixture in an airtight container up to 5 days.
14. Salt
It deals with the bacteria and dead skin cells that contribute to the breakouts on the chest area.
Process 1:
- Combine 1 liter water and 1 cup sea salt in a large bowl.
- Soak a wash cloth in the salt water and wring out the excess.
- Place the towel on your chest area and let it dry.
- Repeat the process 4 – 5 times and rinse off with water.
- Repeat daily.
Process 2: with Tea Tree Oil
- Mix 1 teaspoon salt and few drops of tea tree oil.
- Apply it on acne affected area.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat 3 times a week.
15. Banana Peel
The compound lutein present in the peel of banana has powerful antioxidant properties. It helps to reduce inflammation and irritation. It promotes healthy cell growth.
- Scrape out the inner layer of the banana peel.
- Apply it on the chest acne.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
16. Neem
According to Ayurveda, neem or Indian lilac has anti-bacterial properties and anti-inflammatory properties. It soaks up the excess oil and promotes healthy cell growth.
- Grind handful of neem leaves with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Apply it on the acne affected area of the chest.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat daily.
- For extra benefits, add a pinch of turmeric.
17. Green Tea
It is rich in antioxidants which help to reduce the skin damage caused by environmental toxins and stress. It also reduces inflammation and irritation.
- Brew some green tea and let it cool down.
- Soak a cotton ball and wring out the excess.
- Place it on breakout and secure it with a band aid or tape.
- Remove after 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat daily.
18. Papaya
The papain and chympapin enzymes present in papaya are responsible for antibacterial and antiviral properties. It unclogs the pores and exfoliates the accumulated dead skin. The vitamins present in it helps in production of new and healthy skin cells.
- Peel and chop papaya into chucks.
- Blend papaya chunks into paste.
- Apply on the affected areas of the acne.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat daily.
- For extra benefits, add honey or lemon juice or yogurt.
19. Witch Hazel
It contains astringent properties which cleans the pores, reduces the inflammation and leaves the skin refreshed.
- Using a cotton ball, apply witch hazel on acne affected areas of chest.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat daily.
20. Epsom Salt Scrub for Chest Acne
Epsom salt contains magnesium sulphate which reduces inflammation and removes impurities. Coffee grounds help in production of new and healthy cells. Coconut oil contains anti-bacterial properties which deal with bacteria causing acne.
- Combine 4 oz. each of Epsom salt and coffee grounds.
- Now add 1 teaspoon each of tea tree oil and coconut oil.
- Stir well and store this in airtight container.
- During bath, scrub this mixture on acne affected areas.
- After few minutes, rinse off with water.
- Repeat 3 times a week.
21. Orange Peel
It deeply cleans the pores by extracting dirt, dust, oil and other toxins. Vitamin C present in orange peel encourages healthy growth of new cells and skin tissues.
- Peel the skin of oranges.
- Dry them under the sun until crisp.
- Blend them to make a fine powder.
- Mix orange peel powder and water.
- Apply the mixture on affected areas.
- Rinse off with water after 20 minutes.
- Repeat 3 times a week.
22. Cinnamon and Honey
Both cinnamon and honey contains anti-microbial properties which help to kill the bacteria causing acne. Honey also contains antibiotic properties.
- Wash the chest area and pat dry.
- Combine cinnamon and honey until it forms a paste.
- Apply it on the chest area and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
23. Cinnamon, Lemon Juice and Gram Flour
- Combine gram flour (besan), lemon juice, little water, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder.
- Apply this paste on the acne affected areas of the chest.
- Leave it for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Repeat regularly.
- Note: Follow this process before taking bath and rinse off during bathing. Bathing with eucalyptus or neem oil can helps to heal the chest acne faster.
Diet and Health Tips to Reduce/Prevent Acne on Chest:
Apart from regular topical applications it is equally important to maintain diet and health for quick and better results.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Include fresh vegetables and fruits in your daily diet.
- Avoid oily, fried and fatty foods.
- Replace sugar with stevia in desserts and drinks.
- Consume food that is rich in omega fatty acids like tune, salmon, sea greens, leafy greens and others.
- Avoid high gleycaemic carbohydrate items like granola bars, dairy products, potatoes, rice and all bakery items.
- Consume fruits rich in vitamin A and B.
- Practice yoga or exercise regularly to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Reduce intake of dairy products.
Tips and Warnings for Chest Acne:
- Change bed sheet and pillow covers at least once in a week.
- Don’t touch, scratch or prick the pimple.
- Avoid tight clothes and wear loose fitted clothes.
- Don’t use extreme amount of heavy cream, sun block, powders.
- Don’t spray antiperspirants or perfumes in the chest area.
- Wear clean and washed clothing.
- If you have a sensitive skin, detergents can cause allergy. So try to switch the detergent and use the one that good for your skin.
- Avoid soaps that contain paraben,lauryl suphate and other harsh chemicals.
- Use soap or concealers that contain salicylic acid.
- Prefer boiled or grilled foods instead of fried foods.
- Exfoliate regularly but make sure to do it gently. As harsh scrubbing can deplete the skin’s natural oil and worsens the acne.
- Shower daily to remove the buildup of sebum, bacteria on the skin’s surface.
- Try mud, charcoal or tea tree oil based clay mask to cleanse and unclog the pores. You can apply the mask, leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water. Repeat 2 times per week.
- Try to use calamine lotion in the chest area instead of makeup.
- Don’t use fabric softeners can they can clog hair follicles and pores.
- It nothing worked for you, try to consult a dermatologist.
Did you find this article helpful? Have any suggestion or secret remedies to share with us? Write to us in the comments section below. We love to hear from you.
source: homeremediesforlife.com