Body acne? Here are the 5 body washes you must try

How often do we feel the pinch of a pimple when we lie down, or the compulsive need to pick at those tiny bumps on our under-thighs? 85 per cent of people experience acne in some form or the other at some point in their lives, body acne is not much different from facial acne, and the same triggers apply to both — meaning overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria can lead to breakouts anywhere and everywhere. But, before we hop onto remedies, let’s dissect it further, what can cause these triggers? Here are two of the main ones:

1. Acne Cosmetica—If you have acne on the back of your neck and along your hairline, it may be acne cosmetica. It's a mild but long-lasting form that's triggered by comedogenic products like hair oil, certain makeup, or even heavy moisturisers.

2. Acne Mechanica—Tight clothing, sports equipment, backpacks, and other wearable gear may trigger your body and back acne breakouts due to continuous rubbing or pressure on the skin, combined with heat or sweat (side note: sweat also on its own can cause irritate the skin and cause body acne).

Now, to the basics. The obvious are bathing right after you’ve had a sweat sesh and wearing clothes that are breathable as much as possible. The next is identifying and eliminating products that are comedogenic. And, of course, watching what you are eating—sugar and dairy can also be triggers—and keeping the stress levels low. For more topical treatments that can help you achieve that clear skin you are craving for the next time you want to take that mini skirt for a round around town, we bring you a list of our favourite body washes that should do the trick.

Kiehl’s “Made for ALL” Gentle Body Cleanser   

As the name suggests, this cleanser is suitable for all skin types and ages. Dermatologically tested, this antioxidant-rich formula has soap tree extract and aloe vera, making it the great pick for irritated skin. High in saponin, this formula provides a mild, frothy lather leaving your skin clean and fresh while targeting milia outbreaks.

₹4,000

Dermalogica’s Clearing Skin Wash for Oily & Acne-prone Skin

This is the perfect body wash for damage control. Its cool and fresh formula contains balm mint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and chamomile flower, along with salicylic acid, green tea, and zinc to stimulate natural exfoliation and clear clogged follicles—just what is causing that persistent acne.

₹3,000

Trufitt and Hill’s Grafton Bath and Shower Gel

For all those men suffering from body acne—Trufitt and Hill’s body wash is perfect for you with its hints of lavender, lemon, basil, wood, and cedar, with a base of patchouli oil, tonka, amber, and musk, relieving stress and elevating your mood, all while moisturizing and deep cleaning your skin with indulgent therapeutic oils.

₹2,300

A-HA Body Wash by Aminu

Charcoal-based and plant-powered, Aminu’s A-HA Body Wash, with its strategic blend of AHA exfoliants and unique botanicals, is gentle on the skin while effectively removing surface impurities and excess oil. However, this one may be a little too strong for people with sensitive skin.  

₹1,650

Forest Essential’s Silkening Shower Wash Oudh and Green Tea

Free from chemicals and parabens that irritate your skin, this antioxidant-rich shower wash infused with herb extracts such as neem and reetha (also known as Indian soapberry) is known to combat acne-prone skin gently. This subtle wash is sure to get you one step closer to that natural glow!

₹1,295