However, chest acne can be quickly and effectively treated with the master exfoliator, glycolic acid, the hero ingredient for beating back body acne.

Similar to facial acne, chest acne takes the form of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and redness on the skin of the chest. 

“The chest is a very common place for acne to form,” dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum told Women’s Health. “Just like on the face, shoulders, or back, the chest’s sebaceous glands can become overloaded with oil, causing clogged pores, which results in inflammation and the formation of pimples or whiteheads.”

While exercising without showering, irritating fabrics, and warm, humid temperatures can all exacerbate chest acne, the true culprit behind this all-too common form of body acne is a lack of regular exfoliation. When old, dry cells build up on the skin and mix with oil from the sebaceous glands, these dead cells can clog pores and cause breakouts. 

While chest acne can be frustrating and embarrassing, glycolic acid based skincare products can offer fast, efficacious relief – and even help thwart future breakouts.

To prevent chest acne, regular exfoliation is crucial. However, the choice of exfoliator matters when it comes to the delicate skin on the chest. Manual exfoliators like salt, sugar, coffee, or kernels can irritate and inflame the skin. Even worse? Manual exfoliators can actually cause micro-tears and abrasions to the thin skin on the chest. 

Instead, the gentler, safer option for chest skin exfoliation is with the skincare star ingredient, glycolic acid.  As the smallest Alpha Hydroxy Acid, glycolic acid can most quickly and easily penetrate the skin barrier. Then, once applied, glycolic acid works to dissolve the bonds holding dead skin, excess sebum, and debris together, effectively sweeping away current chest breakouts.

Glycolic acid is also ace at treating chest acne, thanks to this tiny molecule’s ability to drive new cells to the surface of the skin. New skin cells are more likely to exfoliate naturally and regularly, which decreases the chances of clogged pores – and future breakouts. 

Additionally, glycolic acid’s ability to promote collagen production also benefits acne chest sufferers. The regular use of a glycolic acid lotion, serum, or other treatment on the chest can help heal old acne scarring, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation left over from previous breakouts.

Chest acne is embarrassing for consumers and cyclic in nature. But, quick relief awaits consumers with glycolic acid skincare formulations that offer up efficacious, gentle results fast.