"While many forms of acne, including body acne, have a genetic component, there can be other factors," explains board-certified

dermatologist Geeta Yadav. "These include overactive oil glands, fluctuation in hormones, friction or occlusion of the skin, and even the use of hair products, especially if you have longer hair. Although these factors play an important role, exactly what triggers acne has not been totally clarified in the literature. There have been linkages to food, but this has not been conclusively proven. I’ve noticed an uptick in acne in patients who wear athletic clothing that causes friction or that traps sweat from working out, against the skin."

So what can you do to minimize your own body acne? Yadav recommends washing your sheets frequently (more than once a week) to keep oil and grime from building up on the fabric and potentially clogging your skin. She also recommends exfoliating regularly to remove dead skin cell buildup and cleansing your skin often. "Get out of your sweaty fitness clothes and shower as soon as you can post-workout or use a body wipe if you're in a pinch," she says. "You should also do this if you live in a particularly hot and humid area or if you have a job that makes you particularly sweaty. It's okay to shower twice a day to help get the grime off!" 

That brings us to a humble, yet powerful, acne-clearing product—bodywash.