Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots and oily skin. In fact, the NHS has stated that about 95% of people aged 11 to 30 are affected by acne to some extent.
Although the face is the most common place for acne to form, the NHS has also stated that more than half of people with this skin condition will develop acne on their back, and about 15% of people will develop acne on their chest.
What is Body Acne?
Body acne is caused by the same factors that cause facial acne. Acne is a condition that affects the skin and results in inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions.
Why Does Body Acne Form?
Acne occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It develops in the form of whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.
What are the Best Ingredients to Treat Body Acne?
African Black Soap
African Black Soap works wonders for treating acne. A 2017 study discovered that 82.6% of African Black Soap users were satisfied with the soap's ability to treat their acne!
If this has not persuaded you enough already, click here to find out everything you need to know before using African Black Soap.
Try our African Black Soap Bar or our African Black Soap Body Wash for the ultimate ABS fix!
Clay Minerals
Minerals have been used for healing purposes since prehistoric times. Typically used in the form of a face mask, clay minerals are typically used today as an antibacterial mechanism that helps to heal acne through cleansing the skin of unwanted bacterias.
Try our Raw Fruit & Clay Masks for the ultimate glow and fruity fix.
Green Tea
Green Tea possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which all work together to reduce the appearance of existing acne while keeping your skin healthy which prevents new symptoms of acne forming.
Our Raw 'GoodGreen' Anti Acne Mask contains Green Tea, alongside other amazing ingredients with maximum nutrients to nourish the skin.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide may improve the appearance of acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and by reducing sebum. It is also reported to improve complexion by balancing the pigmentation, blotchiness and redness of the skin.
To add niacinamide into your skincare routine, try one of the following:
Raw Fruit & Clay Masks, Aloe, Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Toner, Orange & Juniper Toner, Liquid African Black Soap Cleanser.
Rose Water contains many powerful antioxidants which protect the cells in the skin against damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, while also acting as an inhibitor against elastase and collagenase, which are both harmful to the skin. This can help soothe the skin and decrease redness.
Try Kokoa's Organic Rosewater & Glycerin Facial Toner Spritz to regenerate and hydrate the skin.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is great for treating acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it works to decrease redness and swelling, while also helping to shed dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. Due to this, the chance of acne forming is reduced and the healing process for existing acne can be sped up.
At Kokoa, we use Willow Bark as an amazing natural source of Salicylic Acid.
Other Ways to Treat Body Acne
Use non-comedogenic products
Products with a high comedogenic rating can clog pores, which in turn can cause acne. Instead, use products with a comedogenic rating of 0, like our Organic Shea Butter Based Moisturisers to soothe and hydrate the skin without blocking pores.
Cleanse twice a day with lukewarm water
Washing your skin too frequently can irritate the skin and make symptoms of body acne worse. Cleanse your skin no more than twice a day to keep your skin clean and healthy. Use lukewarm water only, as water that is too hot or too cold can also irritate the skin.
Shower after sweating
Regular exercise can boost your mood and health. The sweat produced from exercise can flush your body from unwanted toxins. However, letting the sweat dry onto your skin can clog pores, so make sure to wash after a workout.
Don't squeeze spots!
Squeezing spots can cause scarring, and in some cases can make the acne worse! As irritating as it can be, make sure to let your spots go away on their own so they can heal effectively.
Loving the Skin You're In
Remember that your acne, or any other skin conditions you may encounter, does not define you. Our differences are what makes us beautiful, and you are not alone in your journey with acne.
Conclusion
The best ingredients for body acne are as mentioned above. Remember to take care of yourself internally and externally to become the best version of yourself.
Self-care is the ultimate form of love!