Can i use proactive on my back

Some skin care experts believe that it may damage your skin barrier. Talk to your dermatologist to find out if using Proactiv products is the right skin care routine for you. Proactiv is upfront about the fact that there can be side effects from using their products. Most of the side effects are minor and temporary. Serious side effects are rare. In rare cases, some people may have a severe allergic reaction to Proactiv when they first start using it.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:. If you develop an allergic reaction after using Proactiv, stop using the product, and make sure to follow up with your doctor or dermatologist. If you have mild to moderate acne and have yet to treat it with benzoyl peroxide, Proactiv may be a good option. But if your acne symptoms are more severe, you may be better off trying a prescription treatment recommended by a dermatologist.

In many cases, acne is genetic. That said, there may be things you can do to possibly limit your acne breakouts and keep your symptoms in check. Try these tips to help limit acne breakouts:.

These tips may or may not work depending on whether your acne outbreaks are hormonal, caused by bacteria on your skin, or by lifestyle factors. But acne can affect your emotional health and well-being, and lead to anxiety and depression. If your acne is interfering with your everyday life, or making you feel self-conscious, make an appointment to see your doctor or dermatologist. Some insurance plans have recently added acne care to their covered conditions, so it might be less expensive than you think to get medical care.

Proactiv contains acne-fighting ingredients that may help treat mild to moderate acne breakouts. Keep in mind that a good skin care routine should focus on keeping skin healthy, in addition to targeting and fighting acne. Your skin has tiny holes called pores that can become blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt.

When this occurs, you may develop a pimple…. Keep clean: To help reduce chest and back acne, wash your skin as soon as you finish a sweat sesh. Aside from these post-workout showers, be sure to regularly clean and hydrate your skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, and keep your pores clear of oil, debris, and bacteria.

Use acne-fighting actives: Whether you choose an AHA like glycolic acid or a BHA like salicylic acid, use chemical exfoliators that keep pores unclogged to help treat and prevent breakouts from head to toe. Avoid physical exfoliators that are too harsh like loofahs and body washes with rough exfoliating beads which can irritate your breakouts even more.

Sanitize gym equipment: Wipe down gym equipment with antibacterial wipes to keep bacteria from the machine or mats off your skin. A used chest press machine is a surefire way to aggravate your skin and clog pores. Loosen up: Your clothing, that is! Friction from restrictive clothing can lead to acne mechanica, a specific type of acne that appears when sweat, heat and friction all combine.

Over time, bacteria, sweat, dead skin cells, pollen, dust, and oils from your hair and skin build up on your sheets. This is especially true if you tend to sweat while you sleep, prefer to shower in the morning, or typically go several days between hair washing.

This will not only help to address current blemishes but can prevent future breakouts. Zeichner stresses the importance of treating acne body wash as an actual treatment and not just a traditional body wash that you quickly lather up and wash away. According to Zeichner, in most cases, you can use your acne body wash on your face.

Some body washes—even those formulated to specifically target acne—can actually trigger acne or exacerbate existing breakouts. Zeichner says that body washes with heavy oils or fragrances can also lead to skin irritation, and in some cases, cause breakouts.

That said, look for hydrating products formulated without heavy soaps or fragrances to keep your skin happy. Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Neutrogena's is a long-time favorite, but she recently got hooked on the Curology option. Meet the Expert. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact byrdie.

Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Sharad J. Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review.

Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Byrdie. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Reviews Product Reviews. By Melanie Rud. Melanie Rud. Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based freelance beauty and lifestyle writer and editor. You can find her work in Allure, Pure Wow, Refinery29, and more.

Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Our top pick works to both prevent and treat existing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Best Budget:. On a budget? Cleanse the skin without causing over-drying or burning a hole in your wallet. Best for Sensitive Skin:. Three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide ensure this wash is plenty moisturizing.

Best Exfoliating:. Dissolve dead skin cells and pore-clogging grime with this 8. Best Extra Strength:. The high concentration of salicylic acid gives you peace of mind that it'll work on acne. Best With Benzoyl Peroxide:. Best Scent:. The refreshing citrus scent and gentle exfoliation will make every shower just that much better. Best Gel:. This clean and natural formula uses AHAs to exfoliate skin. Best Bar:. This solid soap bar is gre5at for lathering and it travels easily.