It’s really very hard to be a teenager. Pressures, stress, peer group expectations, parents, school and love life are just some of the common burdens associated with being a teenager. Oh! Did I mention acne?!

Yes, acne! It seems one of the simpler problems in life - other than the meaning of life, world peace, poverty and justice - but it really is agonizing. For teenagers, acne can mean the world! However there is a thing worse than “just” acne, it’s body acne! Who among you had never had any acne? Now, who among us never had BODY ACNE? Almost all teens experience that period in their lives when these unsightly jinxes of life called body acne ruin everything.

Body acne emerges out of nowhere, and it is so bugging to have appeared on the least expected areas. Body acne can occur on a person’s back, arms, shoulders, neck and buttocks. I even heard of individuals having them in their private parts, and ears! If you are in agony and are losing your self-confidence because of body acne’s demoralizing effect, then get a load of this: You are not alone. Thousands of teens, not to mention people in their twenty-something years, and even oldies are suffering along with you. All throughout the world, body acne is making its silent killing. It kills. Body acne is deadly! Body acne kills confidence; it kills a person’s self worth. Body acne can even be the reason behind your girlfriend leaving you.

The reason for body acne is largely hormonal and genetic. Yeah, it sucks, and it sucks big time! So I will make it easy on you by giving you these easy ways to kill the silent killer also known as acne, body acne that is. Here are some of the most effective ways to curb body acne tendencies:

1. Live a Stress-free life.

It’s possible to do it. All you have to do is be a worry-free person. Stress free living starts from having a healthy mind and a healthy body. You might consider changing your lifestyle. Do you worry too much? Too much alcohol? Too much partying? Excesses in your life may be the sole culprit of body acne. So now is the proper time for a lifestyle check. Remember that lifestyle changes can dramatically eradicate body acne.

2. Exercise.

Perspiration can cause body acne faster than you can say “sheesh kebabs”. So by creating a regular way wherein your body can rid itself of sweat and waste, you are making a way in which your precious body is stabilizing itself. By introducing exercise which is the “regular stress” you are making your body adaptable to more drastic and hostile changes it may face. And by the way, did I tell you that exercise lead to fab abs? And it takes away all the excess body fats!

3. Cotton rocks on.

A leading research on acne therapy concluded in their academic study that clothing can cause irritation to your supple and healthy skin. Do you wear bonnets? And now you wonder why you have body acne sporadically growing on your neck and ears! Tight fitting clothing (combined with sweat) will create the perfect environment for acne to thrive and multiply. Your body oils and your skin need oxygen to breathe just as you need water when you are thirsty. Wear clean clothes! Let your skin breathe! The research also indicated that natural fibers are better on your skin. Most of the natural fibers, especially cotton, are hypo-allergenic in nature, so it enables your body to move freely and for your skin to breathe.

4. Remember the Sabbath.

Rest! Sleeping is one of the best treatments for your body acne problems. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, party 24/7! Have time to rest and relax and enjoy your alone time.

5. UV is ugly.

The ultraviolet rays of the sun damages your skin and causes body acne outbreaks. Especially when you are at the beach or will be having a prolonged sun exposure, remember that body acne is threatening you. Umbrellas, caps and hats are bare necessities. Also, don’t forget your sunblock lotion, and the higher the SPF the better. Try looking for body acne specific lotion having SPF-25 or higher.

6. Have proper hygiene.

Body acne loves bacteria. Body acne loves grime and dirt and dust. Body acne loves the stinking you. In short, don’t stink! Take a bath as often as possible. Remember to use non-comedogenic soaps. Non-comedogenic products are those that do not clog your pores. A clogged pore accumulates infection at the cellular level. So avoid it.

7. Embrace what science and technology offers your body acne.

There are a million products out there. What may work for a person’s body acne, might not work for another. There’s no harm in trying, but be sure to consult your dermatologist before doing some lab rat experiment on yourself. Look for salicylic-acid cleansers, benzoyl peroxide, moisturizers and Retin-A solutions.
So, now that you have done all of the above, you can truly kiss your body acne goodbye!

Copyright 2005 Nora P. Dyson, acne-treatment-insider.com