4 ways to get rid of butt acne

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February 23, 2017 2:01 PM

Ever run your hand across your back side only to find that the skin is sporting some pimples? You're not alone.

Butt acne

Find out how to nix those annoying bumps for good

Debra Jaliman, a New York City-based dermatologist, explains exactly what these little bumps are: Folliculitis. (It's one of the 5 nasty skin conditions you can pick up at the gym.)

"The bumps are formed by dead skin cells and bacteria in the hair follicles."

While that sounds gross, there is some good news: Jaliman shared four ways that you can get rid of—and prevent—the dreaded pimples.

1. Use a benzoyl peroxide body wash

To eradicate bumps, Jaliman recommends using a body wash with benzoyl peroxide. While the ingredient is normally used as a spot treatment for zits, Jaliman says that it's a must for getting rid of folliculitis since it dries up and sloughs off the dead skin clogging the follicle. Try PanOxyl Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Creamy Wash.

2. Unclog pores with salicylic acid pads

Working toward a bump-free butt? Prevent future developments by unclogging pores a few times a week with a pad spiked with salicylic acid, says Jaliman. Again, what works on zits will work on these infected follicles—though they may not be painful the way zits are, they still require similar cleansing regimens. Try Neutrogena Rapid Clear Daily Treatment Pads.

3. Use a lotion with lactic acid

While you may think that slathering on a moisturizing body lotion would be counterintuitive, it’s not. The lactic acid in certain lotions gently exfoliates off dead skin cells, which Jaliman says will help you get rid of those pesky bumps. Try AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion.

4. Always shower after a sweat session

Do you sometimes sit around in your workout clothes after you've hit the gym? Jaliman says this bad habit can lead to butt bumps.

"It's best to shower right after a workout so you don't sit around in clothing you've been sweating in that's filled with bacteria," she says. (In fact, that's one of the 5 worst things to do after your workout.)

She recommends using a loofah, puff, or sonic cleansing brush like the Clarisonic Plus Face & Body Sonic Cleansing Brush to remove any sweat, bacteria, or dead skin cells that may be sitting on the surface.

The article 4 Ways to Get Rid Of Butt Acne originally ran on Women’s Health.

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