So know that I've given you the everything you need to know about what your face acne is telling you, I'm going to tell you all about what acne on your body actually means!
Like the jaw, when you get acne on your neck, it might indicate that your adrenal glands (hormones) are in overdrive. Other options: stress or excessive sugar intake. That’s if you are not wearing shirts with tight collars or have greasy hair that constantly touches the skin in this area. So wash your hair if its greasy, maintain a healthy diet, and keep calm and carry on.
Zone 2 & 3: Stress
Shoulder acne could mean that you are overstressed, sensitive and vulnerable. If you aren't stressed, check whether your handbag strap is causing friction against the skin.
Zone 4: Digestive System
Are you wearing clothes that aren't breathable like polyester or nylon? Acne on the chest can point towards digestive troubles, like a poor diet, bad eating habits, having excessively spicy food or drinking too many cold beverages on a regular basis.
Zone 5 & 6: Vitamin Levels
Skin is coarser on the arms so you can get small bumps called Keratosis pilaris in this area. This appears as small spots that give skin a rough, goose-bumpy appearance. Keratosis pilaris is usually caused by poor circulation and overproduction of dead cells at the hair follicle. Treat it with regular exfoliation and moisturizers that contain salicylic acid.
Zone 7: Blood Sugar Levels
There are very few oil glands in this area, making stomach acne a rarer complaint. When zits do crop up here, it’s usually because of one of these reasons: tight fitting clothes or high blood sugar.
Zone 8: Hygiene or STDs
Acne in this area is painful and very difficult to clear up. Most acne in this area come up because of ingrown hair from shaving or waxing. Then again, poor personal hygiene might also play a role. More worryingly though, it could be warts or the symptom of an STD (especially if the spots itch, ooze or don’t show any signs of improvement after 3-4 days).
Zone 9 & 10: Skin Sensitivities or Allergies
Acne on the thighs and upper legs often come up as a reaction to body lotions, shower gels, laundry detergent, fabric softener or dryer sheets. On the lower legs, there is the added factor of ingrown hair post-shaving or waxing. It’s best treated with a body wash that has salicylic acid or glycolic acid and a light moisturizer.
Zone 11 & 12: Nervous and Digestive Systems
This is the most common body area for acne and frequent reasons include allergies, excessive sweating, lack of hygiene, friction from athletic gear, clothes that are too tight and not breathable, backpack straps, irritation because of hair or body care products, reaction to laundry detergent, fabric softener or dryer sheets. If you have ruled out all these, evaluate whether your diet is loaded with fried and high calorie foods or you aren’t getting enough sleep… both could be contributing elements.
Zone 13 & 14: Digestive System
There are usually three reasons for acne to show up on the buttocks: underwear that’s dirty, not breathable or too tight; excessively dry skin; and poor diet or digestion, with too many cold drinks and too much spicy food. So if the zits don’t subside despite moisturizing your skin, wearing loose cotton clothes and keeping everything clean, start evaluating your dietary habits.
Next time your see that your breaking out on your back, chest, or anywhere on your body, your skin is probably trying to communicate on behalf of your internal organs. However, if you have medical issues, its always best to contact your doctor or dermatologist for a real prognosis.
