Body Acne Treatment Dermatologists Actually Recommend (Not What's on TikTok)

Updated September 2026

The basics dermatologists recommend for body acne, per the American Academy of Dermatology, are simple: a benzoyl peroxide wash left on for a few minutes, an over-the-counter adapalene gel, loose breathable clothes, and no scrubbing or picking. Give it 6–8 weeks. If you aren't improving by then, see a dermatologist, because many "body acne" bumps, especially on the butt, are actually folliculitis or another condition.

TikTok is full of body acne hacks. Below is what the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and other dermatology sources actually advise, with links so you can check for yourself.

Is it body acne, folliculitis or something else?

Getting this right matters, because the fixes differ:

• Acne on the back, chest and shoulders is common and includes blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.
• Folliculitis is inflamed hair follicles. It looks like a sudden acne-like breakout, often with a red ring around each spot, and is commonly triggered by shaving, tight clothes and hot tubs (AAD). A lot of "buttne" is folliculitis.
• Fungal (Malassezia) folliculitis shows up as small, itchy, uniform bumps, usually on the upper back and chest, without blackheads or whiteheads (DermNet).
• Keratosis pilaris (KP) is tiny, rough, usually painless bumps from keratin plugs.
• Acne mechanica is breakouts triggered by friction and pressure from backpacks, gym gear or tight clothing.

Not sure which you have? Our buttne vs folliculitis vs KP guide walks through the differences.

What do dermatologists recommend for body acne?

1. Use a benzoyl peroxide wash and let it sit

For back and body acne, the AAD recommends a benzoyl peroxide wash (5.3%, or up to 10% if needed) left on the skin for two to five minutes before rinsing, which gives it time to work on thicker body skin (AAD). Rinse well: benzoyl peroxide bleaches towels and clothes. If it's too drying, start every other day. A salicylic acid body wash is a gentler alternative some people prefer.

2. Add adapalene gel

Adapalene (sold over the counter as Differin Gel 0.1%) is a retinoid that helps unclog pores. The AAD suggests applying it daily, after showering or before bed, alongside the benzoyl peroxide wash. It can cause dryness and irritation at first, so start a few nights a week and moisturize. For stubborn acne, a dermatologist may prescribe a stronger retinoid such as tretinoin.

3. Be gentle: no scrubbing

This is where TikTok gets it most wrong. The AAD says scrubbing acne-prone skin makes acne worse, and recommends applying products with your fingertips rather than washcloths or sponges (AAD). Keep any body scrub off active breakouts.

4. Moisturize

Acne treatments dry skin out, and irritated skin makes it harder to stick with them. Use a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer (CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Vanicream are common drugstore picks) after showering.

5. Wear sunscreen on exposed areas

The AAD notes that sun can darken acne and make it last longer. Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on shoulders, back and anywhere else that sees sun.

6. Change what touches your skin

• Wear loose workout clothes made of cotton or sweat-wicking fabric
• Wash workout clothes after every use
• Shower and change as soon as you can after sweating (more on post-workout buttne)
• Avoid things that rub, like backpack straps and tight waistbands

If it might be fungal

If your bumps are itchy and uniform and haven't budged with acne treatments, ask a dermatologist about fungal folliculitis. DermNet lists selenium sulfide shampoo and ketoconazole among topical treatments, but get a diagnosis first, since it's easily mistaken for acne.

What should I stop doing?

1. ❌ Toothpaste, rubbing alcohol and other DIY "drying" hacks. They irritate skin without treating acne.
2. ❌ Scrubbing breakouts with scrubs, loofahs or washcloths. It makes acne worse.
3. ❌ Popping or picking. The AAD warns it delays healing and raises the risk of scars.
4. ❌ Rewearing sweaty workout clothes before washing them.
5. ❌ Switching products every week. Acne treatments need weeks to work.

How long does body acne treatment take to work?

The AAD says to expect results in about six to eight weeks, with complete clearing taking three or four months. Many people give up too early, often when skin feels dry in the first few weeks. Moisturize more rather than quitting.

When should I see a dermatologist?

See a dermatologist if you've followed a routine consistently for 6–8 weeks without improvement, if breakouts are deep, painful or scarring, or if you're not sure it's acne at all. Folliculitis, fungal folliculitis, hidradenitis suppurativa and contact dermatitis can all look like body acne, and some need prescription treatment.

FAQ

Can I use face acne products on my body?

Often, yes. The same actives (benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, salicylic acid) work on body skin. Body skin is thicker, which is why the AAD suggests leaving a benzoyl peroxide wash on for a few minutes.

Does a body scrub help body acne?

No. Scrubbing can make acne worse. A scrub like Becky Booty Scrub is for exfoliating rough, dry texture, not for treating breakouts, so keep it off active, inflamed spots.

Why does my butt break out before my period?

Hormonal shifts across your cycle can make breakouts flare. Here's our guide to pre-period buttne.

How long should I try a body acne routine before changing it?

About 6–8 weeks of consistent use, per the AAD. If there's no improvement by then, see a dermatologist.

The bottom line

For body acne, the AAD's basics are a benzoyl peroxide wash left on for a few minutes, adapalene, gentle care, moisturizer, sunscreen and breathable clothes. Give it 6–8 weeks, and see a dermatologist if it isn't working or you're not sure what you're dealing with. For butt-specific breakouts, read how to get rid of butt acne.