Acne is never welcome, but it can be especially tricky, and sometimes a little embarrassing when it appears on your derriere. Yes, we're talking about butt breakouts. Butt pimples are a common skin concern that many people experience but rarely talk about.
If you’re wondering whether they are the same type of pimples that you experience on your face? Or even on your back? As it turns out, most butt breakouts are in a league of their own. If you’re wondering ‘how do I get rid of pimples on my bum?’, the solution should include cleansing properly, exfoliating, and avoiding tight clothing. We're explaining what causes those tiny, red bumps on your bum, plus sharing our top tips on how to prevent them altogether.
what causes breakouts on your butt?
Technically speaking, butt acne is usually not acne at all - which is why it doesn't look like your typical pimples and pustules, which tend to come to a white head. Instead, the red bumps that tend to show up on your bum are more likely folliculitus, which is a fancy way of saying inflamed hair follicles. We have hair follicles all over our body, including on our bums, and each hair follicle grows out of what are more commonly known as pores. Similar to the acne on other areas of the body, when these pores become inflamed and clogged up, folliculitus can form. Unlike acne on the face, however, the causes of butt breakouts are different. Pimples on the bum are usually harmless, but they can be uncomfortable or affect confidence.
The inflammation that leads to folliculitus tends to occur from the general rubbing and tugging of tight-fitting clothing, especially during the hotter months of the year. When friction combines with another well-known pimple promoter: sweat. Folliculitus can also be brought on by certain bacteria, so it is actually important to properly cleanse your cheeks on a regular basis to ensure a consistent skincare habit.
Here's how you can tell it's folliculitus, versus your standard breakout: are the bumps small and red in appearance? Are they slightly itchy or painful? If you said yes to any of the above, you're probably dealing with folliculitus of the rear. That said, if a pimple on your rear becomes particularly large (cystic sized) or painful, it's always a smart idea to consult a dermatologist or general practitioner. Otherwise, follow the steps below to help keep your bum clear and folliculitus free.
the best ways to prevent butt breakouts
A common question people ask is, ‘why do I get pimples on my bum?’ The answer often involves bacteria, sweat, or ingrown hairs. Follow these 5 simple skin regimen steps to help clear butt breakouts.
1. wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is known far and wide for its bacteria-killing powers, and the same holds true when it’s used topically on your bum, and salicylic acid is one of the only ingredients that can help to clear our clogged pores. Grab a body cleanser that's formulated with the ingredient of your choice, and use it every time you shower, and also after every sweat session. P.S. Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash is also safe and effective to use on your butt! Want to learn more about salicylic acid? Read about how popular this ingredient is for helping with stubborn acne on all parts of your body.
2. skip the scrubbing
When body breakouts hit, we're all tempted to reach for the loofah or body scrub - but in the case of butt breakouts, this is the opposite of what you should do. Scrubbing too harshly can inflame the already-irritated skin even more so, which could eventually even lead to dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and scarring.
3. use a chemical exfoliant instead
Whether your derriere folliculitus is bacterial or not, you'll also benefit from using a chemical exfoliant. Our Clarifying Body Spray contains pore clearing Salicylic Acid, and anti-bacterial Tea Tree Extract to help clear and soothe breakouts on the butt, or anywhere else on your body.
4. consider your clothing
Pimples on bum cheeks can often be reduced by gently cleansing with a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and wearing breathable fabrics. We enjoy wearing comfortable sports leggings and tight jeans, but when you're dealing with butt acne, tight-fitting clothing can further contribute to the problem. Instead, wear looser-fitting clothing and switch to cotton underwear if possible (cotton breathes better than synthetic fabrics).
Depending on the type of detergent you use for washing your clothes, this can also have an impact on skin irritations and clogged pores. Making the switch to mild or unscented laundry detergents, skipping the fabric softeners helps avoid any potential irritants.
5. always shower after a workout
After a run, workout class or a long session at the gym, it’s important not to hang around in your workout clothes for too long afterward. Breaking this habit will help clear the skin on your bum and anywhere else. Instead, make a routine of showering immediately after every sweat session, which will help with unclogging the pores of any sweat and dirt, and cleaning of any lingering bacteria. If that's not possible, at least change into fresh, clean clothes.
clear skin, more confidence
Butt breakouts may be common, but they don’t have to be a lasting problem. With the right cleansing habits, gentle exfoliation, breathable clothing and a consistent post-workout routine, you can help prevent folliculitis and keep your skin clear and comfortable. Speak to one of the dermalogica skin experts today to enquire about your specific skin concern.