How To Get Rid Of Neck Acne (Because, Yes, It Can Occur There)

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Much like eczema, acne is one of those non-discriminating skin woes that can pop up just about anywhere. Sure, it might be most common on the face, but it can also occur on our backs, chests, and necks, too. Here we’re addressing the latter area—including what causes it, different ways to treat it, and perhaps most importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the first place. For the full lowdown, we tapped three board-certified dermatologists to get their expert insight on the issue. So if you’re someone who struggles with neck breakouts and wants to know how to nip ‘em in the bud once and for all, just keep on reading.

Meet the experts: Patricia Oyetakin, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey. Vladyslava Doktor, DO is a dermatologist and the owner of Skin Center Boston.

What causes neck acne?

“The same rules apply for face acne as for neck acne,” says Patricia Oyetakin, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia. “With that said, the lesions on the jawline and neck area tend to be more cystic and nodular, which can be painful and deeper in the skin.”

According to Dr. Oyetakin, a few different factors can cause these red, inflamed bumps to appear on the neck. “Anything that causes friction and rubbing which clogs the pores can result in or worsen acne on the neck,” she says. “This includes sports equipment such as hockey, football, and fencing, where the protective clothing rubs these areas for long periods of time with accumulation of sweat and oil.”

Hormonal acne is another culprit. “Some people who experience neck acne as well as acne on the lower third of the face are thought to have a hormonal component to their breakouts,” explains Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey. “When hormones fluctuate it can cause an overproduction of sebum and a buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria, which leads to breakouts.”

Other causes include not properly cleansing or removing makeup, exposure to haircare products that contain heavy oils that can clog pores, and frequent touching and rubbing of the area. “Since the skin on the neck is thin and delicate, it is also prone to irritation and in some individuals, this can also appear as breakouts,” says Dr. Garshick.

Types of neck acne

• Nodular acne: Nodular acne is defined as acne that forms underneath the skin. These bumps can be skin-colored or red if they're inflamed, and sometimes they can be tender to the touch. "[These] are red and angry looking, almost like a mini volcano that doesn't want to erupt,” dermatologist Vladyslava Doktor, DO, told WH in a previous story. According to Dr. Garshick, these often require treatment with oral medications such as antibiotics, oral contraceptive pills, spironolactone, or isotretinoin.

• Cystic acne: Cystic acne is also characterized bumps that are deeper in the skin, though these are usually filled with keratin or pus.

• Papules: According to Dr. Garshick, these are red round bumps that form from clogged pores, inflammation, and bacteria. It may be best to employ anti-inflammatory ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and sulfur when fighting these kinds of blemishes.

• Pustules: As the name suggests, pustules normally present as red bumps with pus in the middle. They can be treated similarly to papules, though per Dr. Garshick, you can also use retinoids.

How to treat neck acne

Since neck acne is technically no different than facial acne, both dermatologists recommend treating it with the same breakout-fighting ingredients you would use on your face.

“It’s best to treat neck acne with ingredients such as retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives that help to regulate skin cell turnover to prevent clogged pores; salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that works to unclog pores; and benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory,” says Dr. Garshick. “Since the skin on the neck is thinner than the skin on the face and more delicate, it may be more prone to irritation, so it’s especially important to be cautious when introducing new products and active ingredients to the neck to minimize dryness and redness.”

In other words: Take it slow when implementing new products and scale back if any irritation occurs. If your neck acne doesn’t respond to any of the aforementioned ingredients, your best bet is to visit a board-certified dermatologist to determine if any prescription medications may be helpful. “Hormonal acne is often treated with oral birth control pills or a blood pressure medicine called spironolactone,” says Dr. Oyetakin. “This requires treatment from a dermatologist.”

The bottom line: You can try treating neck acne with products that contain ingredients clinically proven to squash breakouts, but if that’s not doing the trick, see a trained expert to help you determine the cause and potential solutions.

How to prevent neck acne

“It’s important to care for the neck just as you would the face, which includes properly cleansing the skin—especially after exercising—and regularly applying moisturizer and sunscreen,” says Dr. Garshick. “For someone dealing with neck acne, it’s also important to avoid pore-clogging hair products as the residue may sit on the neck and contribute to worsening breakouts.”

Dr. Oyetakin also stresses the importance of avoiding tight-fitting clothing and keeping the area clean. “Try to stay clear of clothing that causes friction and rubbing which clogs pores,” she says. “If it’s related to sports equipment, this can sometimes be harder, but I do recommend showering immediately after activity and keeping equipment clean by washing it often,” she says.

5 Neck Acne-Fighting Products Our Experts Love

Featuring four percent benzoyl peroxide, this soothing, non-stripping cleanser helps to reduce breakouts while also effectively cleansing pores. “It’s very gentle, even on the delicate neck skin, as it also contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to calm the skin,” says Dr. Garshick.

These salicylic acid-infused wipes can be applied to the face and neck to help remove excess oil, dirt, and buildup to help prevent breakouts and clogged pores. They’re also especially great for traveling or whenever you’re on the go.

“If you’re going to choose a spot treatment for the neck, this ten percent sulfur treatment is both gentle and effective,” says Dr. Garshick. “The lightweight texture allows it to absorb easily, while still being suitable for those with sensitive skin.” Additionally, the formula contains niacinamide and glycolic acid to help with blemishes and evening skin tone.

“Adapalene, previously only available by prescription, is a great option for those with oily skin and those who are breakout prone,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s gentle on the skin, especially when compared to prescription retinoids, plus it’s oil-free and fragrance-free so it’s a great option for all skin types.”

According to Dr. Garhsick, the retinaldehyde in this formula helps to improve overall skin tone and texture associated with breakouts—plus it works quicker than other commonly used retinols because it only requires one conversion to retinoic acid, aka the active form of vitamin A. “By helping to regulate skin cell turnover, it can reduce the appearance of pores and breakouts,” she says. “The double-encapsulation system and incorporation of glycerin and hyaluronic acid also makes it gentle on the skin and helps with minimizing irritation.”

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