How to Treat and Prevent Neck Acne, According to Derms
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Fact checked by Anna HarrisReviewed by Julia A. Siegel, MD
If you've dealt with acne, then you know how frustrating it can be– not only can it make you feel bad about yourself, but it can be pretty painful, too. And while it's primarily located on the face, it's not uncommon to develop back, chest, and neck acne as well. Rather than having to stock up on turtlenecks and scarves, we're here to help you deal with the latter so that you can flaunt your neck and décolleté confidently.
"Acne can occur anywhere there are hair follicles, and although they occur in less density on the neck, acne can certainly still appear on the neck where there are follicles," confirms board-certified dermatologist, Tiffany Libby, MD. Furthermore, Heidi Waldorf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist says that clogged pores lead to pimples, even on the neck.
There are a myriad of reasons you could be developing acne on your neck, from hormonal changes to excess sweat. So, to best understand how to treat it, it's important to pinpoint what's causing it in the first place. Below, Dr. Libby and Dr. Waldorf share their insights. From understanding what types of acne you can develop on your neck to their fool-proof ways of treating it, keep scrolling to learn more.
Meet the Experts
Heidi Waldorf, MD, is an expert in the field of skin rejuvenation and practices at Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics.
Tiffany Libby, MD, is a Rhode Island-based board-certified dermatologist at Brown Dermatology.
Types of Neck Acne
Not all types of acne are the same, so before we hop into how to treat neck acne, it's key to understand which acne in particular you're dealing with.
Pustules: Bumps that are red, tender, and usually filled with pus.
Papules: A solid elevation of the skin, often occurring in clusters (similar to a rash) and often noticed around the hairline and on the neck.
Nodules: Deep, painful lumps that develop deep within the skin. Nodules sometimes require medical intervention and can't always be treated with over-the-counter products.
Hormonal cystic acne: Breakouts of cysts that are often painful, which come about due to a hormonal imbalance. These can occur during pregnancy or the menstruation cycle.
Causes and Prevention of Neck Acne
Considering the multiple types of neck acne that exist, there are also several factors that cause those breakouts and, as such, different ways to prevent them.
Overproduction of oil: The first thing to know about neck acne is that it's triggered by the same causes of facial acne. Though acne on the neck can affect anyone who sees breakouts on their face, Dr. Waldorf notes that dermatologists tend to see neck acne a lot in men’s beard areas "and in women with hirsutism (male pattern hair) who overpluck that area and irritate the follicles. Those women create the acne," she says.
Comedogenic (i.e. pore-clogging) products: The overproduction of oil can be exacerbated by people neglecting to tend to their necks. "People forget to treat the neck like the face," says Dr. Waldorf, "makeup, sunscreen, moisturizer, and sweat mix and move about—even if it is all noncomedogenic." Look for products formulated for sensitive skin and those free of fragrances and excess oil.
Failure to wash off your makeup: Even if you are opting for non-comedogenic products, they can still wreak havoc on your skin if not washed off at night or after hitting the gym. "So after exercising and before bed, include the neck area in your cleanup," says Dr. Waldorf. "Even a pre-moistened makeup remover towelette will do the job. And for the back of the neck, make sure that hair products such as leave-in conditioner, gels, or pomades are removed from the skin of the neck."
Aggressive treatment or exfoliation: Treating breakouts is a slippery slope, and too much of a good thing is possible. Aggressive exfoliation, or trying too many products (especially those containing harsh ingredients, such as glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide) might exacerbate a breakout, making the problem even worse.
Stress: While stress alone usually isn't the cause of acne, it certainly doesn't help. In fact, research has found that not only is stress strongly linked to acne, but it may also increase sebum production and delay wound healing. In other words: more stress, more problems.
How to Treat Neck Acne
Reach for acne-fighting skincare: Dr. Waldorf says that any acne therapy you are utilizing on your face should be extended to the neck area. That means using ingredients that fight acne, such as sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. "Treat neck acne the same way as acne on the face," she says. Both she and Dr. Libby primarily recommend products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, such as Murad's Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser ($36) and the Paula's Choice CLEAR Daily Skin Clearing Treatment ($23). "Benzoyl peroxide targets acne-causing bacteria and helps unclog pores by removing excess oil and dead skin cells," explains Dr. Libby. "Salicylic acid is a lipophilic ingredient meaning it is oil-loving and gets deep in those pores to draw out excess oil and rid skin of surface level dead skin cells that may clog pores." In other words, they offer a one-two punch: drying up current breakouts and preventing future pimples from forming.
Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer: Since the above ingredients are so drying, be sure to use a daily moisturizer in conjunction. With that said, search for formulas that won't clog your pores and therefore best prevent neck acne. Kate Somerville's Oil-free Moisturizer ($76) is a great option as it's also fragrance-free, making it safe for sensitive skin.
Clean your clothes on the regular: Because the neck so often comes in contact with your clothing, an unwashed shirt (or an item of clothing in a non-breathable fabric like polyester and rayon) could be the culprit of a breakout. Those who exercise frequently should turn to moisture-wicking clothes, which repel sweat from the body, rather than sticking to the skin. Similarly, a breakout could be the result of an allergy to a detergent. Reach for those marketed for sensitive skin, free from dyes and fragrances, and avoid fabric softeners, which contain a lot of additives that might cause breakouts. Other common items—sheets, pillowcases, even cellphones—should be cleaned frequently, as well, as they tend to accumulate dirt, oil, and debris. Those with breakout-prone and sensitive skin should aim to wash their pillowcases once per week (though every three days is ideal).
Try LED Light Therapy: "LED may be beneficial in helping to treat acne, including neck acne by targeting acne-causing bacteria and minimizing inflammation," says Dr. Libby. We like CurrentBody's LED Neck & Dec Perfector ($399) for its comfortable feel and effective technology.
Consider laser hair removal: If breakouts are being noticed along the hairline on the back of the neck, they might be related to ingrown hairs. Folliculitis—which mimics an acne breakout—often occurs around the neck (or anywhere on the body that contains hair follicles). "Consider laser hair removal in a dermatologist's office so that any inflammation that comes up from ingrown hairs can be treated at the same time," suggests Dr. Waldorf. Not only does the procedure work to remove the hair follicle in the targeted area, but it also closes the skin pore, so infection (and breakouts) are reduced, as a result. In fact, a 2012 study found that those who underwent laser hair removal saw a "significant improvement" in acne keloidalis nuchae, a type of acne that occurs on the scalp and neck.
Always remove your makeup: As Dr. Waldorf notes above, some breakouts could simply be the result of failing to wash off all your makeup before or after a workout or before going to bed. We recommend Almay's Biodegradable Oil-Free Micellar Makeup Removing Pads ($5) as they're non-comedogenic, gentle, and eco-friendly.
Keep pores clean: We know that clogged facial pores lead to breakouts, and it's the same for the neck area. Make sure to thoroughly cleanse the neck area while showering, and apply a clarifying face mask if you feel certain areas are in need of TLC. Dr. Libby recommends the First Aid Beauty Fab Pharma Calamine Pore Purging Mask ($30) as it uses kaolin and bentonite clays along with salicylic acid to draw out excess oil from pores, calm irritation, and gently slough away dead skin cells to both treat and minimize future breakouts.
Spot treat with pimple patches: In case you do develop a blemish, don't pick at it. Squeezing or scratching at it can cause infection and lead to a bigger problem. Instead, slap a pimple patch on it for a two-birds-one-stone approach. Apart from protecting your pimple from external aggressors, they'll also reduce the size of your blemish overnight. We recommend Hero's Mighty Patch ($12) as it's made of hydrocolloid to absorb excess oil while healing the skin.
Consult a dermatologist: If you've exhausted your options and your neck acne isn't improving, Dr. Waldorf suggests you visit your dermatologist. Not only can they help determine the root cause of the problem but can also prescribe either a topical or oral treatment for acne, such as a prescription-strength retinoid or an androgen-blocker like Spironolactone, which addresses hormonal acne. While antibiotics are most often reserved for those with severe acne and shouldn't be used long-term (as that may lead to antibiotic resistance), they can make a marked improvement in the skin. Recently, though, doctors have begun relying on a combination of therapies, mixing antibiotic treatment with topical creams and laser therapies. Research has shown that combining oral antibiotics with other acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can be more effective in reducing acne lesions than using either treatment alone.
Up Next: The Foolproof Guide to Making Bacne Disappear
Read the original article on Byrdie.
