Learn how to clear and prevent blackheads without damaging your skin.

Body acne can appear anywhere you have pores (think face, neck, back and lower body but typically not palms or soles). Acne breakouts are common on people who have genetically oily or acneic skin, but they can also occur with use of comedogenic (pore-clogging) skin and hair care products. Here are 6 tips to help control and prevent body acne:

Acne-prone skin tends to shed more skin cells, which can clog pores and cause acne if they aren’t removed.

1. Wear natural fibers.

Avoid scratchy, itchy or tight fabrics and choose fabrics that are breathable, like cotton. This helps keep skin free from congestion caused by trapped sweat, dead skin cells, excess oil and bacteria. Fabrics that are specifically engineered to wick moisture away from the skin are also helpful, especially during exercise.

2. Shower after perspiring.

Letting sweat linger promotes an acne-friendly environment on your skin. If you can’t shower right away, apply a product that contains Salicylic Acid to help purify and clear skin of excess oils. Existing breakouts may also benefit from a Salicylic Acid spot treatment.

3. Exfoliate

Acne-prone skin tends to shed more skin cells, which can clog pores and cause acne if they aren’t removed. Exfoliate with a gentle body scrub at least once or twice a week to help prevent acne. Avoid scrubs that use nuts, pits or shells as they can create tiny abrasions in the skin.

4. Moisturize

The skin naturally moisturizes itself with sebum (oil), but when your body’s moisture levels are off balance, your skin can overproduce oil to compensate. Moisturize daily with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to help prevent this.

5. Clean your cell phone daily.

Your cell phone harbors more bacteria than you know! Even if you don’t hold it against your face, you touch it with your hands, which then touch your face and spread breakout-causing bacteria. Clean it daily with an anti-bacterial wipe.

6. Wash your pillowcase.

Your pillowcase can collect oil, skin cells, bacteria and pore-clogging residue from hair products – all things that contribute to acne. Wash it at least once or twice a week help reduce congestion. Also, avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets, which are often made with softening agents that can clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.