Are you suffering with neck acne?
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Often, we associate acne with our T-zone or forehead, but in fact, neck acne is just as common as Face acne. Our neck area is often missed in our skincare routine because of this, resulting in our pores becoming blocked and our acne breaking out on the neck.
Personally, I believe that neck acne is actually worse than face acne, due to the breakouts being harder to manage and cover up with makeup. The sweating and clothing rubbing against the area, makes it impossible to apply any type of foundation, resulting in having to wear a scarf or high neck top. This is not only inconvenient, but also can play on your mental health and confidence.
Types of neck acne
Acne is a blanket term for spots and pimples, here are some types of neck acne to look out for.
- Whiteheads – Pus filed bumps with a white tip that are infected.
- Pustules: Bumps that are red, and sore
- Papules: A hard bump skin, often occurring in groups
- Nodules: Painful bumps that are produced deep within the skin.
- Cyst: Typically caused by hormonal imbalance, the appearance of cysts is often what we refer to as acne.
Is it safe to squeeze a spot on your neck?
In short, the answer is always no. picking a pimple can lead to infection and causing the spot to worsen. This can also leading to longterm scaring.
Causes for neck acne
There are many reasons why acne may appear on your neck, typically this is due to the pore becoming clogged, infected and then inflamed. Here is a few common reasons for acne on the neck:
- Wearing tight clothing that irritates the neck and doesn’t allow your skin to breathe
- Wearing makeup on the neck and preventing the skin from breathing
- Exercising and not washing straight after
- Central heating
- Hot weather and/or humidity
- Not washing your clothing regularly
- Using lotions and skincare products that are heavily or oily
- Not washing your makeup off
- Not washing your neck during your skincare routine
- Using a product that might not be compatible to your skin type
- Wearing clothing or equipment that rubbed your neck
- Having long hair that rubs against your neck, possibly oily
- Not leaving the house and getting fresh air to allow your skin to breathe
- Poor diet
- Anxious behaviour, such as touching your neck or playing with your necklace
- Feeling bored and holding your jaw up with your hand, transferring oils and bacteria from the hands to your neck area.
- Irritation due to the fabric softener or washing powder
- Not washing your bedding regularly
- Poor diet
As you can see, there are lots of habits that we can change, in order to prevent or reduce acne symptoms on the neck. You may also be experiencing acne for more general reasons, such as lifestyle or hormonal changes, stress, diet, change of medications, or just that it’s in the family and you’ve inherited the skin condition.
Home remedies to try
Antibacterial products
There is a reason why so many products contain tea tree oil, witch hazel, lemon, eucalyptus or peppermint. Using products containing anti bacterial properties, will reduce the bacteria build up and keep your skin clean and healthy.
Anti inflammatory products
Soothing the skin, and using anti inflammatory ingredients will help relieve the skins pain, and redness. Products with ingredients such as aleo Vera, calendula, chamomile will help calm the skin.
Anti inflammatory diet
Including antioxidants in your diet, isn’t just excellent for your health but also your skin and wellbeing. Fruit such as blueberries are full of powerful antioxidants that can help reduce in the inflammation caused.
Oatmeal bath
Oatmeal baths will moisturise the skin, whilst soothing the inflammation and redness of your skin.
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water will prevent your skin drying out and producing excess oils. Your body recognises that your skin is dry, and in an attempt to hydrate it, it produces more oils to clog the skin. Ensure you keep well hydrated, try adding lemon to your water for further nutrients to prevent acne.
Avoid touching
Avoid touching the skin without washing your hands, the bacteria on your hands will transfer over to your shoulders and cause infection.
Wash clothing and bedding
Regularly wash your clothing and bedding, this will help keep the skin clean.
Moisturise
Don’t forget to moisturise but avoid heavy, greasy moisturiser. Try a light, water based moisturiser with aloe Vera or anti bacterial ingredients.
Skincare routine
Ensuring that you wash your face twice a day, washing your makeup off before bed and having a shower to remove any gels or wax in your hair, is important to reduce the risk of acne. Often we can miss the neck due to associating acne with our face, by simply adding your neck to the skincare routine morning and night, will massively help your skin.
Neck acne – Conclusion
Neck acne is a common skin condition, that can be managed and controlled by regular exercise, healthy and balanced diet, and a few lifestyle/habit changes.
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