People tend to think of acne as a problem for your face, but acne can show up anywhere on your body–especially in places like your chest, where your skin’s oil glands are most developed, according to Harvard University Health Services. The same methods that work to treat facial acne can help clear up acne on your chest. If your acne is serious, persistent or painful, see a dermatologist who can help prevent acne from causing scarring and permanent damage. If your acne is fairly mild, however, home remedies can help you treat the problem.
Honey-Sugar Scrub
Sugar exfoliates your skin, gently scrubbing away dead skin cells that can clog your pores, while honey’s mild antiseptic power helps heal the inflammation that makes your acne red and painful. Combine equal parts honey and sugar–a few tablespoons of each is a good amount to get started with–and gently massage the mixture over your chest for a few minutes while you’re in the shower. Let the mixture soak into your skin while you wash your hair, then rinse it off completely. Use the mixture two or three times a week to treat and prevent acne.
Garlic-Vinegar Rub
For active blemishes on your chest, create a concoction that will fight bacteria and inflammation. Plain white vinegar helps clear up blemishes, and if you combine it with a generous pour of fresh garlic juice, you can double your inflammation-fighting power. Dip a cotton swab into the vinegar mixture or pour a little onto a cotton ball and apply the mixture directly to breakouts on your chest. Add a little olive oil if the vinegar-garlic mixture dries out your skin too much.
Oatmeal-Onion Mask
A once-a-week acne mask can help clear up acne on your chest and prevent new acne from forming. Masks made with oatmeal and honey are fairly common, but adding onion instead of honey gives this mask an astringent kick that fights existing blemishes as effectively as future ones. Chill a serving of cooked oatmeal, and mix it with a medium onion that you’ve pureed in a blender or food processor. For best results, pop the mixture in the refrigerator until it’s chilled before applying it to your chest–the cold will help soothe inflammation, too.
