
Almost everyone has experienced blemishes on their face and body. Though it’s a common experience, acne lesions still may be embarrassing, especially when they occur on other parts of the body like the chest and arms. Several types of acne lesion plague the body. Two of the most common acne marks, whiteheads and blackheads, tend to linger on the body. Whiteheads and blackheads occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged with bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum (a fatty substance secreted by sebaceous glands). The difference between whiteheads and blackheads is whether the clogged hair follicles are open or closed. Whiteheads are clogged follicles that produce a closed bump. Fortunately, you can get rid of lingering blackheads and whiteheads the same way.
Take a shower with a body acne cleanser. In addition to daily showering, take a shower after an intense workout or if you become sweaty. This removes whitehead-causing bacteria from the skin.
Apply topical creams to your arms. Lotions with alpha hydroxy acids remove whiteheads by removing dead skin cells, according to MayoClinic.com. Benzoyl peroxide also removes dead skin cells. The peroxide also kills bacteria. Salicylic acid and sulfur are also over-the-counter ingredients that can help with mild acne, according to MayoClinic.com.
Exfoliate your arms weekly. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from your arms. You can exfoliate using items such as loofah sponges, sugar scrubs or exfoliating gloves.
Avoid clothing that hugs the arms. Tight clothing worsens body acne by not allowing the skin to breathe.
Wear your hair away from your arms. Sometimes long hair can promote whiteheads.
Related Articles

How to Prevent Pock Holes From ...

How to Remove Shaving Scars

How to Get Rid of All the Tiny Embedded ...

Are There Ways to Get Rid of Blocked ...
How to Tell If Someone Is Blushing?

How to Make Body Scrub With Olive Oil & ...
How to Prevent Breakouts After Waxing

How to Get Rid of Blemishes on Your Legs
How to Reduce Acne Inflammation

How to Repair Open Pores

How to Heal an Inflamed Bikini Area

How to Get a Pimple to Go Away Fast

The Best Facial Moisturizer That Won't ...

How to Remove Red Scars on Your Face

Tea Tree Oil as a Natural Remedy for ...

Pycnogenol and Acne

How to Make a Sugar Mask for Your Face

Flying With an Ulcer

How to Shrink Pores With Proactiv
How to Use Clearasil
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS); Acne; Questions and Answers about Acne; Treatments for Blackheads, Whiteheads, and Mild Inflammatory Acne
- American Academy of Dermatology; Acne; Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome
- American Academy of Dermatology: When to See a Dermatologist
- MayoClinic.com; In-Depth; Over-the-counter acne products: What works and why
- DermaNetwork: Upper Arm Acne
Writer Bio
Elizabeth Streeter has been writing professionally since 2000. She specializes in subjects ranging from how to live a happier life to potentially harmful food and drug-related interactions. Streeter has written for "Family Circle," "Woman's Day," "Natural Health" and "Fitness." Streeter holds a Bachelor of Science in nutrition science from Auburn University and is currently working towards a Master of Arts in psychology.
Photo Credits
Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images