Similar to eczema, acne is an inconspicuous skin problem that can occur almost anywhere. Of course, it most commonly appears on the face, but it can also appear on our back, chest, and neck. Here, we discuss the latter area—including the causes, various treatment options, and perhaps most importantly: how to prevent it from happening in the first place. To get the complete details, we reached out to three board-certified dermatologists to get their expert insights on the topic. So, if you’re struggling with throat breakouts and want to know how to nip them in the bud once and for all, keep reading.
What causes acne on the neck?
“The same rules apply to facial acne and neck acne,” says Patricia Oyetakin, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, Georgia. "However, lesions in the chin and neck area tend to be more cystic and nodular, which can be painful, and are located deep in the skin."
According to Dr. There are a number of factors that can cause these red, inflamed bumps on your neck. "Anything that causes friction and clogs pores can cause or worsen neck acne," she says. "This includes sports equipment such as hockey, football and fencing, where protective clothing can rub against these areas for extended periods of time, causing sweat and oil to build up."
Hormonal acne is another culprit. "It's thought that some people who experience both neck acne and acne on the lower third of the face have a hormonal component to their acne," explains Marisa Garshick, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. . Jersey, New York. "When hormones fluctuate, sebum may be overproduced and dead skin cells and bacteria can build up, leading to breakouts."
Other causes include insufficient cleansing or makeup removal, exposure to hair care products containing heavy oils that can clog pores, and frequent touching and rubbing of the affected area. “Because the skin on your neck is thin and sensitive, it’s also susceptible to irritation, which can also lead to breakouts in some people,” says Dr. Gashik.
Types of neck acne
Nodular acne: Nodular acne is defined as acne that forms under the skin. These bumps can be skin-colored or red when inflamed, and sometimes feel tender to the touch. "[These] are red and look angry, almost like a mini volcano that doesn't want to erupt," dermatologist Vladyslava Doctor, DO, told WH in a previous report. According to Dr. Garshick, these usually require oral medication, such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, spironolactone, or isotretinoin.
Cystic acne: Another characteristic of cystic acne is the appearance of bumps deep within the skin, although these bumps are usually filled with keratin or pus.
Papules: According to Dr. Nails are red, round bumps that appear due to clogged pores, inflammation, and bacteria. When fighting this type of blemishes, it's best to use anti-inflammatory ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and sulfur.
Pustules: As the name suggests, pustules usually appear as red bumps with pus in the center. Although they can be treated similarly to pimples, according to Dr. Garshick also uses retinoids.
How to Treat Neck Acne
Since neck acne is technically no different than facial acne, both dermatologists recommend treating neck acne with the same anti-acne ingredients used on the face.
"Neck acne is best treated with ingredients like retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives that help regulate skin cell turnover and prevent pores from getting clogged; salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that unclogs pores; and Benzoyl oxide, an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent,” says Dr. Gashik. "Because the skin on the neck is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the face, it may be more susceptible to irritation. Therefore, it is especially important to take care when introducing new products and active ingredients into the neck to minimize dryness and redness. . ”
In other words, take your time when introducing a new product and stop using it if irritation occurs. If your throat acne doesn't respond to any of the above ingredients, it's best to see a board-certified dermatologist to determine if prescription medications can help. "Hormonal acne is usually treated with oral contraceptive pills or a blood pressure medication called spironolactone," says Dr. Oyetakin. "This requires treatment by a dermatologist."
Bottom line: You can try treating neck acne with products containing ingredients clinically proven to suppress breakouts. But if that's not enough, contact a trained professional to help you determine the cause and possible solutions.
How to Prevent Neck Acne
"It's important to take care of your neck and face. This includes cleansing your skin properly—especially after exercise—and applying moisturizer and sunscreen regularly." Gashik. "It's also important for people with neck acne to avoid using hair care products that clog pores, as residue remains on the neck and may worsen breakouts."
PhD. Oyetakin also stresses the importance of avoiding tight-fitting clothing and keeping the area clean. "Try to stay away from clothes that cause friction and clog pores," she says. "With exercise equipment, this can sometimes be more difficult, but I recommend showering immediately after activity and washing it frequently to keep the equipment clean," she says.
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