Where Can You Get Acne? 

​Acne can manifest in various regions of the body, primarily where sebaceous (oil) glands are most abundant. Here’s a detailed breakdown of common areas where acne can occur:

Face: The most prevalent area for acne, due to the high concentration of sebaceous glands. Different zones of the face can be affected, including the forehead, nose (commonly referred to as the T-zone), cheeks, chin, and jawline.

Back: Often termed “bacne,” the back is another common site for acne breakouts. The skin on the back has a high density of sebaceous glands, which can lead to more significant, sometimes painful, acne lesions.

Chest: The chest area, similar to the back, has numerous sebaceous glands. Acne in this area can range from mild to severe and is often exacerbated by factors like sweating and friction from clothing.

Shoulders: The shoulders are another common site for acne, particularly in individuals who are prone to excessive sweating or those who wear tight clothing or carry backpacks, which can create friction and irritation.

Upper Arms: Though less common than the face, back, and chest, the upper arms can also experience acne, usually in the form of small, bumpy pimples.

Neck: Acne on the neck can be a result of hormonal changes, irritation from clothing, or hair products that clog pores.

Buttocks: Acne can occur on the buttocks, often due to irritation, tight clothing, or prolonged sitting, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Thighs: While less common, the thighs can also be affected, especially the upper thighs, due to factors like sweating and friction from tight clothing.

Scalp: Scalp acne can be a result of clogged hair follicles due to oil, sweat, and hair products. It can sometimes be mistaken for dandruff.

It’s important to note that acne can vary in severity and type depending on the body area. For instance, acne on the face might be more prone to blackheads and whiteheads, whereas back and chest acne can be more nodular or cystic. The treatment approach might also differ based on the area affected and the type of acne lesions present.

At Dermis Advanced Skin Care, we always recommend Medical Grade Skin Care Products to address acne.  These products may be effective on their own or may be used to augment in-office skin treatments such as Chemical Peels, Medical Facials, or Laser Acne treatments.

Several factors may influence the decision as to which treatment is selected.  Factors such as cost, time, convenience, skin type and previous acne treatments in Ottawa are all important.  A personal consultation with our experienced skin care team can help determine which treatment or combination of treatments is appropriate.

Come in for a personalized consultation and see what a positive difference customized treatments can make for your active acne.