Buying guide for Best acne body sprays
There are countless products to keep your face glowing and breakout-free, ranging from topical creams to antioxidant face masks. Unfortunately, there are far fewer products on the market to treat breakouts on other areas of the body.
Thankfully, there is a solution that has grown in popularity in recent years: acne body spray. Because acne breakouts often cover large areas, such as the upper arms or back, acne body spray makes application easy. Of all body acne products, body spray remains the most lightweight option. Creams and lotions, on the other hand, can be problematic because they tend to clog pores.
Perhaps the most appealing feature of acne body spray is the way it sprays dry and absorbs quickly. No worries about greasy residue transferring onto towels or clothing.
If you struggle with body acne, rest assured that you’re not alone. It’s a fairly common problem, and solutions exist.
Perks of using acne body spray
Acne body spray can cover large and hard-to-reach areas.
If you’ve used topical acne products on your face, you know that a little goes a long way. Sometimes, you only need a spot treatment, a tiny blot on a pimple. But body acne often covers several square inches of skin, so spot treatment isn’t the ideal option; a spray is more effective.
Body acne often persists in hard-to-reach areas like the back. Because of this, manufacturers often make bottles of acne body spray that can be turned and sprayed upside down and sideways for best results.
Acne body spray dries quickly.
Well-liked for being lightweight, acne body sprays are also popular for being quick to dry. Where it might take up to 30 minutes for cream or lotion to absorb into skin, most acne body sprays dry within 5 minutes. This is a major selling point for those with busy schedules and hectic morning and evening routines.
Acne body spray is specially formulated for the skin on the body.
While acne body sprays share many common ingredients with facial acne products, the formulas are slightly different. Facial skin and body skin differ in texture and resilience. More than anything, it’s important to know that it’s not recommended to use facial and body acne products interchangeably, as that can result in exacerbated breakouts.
Did You Know?
Most acne body spray is only available in full-size bottles that are too large for carry-on luggage. Luckily, most bottles have twist-off spray nozzles, so you can pour the liquid into a TSA-approved travel spray bottle for your trip.
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Popular ingredients in acne body sprays
Salicylic acid
The majority of acne body sprays feature salicylic acid as an active ingredient. Salicylic acid helps slough away dead skin cells that tend to clog pores and cause breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to help control redness and swelling.
Benzoyl peroxide
Some acne body sprays contain benzoyl peroxide. It’s a bit gentler than salicylic acid, and it’s effective at removing dead skin cells by drying them out and causing the skin to peel. It’s also effective at controlling acne-causing bacteria.
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is often seen in mid-range and premium acne body sprays. It’s an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, that penetrates the skin for deep exfoliation by coaxing deep-set buildup out of the pores. Glycolic acid also has anti-aging benefits, stimulating collagen production to give skin a supple and firm appearance.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil remains a popular ingredient in acne body sprays, as it reduces inflammation and helps minimize acne scarring. It’s often recommended for those with sensitive skin, as reactions are fairly minimal. With that said, it’s recommended to use body acne spray with low concentrations of tea tree oil, as high concentrations can be too harsh and can actually trigger breakouts.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is present in many acne body sprays. It adds a pleasant, natural aroma and cooling effect to the products, and it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to help curb the growth of infection-causing microorganisms while reducing redness and swelling. Peppermint oil is not for everyone, though — those with sensitive skin may perceive the cooling effect more as a burning sensation.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is often included in acne body spray as a soothing ingredient. It can help with inflammation-related hyperpigmentation as well, though it won’t actually diminish acne scars.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is found in some acne body sprays intended for those who struggle with clogged pores. As an astringent, it dries out acne blemishes. Because witch hazel also soothes minor burns, it is often seen in acne body sprays that combat the type of irritation-related acne found in razor burn.
Alcohol
Alcohol is often present in acne body spray, but it’s an ingredient that only works for certain people. It’s often included in acne body sprays to speed up their drying time. In terms of how it treats acne, alcohol helps dry out dead skin cells to facilitate their removal. For some people, alcohol is too harsh and may end up stinging and actually causing more redness.
If you suffer from body acne, consider switching your body wash and laundry detergent products to those formulated for sensitive skin.
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Acne body spray prices
Acne body sprays are considered somewhat of a premium skincare product, so they tend to be more expensive than many specialty body washes, lotions, and creams. Expect to spend anywhere from $12 to $60 for a bottle of acne body spray.
Inexpensive: If you’re on a budget, you’ll be able to snag a decent acne body spray for $12 to $20. Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in most of these formulas; few use benzoyl peroxide. Many acne body sprays in this lower price range are also formulated with alcohol.
Mid-range: Mid-range acne body sprays cost $20 to $40. These products are often made by specialty skincare brands and are typically part of a well-developed line of acne products. Acne body sprays in this category use superior ingredients and often undergo more testing than their budget-priced alternatives.
High-end: High-end acne body sprays cost between $40 and $60 and sometimes more. They’re made by leading skincare brands, and some are sold only through spas and dermatology offices. A portion of these formulas render near-immediate benefits. Others take much longer to work and may actually be no more effective than their mid-range competitors.
Caution
Acne body sprays contain ingredients that are safe for humans, but they could be harmful or toxic to pets. Discourage your four-legged friends from licking or rubbing your skin where you’ve applied the product.
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Tips
- Perform a spot test first. If you’re not sure whether your skin will react well to acne body spray, apply it to a small area for a few days. If there are no reactions, try using it on larger breakout areas.
- Let the spray dry fully before getting dressed. While most acne body sprays dry clean and won’t stain clothing, it’s best to let the product dry fully before dressing. This prevents residue from caking your garments and also helps ensure full absorption of the product.
- Research ingredients you don’t recognize. It’s not unusual for an acne body spray, like other acne products, to contain a long list of ingredients. Look up every ingredient you don’t recognize, as it could be an allergen to which you’re sensitive.
FAQ
Q. Is it better to use an over-the-counter acne body spray or one prescribed by a dermatologist?
A. This depends on a variety of factors. If you require prescription-strength treatment to treat severe or cystic acne, stick to a prescription formula. If you have mild to moderate body acne, an over-the-counter spray may be sufficient.
Q. Are all-natural acne body spray formulas better or worse than those with synthetic ingredients?
A. “All-natural” isn’t an official term, though it’s often used to refer to products that are free of harsh chemicals, parabens, artificial dyes, preservatives, and other synthetic ingredients. Some consumers gravitate toward these formulas because they want something plant-based and/or cruelty-free.
Perhaps the most important takeaway here is that “all-natural” formulas tend to use natural ingredient alternatives that may or may not be more effective than their chemical counterparts.
Q. What’s the difference between “unscented” and “fragrance-free” acne body spray?
A. Unscented formulas are actually scented with, believe it or not, an odor-neutralizing scent. This helps mask any chemical or natural odors in the spray. Fragrance-free formulas are free from any artificial or added fragrance. There may be a mild chemical smell or a pleasant aroma derived from natural ingredients in the formula, such as lavender or peppermint oil.
