Acne is a rather common skin disorder in adulthood, but the one that affects the leg area is less common than the type widespread in other parts of the body, such as the chest and face. This does not mean that it is not a problem. Acne on the legs has small differences compared to the actual one, in fact it is usually caused by folliculitis, dermatitis, ingrown hair, allergic reactions or keratosis pilare. Nevertheless, in general it is possible to do treatments similar to those foreseen for classic acne. The disorder can occur at any age and is often accompanied by the appearance of impurities on the buttocks. If you have this problem, you need to know that there are several methods to get rid of it.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Wash every day to remove impurities that clog pores
To combat acne on your legs, shower often, at least once a day. Washing eliminates bacteria, dirt and sweat.
- Whenever you sweat a lot, for example when you work out, you should definitely take a shower. The legs tend to sweat more when exercising.
- Use a gentle and non-comedogenic product that does not cause the appearance of blemishes. If you have large pimples and bumps on your legs, try using an antibacterial cleanser.
- Try using an exfoliant or loofah sponge once or twice a week.
- Try products from brands like Nivea, Vichy, or Avène.
Step 2. Try treating acne with essential oils
Vegetable extracted oils can be effective for a targeted treatment, in fact they possess antibacterial and antiseptic properties. They can prevent the formation of new imperfections and promote the healing of existing ones. They can also help dissolve the sebum that clogs pores.
- Try the essential oils of spearmint, peppermint, calendula, lavender, and tea tree.
- Always mix them with a carrier oil. You can use camphor, mineral, castor, sweet almond, avocado, olive, peanut, witch hazel, apricot kernel, safflower, grape seed, and evening primrose oil.
- Calculate 10 drops of essential oil for 30 milliliters of carrier oil. Tap the solution on the affected areas.
- Before using an essential oil, always test it to assess your skin's reaction. Dilute a drop with water and apply it to the skin. Wait for about an hour: if no reaction occurs, go ahead with use.
Step 3. Take a sea salt bath
It is a very effective ingredient against acne, because it cleans the affected area thoroughly and helps eliminate the bacteria responsible for this ailment. Sea salt has an exfoliating action, so it helps get rid of impurities and dead cells.
- Sea salt baths can be especially effective for your legs, as you can immerse them completely in the tub.
- To start, fill the tub with hot water. As it flows from the tap, pour a glass of sea salt - this will dissolve more easily. Leave your legs in the water for at least 10-15 minutes.
- You can also add 3-5 drops of an acne-fighting essential oil, such as lavender, spearmint, peppermint, or tea tree oil.
Step 4. Use clothing that allows your skin to breathe so you don't trap bacteria
Acne on the legs can occur when wearing clothing that does not allow the skin to breathe. When you sweat a lot or sweat gets trapped on your skin, acne can get worse, or blemishes can appear.
- Wear cotton underwear, shorts, or pants to help evaporate sweat.
- Avoid fabrics that don't breathe, such as polyester.
- If you do a lot of sport, be sure to use clothes that are cotton or that still let your skin breathe. You can also consider clothing made from breathable fabrics. When you sweat a lot, change immediately and put your clothes to wash, without reusing them.
Step 5. Wash your clothes often to get rid of dirt and oil, two big causes of acne
To combat acne on your legs, wash your shorts and pants regularly. Sweat and dirt embedded in fabrics can cause impurities to build up.
- Wash your clothes after wearing them, especially after a workout or after exercising.
- If you also have acne problems on your buttocks, change your underwear every day.
- Also, wash your sheets often, preferably once a week.
Step 6. Use personal care products that are free from fragrances and dyes
Acne on the legs can occur due to certain cosmetics. Some additives in skin care creams, cleansers, or other products can cause blemishes, especially for sensitive skin. Such additives include formaldehyde, neomycin, nickel and even soy.
- Use cleansers, soaps and creams that are (or almost) free of fragrances and additives. Look for specific products for sensitive skin.
- Also try to use a laundry detergent that is free of dyes and fragrances.
Step 7. Shave the right way
If blemishes appear when you shave your legs, be sure to use proper technique and do not neglect hygiene. In general, use a clean, sharp razor and depilatory foam to soften the hair. Shave in the direction of hair growth and not against the grain. Do this at the end of the shower, when they have softened with the water.
Method 2 of 3: Medicines
Step 1. Use an acne cleanser to prevent and combat the ailment
To treat acne on the legs, you can try using a preventative treatment or a suitable cleanser. These products contain ingredients that fight acne, promoting healing and prevention.
- You can find many cleansers and soaps designed for acne that affects the body. If you can't find any, try a face product.
- Make sure the cleanser contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids.
- If you have sensitive skin, use a product that has a benzoyl peroxide concentration of 2.5% or less.
Step 2. Treat acne with acne cream
A variety of creams and targeted products aim to help prevent and treat acne. These products should be applied directly on the pimple or massaged on areas with a high concentration of skin imperfections. Many have a higher concentration of active ingredients.
- Most creams or targeted treatments are not designed specifically for the legs. In any case, all products designed to fight acne that affects the body can be used on the legs.
- Make sure these treatments contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids. Benzoyl peroxide is typically the most effective over-the-counter product for fighting acne on the legs.
- If over-the-counter creams don't work, your dermatologist may prescribe stronger products, including topical antibiotics.
- For the legs you can try creams, acne pads or other targeted-action treatments.
Step 3. If no treatment works, go to the dermatologist
In general, the disorder relieves itself within a few weeks. If you don't see any improvement, make an appointment with your dermatologist to evaluate other medications or approaches.
- As slow as healing seems to you, remember that you cannot speed it up, otherwise you risk having healing problems or witnessing a worsening of the disorder.
- The dermatologist may prescribe stronger medicines. There are treatments for topical use, such as retinoids and antibiotics, and for oral use, such as antibiotics, contraceptives, antiandrogens, and isotretinoin.
Method 3 of 3: Power
Step 1. To fight acne, eat low-glycemic index (GI) foods
Bacteria feed on sugars, so limit their consumption. According to some studies, foods with a low glycemic index can alleviate the disorder, as they release glucose slowly. Here are some of them:
- Most vegetables, except red beets, squash and parsnips.
- Dried fruit.
- Most fruit, except watermelon and dates. Mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, raisins and figs have a medium glycemic index.
- Whole grains, pumpernickel, wholemeal bread.
- Bran, muesli, oat flakes.
- Brown rice, barley, wholemeal pasta.
- Legumes.
- Yogurt.
Step 2. Get more vitamin D for even healthier skin
The most effective way to fill up on vitamin D is to stay out in the sun for 10-15 minutes a day. The sun's rays, in fact, stimulate the production of this substance. If the exposure is higher, protect your skin from UV rays with a sunscreen.
Vitamin D can also be absorbed through food. It is found in foods such as fish and cod liver oil, but also in dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese. Many foods are fortified with this substance
Step 3. Eat more foods containing vitamin A, which is good for the skin
If the skin is healthy, the risk of getting acne decreases. Here are some foods rich in vitamin A:
- Vegetables and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, squash, red peppers, sweet potatoes, broccoli, summer squash.
- Fruits such as mango, cantaloupe, apricots.
- Legumes.
- Meat and fish.
Step 4. To limit the molecules that cause sebum production, get more omega-3 fatty acids
Foods that are rich in it can fight acne. In fact, omega-3s are believed to help keep the molecules that produce sebum and cause disease under control. Here's where you can find them:
- Avocado.
- Vegetables such as spinach, sprouted radish seeds, and Chinese broccoli.
- Fish, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, whitefish, and alosa.
- Seeds and nuts, such as flaxseed and flaxseed oil, chia seeds, butternut squash, and walnuts.
- Herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, cloves, and marjoram.
