Overview

Shoulder acne can be an annoyance, especially during the warmer months. Having breakouts on your shoulders may make you feel self-conscious about wearing sleeveless clothing. Shoulder acne can be severe, because the pores are larger on this part of the body and sizable lesions can appear. If you are unable to clear up shoulder acne on your own, make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss your options.

Step 1

Shower immediately after workouts. Oils can build up on the shoulders after sweating from heat and physical exertion. If you are trying to clear up shoulder acne, make sure you cleanse the skin after sweating.

Step 2

Exfoliate the shoulders while showering. Dead skin cells can block pores and cause breakouts to occur. You can use an exfoliating shower mitt to massage the shoulders and get rid of any dead skin cells. Make sure you gently work the mitt over the shoulders to avoid further irritating the area.

Step 3

Use a body cleanser with acne fighting ingredients. The best way to fight acne on the shoulders is to use a cleansing product specially formulated for body acne. Some examples include Oxy Body Wash and Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar for Body and Face. These cleansers will likely include either benzoyl peroxide or alpha hydroxy acid. You may need to limit sun exposure while using these products, because sensitivity to the sun is a common side effect.

Step 4

Steer clear of using irritating soaps on the shoulders while treating acne. Stick to using the body acne cleanser until the breakouts clear up. If you are sensitive to other products, such as fabric softeners, avoid exposure to get rid of the shoulder acne.