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What Is Acne Body Spray?

Megan Shoop
Megan Shoop

Acne body spray is a spray that features acne-fighting ingredients. Some commercial companies sell body sprays that are both scented and contain pimple-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. A few of these sprays are also unscented, which may be especially beneficial for sensitive skin. Individuals may also make homemade acne body spray from grain alcohol and certain herbal and plant extracts. There are dozens of recipes for this kind of skin treatment, so people can tailor their acne body spray formulas to their personal needs.

Like facial acne, body acne may be relatively mild or quite serious. It may show up on the skin as surface-based, white heads that break open and stain clothing, or as deeply-seated, painful cysts. Either way, acne body spray combined with other treatments, such as an acne-fighting body wash, may help keep this condition under control. These sprays should generally be used right after a person bathes. The spray bottle should be held about 6 inches (about 12 cm) from the body, so the person can adequately mist his or her skin with the spray.

Acne treatments may contain witch hazel.
Acne treatments may contain witch hazel.

After spraying the affected areas, the individual should generally gently rub the spray into the skin and let it air dry. Those using commercial products should try to wear white clothing after applying this body spray because chemical acne treatments can discolor or bleach colored fabrics. Many people experience the best results when they use acne body spray in the evening, and either shower or gently wipe it away in the morning.

Acne body spray may help keep body acne under control.
Acne body spray may help keep body acne under control.

Most homemade acne body spray recipes start with distilled water and some kind of grain alcohol, like vodka. The maker should generally mix equal parts of these two ingredients together in a spray bottle before adding the rest of the ingredients. One of the great things about these natural sprays is that they usually have a pleasant scent in addition to helping clear away body acne.

Using the right cleanser and body spray may help to reduce the occurrence of acne.
Using the right cleanser and body spray may help to reduce the occurrence of acne.

Witch hazel and tea tree oil are two of the most well-known herbal treatments for acne. Just a spoonful of either of these ingredients should be sufficient because too much can cause skin irritation. Thyme, camphor, or sage oils could also work well for those who find that witch hazel or tea tree oil aren’t effective, or are too harsh for their skin. Lavender, rose, and citrus essential oils may also help soothe acne and often give acne body spray a pleasant scent. All homemade sprays should generally be refrigerated when not in use. Those using these sprays should make just a bit at a time because it only remains fresh for about a week.

Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

Salicylic acid sprays seem to be the most popular type of acne body spray. I used to use one as well and then I realized that the spray is just diluted salicylic acid toner. Salicylic acid toners usually have 2% salicylic acid. Salicylic acid body spray has 0.5% mixed with water.

So what I do now to save money is I make my own using salicylic acid toner. I mix some of the toner with pure water in a spray bottle. And voila! My acne body spray is ready.

ZipLine

@ddljohn-- I don't see anything wrong with that. I think that acne sprays for the body and the face are the same anyway. They just have different labels. So if a face acne spray is easier to find or cheaper, feel free to use it.

I use a salicylic acid body spray. It was very affordable at my local pharmacy. I'm also using a salicylic acid body wash by the same brand. Both of the products are made specifically for acne-prone skin. I have been getting good results with this combination. I have not had any new breakouts since last week and my current pimples are drying away.

I highly recommend using bath products that are suited for acne skin, in addition to an acne body spray. You might not get the best results if you use the wrong product in the shower and then follow up with an acne spray.

ddljohn

Can I use acne sprays made for the face on the body?

I can't seem to find a witch hazel body spray for acne but I have found one for the face. I have cystic acne on my back that is very painful and bothersome. I haven't been using any type of treatment but I know that I need to. I'm interested in acne body spray because I think it will be easier to apply on my back than medicated lotions or toners.

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    • Acne treatments may contain witch hazel.
      By: dianamower
      Acne treatments may contain witch hazel.
    • Acne body spray may help keep body acne under control.
      By: Scanrail
      Acne body spray may help keep body acne under control.
    • Using the right cleanser and body spray may help to reduce the occurrence of acne.
      By: ipag
      Using the right cleanser and body spray may help to reduce the occurrence of acne.
    • Tea tree oil is a well-known herbal treatment for acne.
      By: Lucie Říhová
      Tea tree oil is a well-known herbal treatment for acne.
    • Acne body spray might be combined with medicated body wash products.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Acne body spray might be combined with medicated body wash products.