Where Do People Get Acne?

Acne is most common on the face, but also occurs on the neck, chest, back and shoulders.

Facial Acne

Facial acne, while the most common, can also be the most frustrating. It usually appears in the oilier T-zone where there are large numbers of sebaceous glands, the area encompassing the forehead, nose and chin. But, as we know, acne is not necessarily limited to the T-zone and can erupt on the cheeks as well.

Body Acne

Body acne is quite common. About 50% of acne sufferers have lesions (pimples) on the chest and back.

Our body's skin is covered with hair follicles connected to sebaceous glands. The same high rate of sebum production that contributes to facial acne can also be prevalent in other areas of your body, causing pimples in the same way.

While facial acne is the most common, back acne takes second place followed by the neck, chest and shoulders. Acne treatments for the face may not be appropriate for body acne. Speadability of an acne product is very important in the treatment of body acne.

Back acne is sometimes more difficult to treat because some of the lesions can become deep and inflamed. Acne in this location seems to be more resistant to therapy and tends to leave dark, permanent discolorations (pigmentation). Scarring can also be a risk.