How To Get Rid of Acne on Buttocks
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States and is the most frequent reason why patients consult Dr. Michele Green in her private, Upper East Side, NYC dermatology office. Acne breakouts can be agonizing, difficult to manage, and can seriously impact the quality of your life. Whether it’s a tiny pimple or a painful cyst, acne can cause you to feel self-conscious about your appearance. Treating an acne lesion or breakout can be a frustrating process, and waiting too long to tackle a zit can result in permanent scarring. While problems with acne often start in our adolescence, acne can be persistent throughout adulthood. Acne can affect the face, but it can also impact other areas of the body too. Other affected areas may include the arms, chest, neck, back, and buttocks. There are different medications or acne treatments designed for each area.
Butt acne is one of the most annoying and embarrassing areas to have pimples. Butt acne breakouts are a common issue that many patients face, and the condition can be exacerbated by a number of factors. These factors include wearing occlusive or tight clothing, excessive heat, hormonal changes, improper exfoliation, sweating, waxing, or even shaving. Though certain bumps on the buttocks may clear up on their own with time, there are some butt acne breakouts that are caused by bacterial or fungal infections which may need medical treatment in order to resolve. Treating an acne breakout early on is important in order to prevent an infection from spreading and to prevent acne scars from developing. Acne scars can often be more difficult to treat than the acne breakouts themselves. Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist and expert when it comes to treating acne and acne scars. When you are experiencing an acne breakout, whether it is on your face, chest, back, or buttocks, Dr. Green is here to help.
In her discreet New York City dermatology boutique, Dr. Green will diagnose the cause of your acne breakout, recommend the best skincare products, and provide effective, efficient acne treatments to clear your acne and butt acne breakouts. The result will be beautiful, clear, healthy looking skin. With over two decades of experience in cosmetic dermatology procedures, acne, acne scarring, chemical peels, laser treatments, and dermal injections, it is no wonder that Dr. Green is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in New York.
What causes acne on my buttocks? Why am I breaking out on my butt?
Most people have experienced an acne breakout at some point in their life, and there is no shame in looking for a solution to your butt acne. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide. Acne occurs when the sebaceous follicles in the skin become clogged with sebum, dirt, debris, and dead skin cells. The debris trapped within the pore causes inflammation of the skin, leading to the development of pimples, pustules, nodules, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts. Acne can occur anywhere on the body where there are sebaceous follicles. Areas with a higher concentration of sebaceous glands include the face, neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, and chest. Acne can also occur on the buttocks.
When it comes to butt breakouts, however, there are other factors that might contribute to acne formation. There generally isn’t as much oil production happening on the buttocks as other areas of the body, meaning that most of the time those pimples popping up on the butt may be related to a different form of skin irritation than traditional acne. Acne on the buttocks is typically not considered to be true acne. It’s common for acne breakouts on the buttocks to be caused by a particular type of irritation called folliculitis.
Folliculitis occurs when there is irritation of the hair follicles of the skin, creating bumps that closely resemble acne lesions. Occasionally, these bumps can be a symptom of an allergic reaction on the skin called contact dermatitis. Folliculitis, however, is most commonly onset by repeated friction in an area. This can happen as a result of wearing tight clothing (which is increasingly popular and may be why more people are experiencing butt acne breakouts), a sedentary lifestyle, failing to shower after exercising, improper shaving or waxing techniques, and even sitting in a hot tub. No matter the cause of your butt acne or folliculitis, Dr. Green is here to help. With over 25 years of experience developing personalized treatment plans for her patients that incorporate the best skincare products and most innovative acne treatments available, Dr. Green has the knowledge and expertise to provide you with clear, smooth, beautiful skin, wherever your breakout may be.
How Can I Get Rid of Butt Acne?
Acne develops when a build up of excess sebum, dead skin cells, acne-causing bacteria, and debris clog the skin’s pores. The acne-causing bacteria in the clogged pores can cause inflammation, leading to more severe acne breakouts. Although acne most commonly affects the face, body acne may occur anywhere there are sebaceous glands, including the chest, back, and buttocks. More commonly, however, patients with butt breakouts are not experiencing true acne, but rather a skin condition called folliculitis. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles in the skin become infected, inflamed, and irritated, resulting in red bumps that appear acne-like.
Folliculitis may develop for a number of reasons, but often occurs when friction from tight-fitting clothing irritates the skin, resulting in the presence of irritated, red bumps. Avoiding tight-fitting clothing, showering regularly (especially after exercise), and using the right skincare are great steps to preventing and getting rid of butt acne and folliculitis. Body washes or lotions for eliminating buttne should contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Although it may be tempting to scrub a butt acne breakout, it’s important to gently exfoliate and not over-scrub in order to prevent exacerbating skin irritation and worsening the breakout. If these steps don’t help clear your buttne, then it’s time to schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC.
What causes folliculitis?
When it comes to butt acne, folliculitis is the most type. However, it is not true acne, but rather the result of inflammation around hair follicles. Typically, folliculitis occurs when a hair follicle is infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph bacteria. Folliculitis may also be caused by other forms of bacteria, fungi, or yeast, as well as simple irritation or clogging of the hair follicles. This irritation of the hair follicles is often caused by friction between tight clothing and skin which can aggravate the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Folliculitis looks nearly the same clinically as traditional acne, although the hair follicle is at the root of the irritation, not the oil gland.
What causes pimples?
Pimples occur when the sebaceous glands or oil glands become clogged and infected. This leads to swollen, red lesions filled with pus, known commonly as zits, pimples, and acne. Pimples are most common during puberty as a result of hormonal fluctuations. These hormonal fluctuations often cause your sebaceous glands to become active and produce excess amounts of sebum that are more likely to clog hair follicles. Once your hair follicles are clogged, pimples are likely to occur. Other factors that may contribute to pimples include genetics, stress, high humidity, and using oily, greasy, or irritating skin care products.
How can a dermatologist help?
An expert dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green, is board certified in dermatology and trained to recognize the varying forms of body acne, butt acne, and skin irritation. During an evaluation, Dr. Green will be able to accurately diagnose your skin condition and provide you with the best, most appropriate treatment to quickly and effectively remedy the situation. With any acne breakout, but particularly in the case of folliculitis and carbuncles, it’s important to work with a dermatologist as soon as possible in order to determine whether any antibacterial or anti-fungal medications will be needed to treat your symptoms. These skin conditions may not otherwise heal on their own, potentially resulting in permanent scarring. Furthermore, if you are suffering from acne scarring on the buttocks, Dr. Green utilizes the most cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions for removing your acne scars and diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, (PIH), or dark spots. Whether it be chemical peels, laser treatment, microneedling, or RF microneedling, Dr. Green has the most cutting edge cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of your skin.
How does exfoliating help treat folliculitis?
Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which the hair follicles become inflamed. Folliculitis can be caused by a range of factors including blockage or occlusion of the follicle, overuse of oily products that block your pores, bacterial or yeast infections, waxing, shaving, and wearing tight clothes, among other reasons. A simple way to help treat folliculitis is through exfoliation. Exfoliation can be particularly helpful in treating folliculitis because it will prevent the build-up of oil while helping remove dead cells from the hair follicle. Both mechanical and chemical exfoliation can aid in the treatment of folliculitis.
Mechanical exfoliation can take the form of a body, or even using an exfoliation glove or cloth. Many body scrubs have ingredients like sea salt which act as an abrasive to remove the dead skin cells. Loofahs or exfoliation cloths Exfoliation can also gently slough away old skin. The scrubbing motion will increase blood flow to the area and can help clear out debris from clogged hair follicles. However, it is important to be extremely gentle when mechanically exfoliating an area. If you scrub too harshly, you can cause micro-tears on the skin which can worsen folliculitis.
Chemical exfoliation is another great option for exfoliating the dead skin cells and treating folliculitis. A product which contains alpha or beta-hydroxy acids can help cleanse the skin and unclog pores. Other ingredients useful in exfoliation include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Glycolic acid will remove dead skin skills while evening out skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. Salicylic acid will get rid of excess sebum and help treat acne and benzoyl peroxide can help kill pathogenic bacteria while removing dead skin cells. If you find that exfoliation is not helping or is not bringing about the desired results, you should consult a dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, about other professional treatments.
What is Keratosis Pilaris?
If you’re observing that there are small red bumps on the buttocks that are neither itchy or painful, you may be experiencing a skin condition called keratosis pilaris (KP). Keratin is a component of the skin that helps provide it with protection. Keratosis Pilaris is a generally harmless skin condition that occurs when the body’s natural keratin production interferes with the follicular opening. The underlying cause of keratosis pilaris is currently unknown, although it does appear to be genetic, typically running in families. If you do have keratosis pilaris on the buttocks, you’ll likely see it elsewhere on the body, too. The arms and legs are typically the most common areas to have KP.
For treating the look and feel of bumpy skin associated with keratosis pilaris, Dr. Green typically recommends Glytone’s KP Kit. The kit includes an exfoliating body wash containing glycolic acid with a loofah in order to help loosen the keratin itself. The kit also contains an exfoliating body lotion that can be used after exfoliation with the body wash. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends treating KP by gently exfoliating with a loofah or rough washcloth. Keratosis Pilaris can also be treated effectively with lactic acid, salicylic acid, urea, alpha hydroxy acids, or retinoids. Some recalcitrant Keratosis Pilaris have even been treated with laser therapy and microdermabrasion. Keratosis Pilaris is a chronic skin condition, but for many patients, they may outgrow this common skin condition.
5 months before and after Accutane
What are carbuncles?
When folliculitis goes untreated, carbuncles may form. A carbuncle is a painful cluster of boils that many describe as a pus-filled knot under the skin. Though a carbuncle may feel similar to a cystic acne lesion, cystic acne is the result of a buildup of sebum and debris within a clogged pore, whereas carbuncles occur when breakouts of folliculitis are left untreated and worsen with infection. Since folliculitis has the potential to develop into this deeper, more painful skin infection, it should always be promptly treated by a healthcare professional, like Dr. Michele Green.
How to get rid of butt acne fast
Since the bumps on one’s buttock are not traditional acne lesions, treating the problem with traditional acne treatments may not be as effective. However, there are some steps that you can add to your wellness and skincare routine to help treat or prevent the occurrence of “buttne.” The most important thing to prevent buttne is to keep the irritated skin clean. Always showering immediately after exercise and using antibacterial soap to eliminate bacteria, sweat, and debris is an important part of preventing buttne, folliculitis, and carbuncles.
In addition, proper exfoliation is an important part of maintaining healthy skin. The use of gentle exfoliating skincare products helps to treat all sorts of bumps on the behind, working to remove dead skin cells from the irritated follicles of the skin. However, it is important to not exfoliate too harshly or too often in order to prevent aggravating the irritation and worsening the condition. The fastest way to clear up any kind of breakout on the buttocks is by visiting with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green. Dr. Green is an internationally-renowned expert and can help you develop a plan to achieve beautiful clear skin all over.
Choosing the best skincare for butt acne
When it comes to treating butt acne, not all skincare products are created equal. There are certain key active ingredients to look for when selecting products that will help you reduce the appearance of your butt acne quickly and effectively. When choosing cleansers, lotions, and exfoliating products, it is very important to select the products that contain the right ingredients to treat the bumps. In general, the following guide will help you choose the best butt acne treatment.
Acne cleansers for butt acne breakouts
When looking for cleansers to treat butt acne, choosing washes and cleansers with benzoyl peroxide can be very effective. A benzoyl peroxide body wash can be an excellent way to eliminate butt acne. Benzoyl peroxide can be found in many over-the-counter products designed for facial acne, such as Neutrogena acne face wash, but it can also help to treat conditions like folliculitis due to its antimicrobial formulation. When you use benzoyl peroxide products, it’s best to leave the product on for thirty seconds, then wash clean using a white towel (a white towel is best since benzoyl peroxide has been known to bleach fabrics).
Topical antibiotics for butt acne
Someone who is struggling with butt acne may also benefit from using traditional topical or oral antibiotics, especially if there are any signs of infection. Common topical antibiotics include Clindamycin lotion or Erythromycin lotion. Combination topical antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide gels, such as Benzaclin or Benzamycin, are also very effective. When there is a deeper infection, or a breakout that may be hard to reach with a topical antibiotic (the buttocks and back), oral antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Minocycline may be prescribed. These medications are typically prescribed for a week or longer in order to clear an active infection.
How does benzoyl peroxide treat acne breakouts?
There are many ingredients which can be helpful in treating acne breakouts but one of the most well known ingredients is benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is often prescribed to treat mild to moderate acne and is one of the first treatment options dermatologists will recommend for acne. It is great for preventing acne from occurring and ensuring active breakouts do not get infected, further inflamed, and irritated. Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing and eliminating the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. This is often why the topical antibiotic combinations, such Benzaclin and Benzamycin, are prescribed to treat inflammatory acne vulgaris. These topical antibiotics compounded with benzoyl peroxide are effective in decreasing the number of acne pimples and improving the overall acne breakouts.
In addition to reducing the amount of acne breakouts on the skin, benzoyl peroxide also helps to unclog pores by removing dead skin cells and excess sebum. When used to target active acne, benzoyl peroxide has a drying effect on any bacteria within pustules which makes it easier to wash away excess oils that are trapped inside the pimples. If you have not tried benzoyl peroxide for acne, the good news is that it can easily be found in over-the-counter products and is commonly found in chemical exfoliants. You should start with a lower concentration first to minimize any potential skin irritation and redness. Once you start incorporating benzoyl peroxide into your skincare regimen, it can take up to four weeks for it to start working and two to four months for the treatment to see the full effect.
3 months before and after Accutane
Exfoliating products to treat folliculitis
Gentle exfoliating agents, such as salicylic acid, can be effective for treating both traditional acne lesions and folliculitis. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that easily penetrates the skin’s pores to break down any oil and remove dead skin cells. This is a common active ingredient in many skincare products including cleansers, serums, and exfoliating scrubs. Dr. Green recommends using salicylic acid in the form of a pre-treated salicylic acid pad for best results. Pre-treated exfoliating pads are gentle and ensure that an appropriate amount of the active ingredient is delivered to the skin without causing irritation. Following up the exfoliating pad with a spot treatment is a great regimen for tackling stubborn blemishes all over the body. Dr. Green’s MGSKINLABs offers a variety of salicylic-based acne spot treatments. Her carefully developed Retexturizing Pads, which contain glycolic and salicylic acid, are uniquely formulated to help treat all varieties of acne breakouts, including butt acne.
Should I use a moisturizer or lotion for my butt acne?
Rich, nourishing moisturizers, while excellent for providing hydration to the skin, can sometimes cause or exacerbate irritation associated with folliculitis and butt acne. Also, heavy moisturizing creams can further clog the pores and worsen your butt breakout. However, using certain targeted treatment lotions can help!
Body lotions containing lactic acid can be useful for loosening and eliminating dead skin cells from the surface of skin. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, which works by both re-hydrating and also gently exfoliating the skin. This ingredient helps to keep the skin’s pores clean and in turn, reduces the appearance of folliculitis and butt acne. AmLactin is just one variety of lactic acid body lotion that can easily be purchased through Amazon or any other large retailer. Lactic acid lotion can also be used in combination with skincare products containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tea tree oil to help resolve butt acne breakouts.
How to treat acne on the buttocks naturally
Many patients choose to supplement their medical treatments with a number of home remedies, including natural treatment options, that can help to further reduce the appearance of any pimples on the buttocks. Though a medical treatment approach tends to reduce the appearance of butt acne more quickly, there are several natural treatment methods that some patients like to use, too:
- Tea tree oil has natural antimicrobial properties that make it effective against acne breakouts.
- Turmeric paste can help fight against bacteria that leads to the formation of body acne.
- An apple cider vinegar bath contains acetic acid which may combat folliculitis-causing bacteria.
- Choosing a fragrance-free, lightweight body lotion as opposed to one with fragrance or a thick cream.
- Applying a warm compress to the skin in order to open up and clear out follicles of the skin can help loosen and clear out any butt acne. To make a warm compress, place a washcloth under warm water and wring out the excess water. You can add various drying agents to the water to help treat the butt acne.
- A saltwater sitz bath can help to soothe and sterilize the irritated area, as well as help to treat minor infections.
Bothersome “buttne”: How to best prevent butt acne breakouts
Believe it or not, it is very possible for one’s fashion choices to be the primary culprit of butt acne. While leggings are often the perfect pair of comfortable pants for working out or running errands, the tight-fitting fabric can cause friction against the skin, leading to irritation. When sweat and friction combine, the environment is right for developing skin conditions like folliculitis and butt acne.
To best prevent acne breakouts and folliculitis from forming on the buttocks, opt for clothing that is loose-fitting and breathable as opposed to tight-fitting clothing. Clothes made from cotton are generally more breathable than other fabrics and are a good choice for those looking to prevent buttne. Wash clothes, towels, and sheets regularly, as bacteria can be transferred to your skin as well.
Additionally, be sure to shower regularly, especially after a workout session! Allowing sweat, dirt, and bacteria to stay on your skin after exercising is a recipe for developing buttne and folliculitis. If you suffer from frequent butt acne breakouts or are looking to prevent them altogether, then always promptly rinse off after sweating. Throw your workout clothes in the laundry after you exercise, too!
Another helpful way to prevent the formation of butt acne and folliculitis is by routinely using a gentle exfoliating lotion or body wash. Skincare products containing ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids can help prevent and combat any flareups of acne on the buttocks. Using a loofah in the shower can also help to remove the buildup of dead skin cells and debris that may be clogging the pores and contributing to butt acne. Be sure, however, to use gentle exfoliating skincare products and avoid over-scrubbing. Over exfoliating can actually exacerbate skin irritation and lead to worsening the butt acne breakout. When in doubt, schedule a consultation with a skincare and butt acne breakout expert, such as internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green will work with you to customize your butt acne treatment plan so that it is perfectly catered to your unique needs and goals.
How to get rid of dark spots from butt acne breakouts
Butt acne can be a pain, and it can be even more frustrating when butt pimples leave behind dark spots. These little dark marks are associated with a skin condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and can occur after an outbreak of acne, folliculitis, or other inflammatory injury or skin irritation. Sometimes, the appearance of dark spots on the skin may resolve independently, though this may take a considerable amount of time. Other dark marks may require professional treatment to completely disappear. In any case, meeting with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green is the best way to effectively and swiftly minimize the appearance of dark marks on the buttocks left by acne breakouts or folliculitis.
Why are there dark marks where there used to be acne in the first place? Dark spots typically develop when inflammation and skin irritation associated with acne lesions triggers the overproduction of melanin in a cluster of surrounding cells. The underlying reason for the production of excess melanin following inflammation is still unknown. However, once there are dark spots on the skin where acne lesions once were, UV rays from the sun can exacerbate their appearance and make them more difficult to remove. Dark acne spots may also be caused or worsened by attempting to pop a pimple. This is why it is so important to refrain from picking any acne! Instead of trying to perform your own extractions at home, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green. Dr. Green will help you develop a personalized acne treatment plan to eliminate your breakouts and diminish the appearance of any residual acne scars, providing you with clear, smooth, beautiful skin.
Dr. Green is an internationally renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology, especially when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation, acne and acne scars, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne and folliculitis. For her patients who are struggling with the appearance of dark spots as a result of acne, Dr. Green typically recommends a unique combination of the most effective in-office treatments and specially formulated skincare products to produce a brighter, more even-toned complexion. Dr. Green carefully and skillfully selects for her patients the best skin-lightening and retinol creams from her MGSKINLABs, Inc. line and pairs them with treatments such as chemical peels or mesopeels to give phenomenal, long-lasting results.
Regarding reducing discoloration due to acne, Dr. Green often recommends traditional and enhanced microneedling procedures with depigmentation solutions, laser skin resurfacing treatments, chemical peels, Cosmelan peels, and mesopeels. Patients who suffer from dark spots caused by acne breakouts typically require a comprehensive treatment plan which Dr. Green can help customize so that it is catered to the needs and goals of the individual. She will combine at-home and in-office treatments with the best specially formulated skincare products to quickly, safely, and effectively reduce the appearance of acne scars and related dark spots.
What is the best treatment for scars on the butt from buttne and folliculitis?
If your butt acne or folliculitis has lead to the development of acne scars, Dr. Green may recommend undergoing treatment with a skin resurfacing laser from the arsenal of lasers in her boutique in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Dr. Green determines which combination of in-office treatments and skin care products is appropriate for each patient upon evaluation, largely depending on the color and texture of the acne scars. Some of the most common treatment options utilized by Dr. Green to treat acne scars include chemical peels, the Vbeam laser, eMatrix laser, Vivace, microneedling, and the Fraxel dual laser. During your consultation with Dr. Green, you will have the opportunity to discuss with her in-depth regarding your specific skin concerns and aesthetic goals and then learn more about which combination of treatment options is best suited to treat your skin condition.
Before and after 4 sessions of VBeam
VBeam laser treatment for redness
The VBeam laser is considered to be the gold standard treatment for addressing any forms of facial or bodily redness or residual red marks that are left behind after an acne breakout. The VBeam operates on a wavelength (595 nanometers) that specifically targets skin cells that are holding onto red pigment. The energy from the laser is absorbed by those skin cells exclusively, causing the redness to be destroyed while all surrounding skin is left untouched. One of the greatest perks associated with the Vbeam treatment is that there is a built-in Dynamic Cooling Device. This cools the skin before the laser beam is emitted, making the procedure itself even more comfortable for the patient. Additionally, there is no downtime involved with a Vbeam treatment, meaning that one can resume their normal everyday activities directly after the procedure. When it comes to tackling any signs of redness in the skin, including that which is associated with buttne and folliculitis, the VBeam laser is ideal.
eMatrix Laser to treat acne scars
The eMatrix laser utilizes fractionated bi-polar frequency to penetrate beneath the skin’s surface, maximizing the amount of collagen and elastin produced in the skin. Stimulating the skin’s production of collagen and elastin improves textural irregularities and treats acne scars and stretch marks. The eMatrix laser can treat textural issues on patients with any skin tone and skin type, making it a powerful tool to combat against stubborn acne scars. Using this laser treatment helps patients with acne scars achieve smoother, brighter, tighter, more beautiful, younger-looking skin. Since the eMatrix sublative rejuvenation has only 48 hours of downtime, this laser treatment can easily be scheduled.
Fraxel laser treatment for hyperpigmentation
The Fraxel laser is a cutting-edge laser treatment that is often referred to as the “magic eraser” for its unique ability to address an incredibly wide range of skin concerns, including unwanted hyperpigmentation associated with old breakouts. Not only will Fraxel improve the appearance of acne scars, but it can also be used to reduce sun spots and facial hyperpigmentation and to minimize the appearance of fine lines, enlarged pores, and wrinkles. Fraxel should not, however, be used to treat melasma. Melasma is a skin condition that is characterized by patches of brown or grey-brown skin that are darker in color than the rest of the surrounding skin.
Although a Fraxel treatment may temporarily reduce the appearance of melasma for some patients, the heat associated with the Fraxel laser can cause the pigmentation associated with melasma to become even further entrenched, worsening melasma, and oftentimes making it extremely difficult to treat. Fraxel works via a fractionated laser technology, meaning it precisely treats just a fraction of the skin at a time. The laser employs highly concentrated, controlled laser pulses to the skin, creating thousands of microscopic wounds in the dermis while leaving the surface of the skin intact. This feature helps to minimize the amount of downtime required, allowing patients to schedule their treatment sessions with ease. The procedure triggers the body’s natural wound-healing process and then promotes the production of new collagen and elastin in the skin, creating a smoother, more radiant, youthful-looking appearance and a reduction in unwanted hyperpigmentation that is not associated with melasma.
Chemical peels for improving skin tone and texture
Chemical peels are used to chemically exfoliate the skin’s surface, encouraging the dead skin cells to be sloughed off more quickly than they typically would on their own. By increasing the rate of skin cell turnover, chemical peels can be used to reveal a complexion that is more even in both tone and texture, as well as to minimize the appearance of acne scars and dark marks left behind from acne, such as PIH. Dr. Green typically suggests TCA peels (trichloroacetic acid peels) to her patients who are suffering from acne scars that may not benefit from laser treatment. Typically, patients with hyperpigmentation require a series of chemical peel treatment sessions in order to achieve their desired results. There is, however, almost no downtime involved with these chemical peel treatments, meaning that treatments can be scheduled with ease.
Mesopeels for hyperpigmentation on the buttocks, axillae, and groin
Additionally, the Mesopeel is a specially formulated chemical peel that addresses all types of hyperpigmentation, working on fading pigment and controlling melanocyte activity. Mesopeels are designed to treat skin discoloration, dark spots, and photo-aging in a gentle yet efficient manner. Delicate areas of the body, such as the axillae, groin, inner thighs, and the under-eye area, may develop hyperpigmentation, and traditional chemical peels can potentially be too irritating to utilize in these sensitive areas. Mesopeels, through the process of chemexfoliation, lead to an inflammatory reaction of the reticular dermis and stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. Mesopeels are specially formulated to treat sensitive areas of the body without any discomfort or downtime.
Dermamelan peels for hyperpigmentation in the intimate area
Dermamelan peels are a specially formulated chemical peel used to treat discoloration and hyperpigmentation around the buttocks, anal, and vaginal areas. The skin in these areas is too sensitive for use of traditional chemical peels, whereas Dermamelan is a non-irritating option for skin lightening. By blocking the transfer of melanosomes and reducing the activation of tyrosinase, Dermamelan intimate enhances the depigmentation of the skin in a gentle manner. It contains six active ingredients, whose mechanism of action work on depigmentation, inflammation, and anti-aging.
This treatment option consists of two phases. Phase 1 is the in-office intensive depigmentation which is performed at the office of Dr. Green in one single clinical session. Phase 2 is the regulation of hyperpigmentation which consists of using the Dermamelan intimate home depigmenting gel cream daily. The synergistic effects of combining both phases is what gives such a rejuvenated effect.
Cosmelan peels
The Cosmelan peel is a medical-grade depigmenting solution that is applied by a board-certified dermatologist in a medical setting. This unique and innovative chemical peel treatment was initially developed for the treatment of melasma. Melasma is a skin condition that is characterized by patches of brown or grey-brown skin that are darker in color than the surrounding skin. Although it was designed to eliminate the appearance of the brown and grey-brown patches that characterize melasma, Dr. Green has expanded its use to include treatment of other forms of hyperpigmentation, including dark marks left behind from acne breakouts on the face, chest, arms, and buttocks. Cosmelan is a chemical peel that combines an in-office treatment with at-home skincare management to maximize cosmetic results. The active ingredients in Cosmelan affect the entire process of pigment formation, removing the accumulation of melanin while inhibiting the formation of new pigment, resulting in a more even, radiant, youthful complexion.
These non-invasive in-office treatment options are uniquely selected by Dr. Green to be included in your individualized treatment plan and are used frequently to improve the overall skin tone and texture with minimal recovery time. Dr. Green is an expert in diminishing the appearance of acne scars on all areas of the body, including the face, chest, back, and buttocks. If you’re looking for an answer to your acne scars, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green, who will customize your treatment plan to cater to the unique needs of your skin and provide you with smooth, beautiful skin.
Is butt acne normal? Are pimples on the butt normal?
Acne is an incredibly common skin condition that develops when the oil glands at the base of hair follicles produce excess sebum that, together with dead skin cells, acne-causing bacteria, and debris, clog the skin’s pores and lead to inflammation and irritation. Acne can develop anywhere on the body where there are sebaceous glands, including the face, chest, back, and buttocks. The most commonly affected area is the face, and the least commonly affected area is the buttocks. In fact, most cases of butt acne, also known as buttne, are not even considered to be true acne breakouts, despite the appearance of inflamed, irritated, red bumps that look very similar to pimples. Instead, these breakouts are actually related to a skin condition called folliculitis, in which there is inflammation and irritation of the hair follicles in the affected areas. Common causes of butt acne include wearing tight-fitting clothing, a sedentary lifestyle, failing to shower after exercising, improper shaving or waxing techniques, and even sitting in a hot tub. Folliculitis and butt acne are normal and treatable skin conditions that can be quickly and effectively resolved with the help of an expert, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC.
Why do I only get acne on my buttocks?
Many people are affected by acne, in fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology it is the most common skin condition in the United States. However, acne most commonly affects the face, chest, and back, rarely the buttocks. If you only get acne breakouts on your buttocks, it is a sign that it is most likely folliculitis, rather than true acne. Folliculitis can be caused by an infection from bacteria, yeast, or fungus or simply a blockage of hair follicles. Butt acne and folliculitis can be treated with home remedies which include exfoliation with alpha and beta-hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide, hydrating lotions, and avoidance of tight-fitting clothing. Other DIY treatments, like salt baths and turmeric pastes, may also help in clearing clogged pores and reducing the appearance of buttne. If you try home remedies and observe little improvement, it would be best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green can personalize your butt acne treatment to include the in-office procedures, skincare products, and any necessary medications to successfully clear your buttne and help you achieve and maintain clear, healthy, smooth skin.
Why do pimples occur on the buttocks?
Pimples that occur on the buttocks are often not true pimples or acne. Although these inflamed, raised red bumps may look like acne, they are often associated with a skin condition known as folliculitis. Folliculitis is the result of infection and inflammation of hair follicles that results in a breakout of red bumps that look like pimples and may be itchy. Typically, folliculitis occurs when a hair follicle is infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph bacteria. Folliculitis may also be caused by other forms of bacteria, fungi, or yeast, as well as simple irritation or clogging of the hair follicles. This irritation of the hair follicles is often caused by friction between tight-fitting clothing and skin, which can aggravate the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Folliculitis looks nearly the same clinically as traditional acne, although the hair follicle is at the root of the irritation and not a buildup of excess sebum in the oil gland.
What can I do to prevent butt acne?: How to avoid getting buttne
Some of the easiest ways to prevent breakouts of butt acne or folliculitis include avoiding tight clothing, showering regularly with an anti-bacterial soap (especially after exercising), and using a body wash or cleanser that contains acne-fighting active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Tight fitting clothing, while trendy, can trap acne-causing bacteria and sweat, increasing the risk of developing a butt acne breakout. Additionally, when dealing with a breakout of buttne, many patients may want to scrub the area intensely with a harsh exfoliating tool like a loofah, however, this can actually be damaging to the affected area and exacerbate any butt acne breakouts. It’s best to use gentle chemical exfoliants and nourishing, non-comedogenic lotions to keep the skin properly cleansed and hydrated. If persistent butt acne breakouts have been unresponsive to over the counter treatments and proper self-care practices, schedule a consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in New York.
What are the best ways to treat butt acne?
The best ways to treat butt acne and butt breakouts of folliculitis include practicing good hygiene and regular self-care, limiting risk behaviors that contribute to folliculitis, and consulting with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. When you meet with Dr. Green to clear your butt acne breakouts, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, discuss with you any previous acne treatments you have undergone, evaluate the affected area, and make personalized recommendations for your butt acne treatment plan that include the in-office procedures, specially formulated skincare products, and any necessary medications for achieving and maintaining healthy, smooth, and clear skin.
How do I get rid of my butt acne?
Butt acne breakouts can be frustrating to treat and, for many, cause feelings of low self-esteem and self-consciousness. Rather than go through the agony of trial and error with over the counter skin care products that aren’t guaranteed to work for your butt breakouts, schedule a consultation with skin expert, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
Dr. Michele Green in NYC is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients from around the world with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including for acne breakouts and acne scars. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors consistently identify Dr. Green as one of NYC’s best dermatologists for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to create a completely customized treatment plan that incorporates the in-office procedures and specially formulated skincare products best suited to your skin concerns and goals. If you are struggling with butt acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or another dermatological issue, Dr. Green is here to help you achieve blemish-free, healthy skin. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Green by contacting us online today or calling the office at 212-535-3088.