Simple skincare switches that will make your butt look amazing

What is butt acne?

Pardon the pun, pimples on your butt can be literally and figuratively a pain in your behind. However, there's a good chance those little red bumps on your derrière actually pimples but actually caused by a condition called folliculitis. This happens when a build of dead skin cells and bacteria get into your hair follicles. The bumps can be itchy and occasionally painful. Most of all, however, they're annoying.

"Butt acne is not truly acne — it is, in fact, most often due to inflammation around hair follicles known as folliculitis, or an irritation secondary to chronic rubbing, which can come with wearing tight-fitting clothes or even waxing," says dermatologist Shereene Idriss explains to Allure. 

Here's how you can treat butt acne, and prevent it in the future

1. Step up your body care regimen 

First and foremost, get into the habit of properly cleansing the area. Look for a cleanser that contains BHAs to slough away dead skin cells, sweat and keep pesky bacteria at bay, decreasing your chances of developing those red bumps. 

BHAs, such as salicylic acid have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, penetrating deeper down to combat breakouts.

We recommend, Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser ($43.95; at adorebeauty.com.au) or Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Cleanser ($50; at adorebeauty.com.au).

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2. Stop scrubbing 

Put down the loofah and body scrub. Idriss told Allure, "People often think they are doing themselves a favour by doing this because it makes their rear end feel — keyword — smoother. In reality, they are just worsening the inflammation, which could lead to potential scarring and hyperpigmentation."

3. Don't sit around in your sweaty active wear 

Dermatologist Dr Howe told the Daily Mail that the growing popularity of Soul Cycle-style exercise classes has definitely contributed to an increase in buttne.

“The hairs are compressed against the tight material and the bike, which is just a source of friction,” he told the publication. Limit the time you're in you're sweaty gym gear post workout to prevent breakouts.  Ensuring you're working out in clean clothes made from breathable, natural fibres is another way to minimise irritation.

4. Consider permanent hair removal 

Waxing and shaving can contribute to further irritation of the hair follicle lead to further obstruction of hair follicles, worsening of inflammation, and subsequent pigmentation. If you need to nix a few hairs consider laser hair removal for long-term results.