9 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Body Acne

Acne on your face is less than awesome, but body acne can be even trickier since it shows up in hard-to-reach places. If you're struggling, I've pulled together several solid natural ways to get rid of body acne. Test them all out to see what works best for you!

I personally never really had to deal with back and arm acne up until two years ago. I was training for my first half marathon in Japan and started pretty much living in sports bras 24/7. Though I had always worked out a few times a week, suddenly running in the sun every other day was causing a whole new wave of pore-clogging struggles.

Beyond learning how to get way better about doing my laundry and not re-wearing dirty clothing (I know, yuck), I started researching natural ways to clear up my body acne. I opted to go the natural route because my skin is so sensitive, and am happy to report I've tested out all the ways below and have been really impressed with the results!

Some worked better than others for me, so you'll just have to try a few out to find the best fit. And of course, consult with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about a specific strategy.

1. Cleansing Exfoliator

Clear skin starts with making sure you're polishing off dead skin cells so the don't clog pores. Perhaps the easiest DIY exfoliator is a simple oatmeal scrub, made by mixing 1/2 cup instant oats with 1/4 cup hot water until you have a slightly rough exfoliating paste. Rub over your body in circles and then rinse.

2. Loofah On A Stick

Natural Exfoliating Loofah, $9, Amazon

Need to exfoliate but just freaking can't reach your back? No big, just invest in a loofah that has a stick attached!

3. Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal soaks up the excess sebum oil that can cause acne, so soaking in a bath with three tablespoons of finely ground oats can really help reduce the number of pimples you're dealing with.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

Dynamic Health Apple Cider Vinegar Organic, $6, Amazon

Dab a little apple cider vinegar over especially inflamed pimples will help naturally dry them out asap.

5. Epsom Salt Bath

Natural Epsom Salt, $6, Amazon

Adding one to two cups of epsom salt to a hot bath can soothe acne thanks to inflammation and irritation-reducing magnesium.

6. DIY Tea Tree Oil Toner

Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil, $20, Amazon

Undiluted tea tree oil might be a little to harsh for your skin, but two teaspoons of tea tree oil mixed with a cup of water will create a gentle antibacterial toner to rub over the parts of your body affected by acne.

7. Baking Soda

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, $11, Amazon

Baking soda can help balance your skin's PH levels and also kills bacteria. Mix together two tablespoons with just over one tablespoon of water to make a cleansing paste. Rub it over your skin, leave for ten minutes, and then rinse.

8. Aloe Vera

Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera Gel, $6, Amazon

If the acne has your skin especially irritated, cutting open an aloe vera leaf and rubbing the gel on your pimples (or buying 100 percent pure store-bought gel) will immediately soothe skin and reduce inflammation.

9. Witch Hazel

T.N Dickinson Witch Hazel, $4, Amazon

Putting a little witch hazel, which is a natural astringent, on a cotton ball and then applying directly to deep pimples will help gently dry them out. Don't go overboard, though, or you could end up with flaky skin!

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