And as for the neck? You may not realize it, but there several factors that may contribute to or worsen acne in the area. So if you consistently find yourself stumbling upon a pimple, here are the reasons why. Neck acne, in particular, may have several contributing factors. First, it’s similar to the face in that it does have a higher concentration of pores. “Much like the face, the neck is at risk for developing breakouts because of a high concentration of oil glands,” says Zeichner. But the neck is also a sweet spot where many pore-clogging and skin-irritating issues converge. For example, people who wear makeup may also apply it on their neck but are perhaps not as diligent about removal come evening as they are on their face. Those with long hair may see zits on the nape from hair care products and oil. Sweat may accumulate on the collars of workout gear and clothing, causing irritation in the area. Hair removal, from shaving and so on, may cause breakouts, irritation, and ingrowns. Or hormonal acne, which typically forms around the chin and jawline, may spill over onto the neck. So rest assured: If you’re dealing with acne here, you’re definitely not alone, and it’s totally normal. It just may take a few tweaks to get it under control. First up, AHAs (like lactic and glycolic acid) are plant-derived compounds that are hydrophilic, meaning they are water-loving. Read: They are also moisturizing as well—which sets them apart from other chemical exfoliants. “They can be simultaneously exfoliating and hydrating, making them very beneficial to many skin types,” says board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D. Reach for these if you tend to have dry skin as well as breakouts. BHAs (salicylic acid) work by breaking apart oil. “It is able to penetrate the skin deeper into pores to help remove dead skin cells, fight bacteria, and control excess sebum,” says board-certified dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, M.D. As she notes, salicylic acid is also found to be antibacterial, making it particularly effective for those with more severe cases, as it not only dissolves excess oil, but it targets the acne-causing bacteria building up in the pores. And because the ingredient helps with aging skin as well, this is an ideal choice for those who are concerned about signs of aging while also still experiencing pesky zits. However, retinol—even though modern versions are much more gentle and sophisticated—isn’t for everyone. Some people find it to be too potent, cause flaking, and irritation. If your skin is dry and you want to buffer any side effects from your retinol of choice? A classic tip from Zeichner: Layer your retinol over a lotion so the hydrating ingredients can help buffer the stronger active. You’ll want to pay special attention to workout clothing, as that likely accumulates sweat and bacteria, leading to breakouts. Be sure to remove clothing post-workout and always wash your gear so you’re not getting two or three days’ worth of gunk on your skin. It’s not only hair products that may cause breakouts. Oil from your strands may also clog pores—as well as any accumulated dirt and particulate matter on the hair. So while you should not strip your hair of its natural oils (you need them!) do be mindful of how much you wash your hair. If you are breaking out at the nape of your neck, it may be a sign that you’re in need of more wash sessions. So if you wear makeup on the area—remove the foundation every single night. It’s not always easy to wash your neck and chest, however, so you may be better off having natural makeup remover and microfiber towels on hand, or showering at night to get off all the makeup. As for stress, easier said than done—we get that! But stress leads to acne all over—therefore on your neck as well. And when you’re dealing with stressed-out skin, it’s worth taking it as a sign to re-evaluate what’s happening in your day-to-day and see where you can manage your stress. Luckily, the treatments for ingrown hairs are surprisingly similar to that of acne (read about how to deal with ingrown hairs here). So even if you’re not totally sure whether yours is acne or an ingrown, you’ll likely be fine tending to it in the same way.
