Beyond the Face: Treating Body Acne
When we talk about acne, most of the conversation tends to centre around the face. But for many, breakouts don’t stop there.
Back, chest, and shoulder acne—commonly referred to as “body acne” or “bacne”—can be just as persistent, just as uncomfortable, and just as impactful on confidence. While the skincare industry has long focused on facial treatments, we’ve found that our patients are achieving remarkable results on the body using their prescribed formulas—particularly The Secret Skincare’s Acne Formulas - Spot Treatment and Cellular Repair Night Cream (CRNC).
From clearing stubborn breakouts across the shoulders and back, to fading post-inflammatory pigmentation and sun damage on the chest and hands, our prescription formulations have shown exceptional benefits beyond the face when used thoughtfully and under professional guidance.
Why Treat the Body?
The skin on the body is exposed to many of the same triggers as facial skin—excess oil, sweat, clogged pores, friction from clothing, and environmental stress. These factors, especially when combined, can easily lead to breakouts, inflammation, and textural concerns across the back, chest, neck, and arms.
Many patients also seek to address sun damage, pigmentation, or scarring on areas like the décolletage or hands. While over-the-counter body products often fall short, the active ingredients in our medical-grade formulas—Tretinoin, Clindamycin, Hydroquinone, and Niacinamide—are proven to support cell turnover, reduce inflammation, and visibly improve the skin’s appearance and integrity.
Why Does Body Acne Occur?
The skin on the body is thicker and contains larger sebaceous glands, meaning it produces more oil than facial skin. Combine that with sweat, tight-fitting clothing, and daily friction, and you have the ideal environment for congestion and breakouts.
Standard body products often lack the strength or specificity to meaningfully address these issues—especially for those prone to persistent or cystic acne. That’s where tailored, medical-grade treatments can offer a more effective and long-term solution.
Using The Secret on the Body: What You Need to Know
While our formulas are designed for facial skin, many patients report excellent results when applying them to the body—especially when treating back acne, chest breakouts, pigmentation, or textural changes. However, body skin can respond differently to active ingredients, which is why a cautious and informed approach is essential.
Our doctors recommend the following when using medical-grade treatments on the body:
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Reduce the amount of product applied
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Dilute the formula with a fragrance-free moisturiser to reduce intensity
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Apply to clean, dry, intact skin (avoid use after shaving or exfoliation)
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Begin with every second or third night to monitor skin response
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It is important that the prescribed formulas are only administered at night - not during the day.
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Always apply SPF to any exposed areas, especially when using Tretinoin or Hydroquinone
“We always recommend our patients use a decreased amount and mix it with a gentle moisturiser when treating the body. These formulations are strong — and that’s exactly why they work.” — The Secret Skincare Medical Team
A Patient’s Experience
One of our patients, Sam, shared her story with us:
“I purchased The Secret as I had acne on my neck that I couldn’t get rid of, and your products have completely transformed my skin. I’m so grateful.
I’ve also had a lifelong struggle with small bumps on my upper arms—keratosis pilaris or ‘chicken skin’—and I’m wondering if you could create a body cream to target this? I’d love to give it a try and see if my arms can become as smooth as my face and neck.”
Stories like Sam’s continue to shape how we think about whole-body skincare, and how The Secret might continue to evolve to meet these wider skin concerns.
Treating Keratosis Pilaris (KP)
While keratosis pilaris (KP) is not classified as acne, its appearance—rough, raised bumps, most commonly on the backs of the arms—can cause ongoing frustration. Patients have reported improvement using diluted CRNC on affected areas, as Tretinoin promotes gentle exfoliation and smoother texture over time.
As with all non-facial use, KP treatment should begin slowly and under guidance. Our doctors can advise whether your current formulation is suitable for use on the body and how best to approach it for optimal results.
Medical-grade Skincare for the Whole Body
With the right formula and a considered approach, medical-grade skincare can offer powerful benefits well beyond the face. Whether you’re managing breakouts, pigmentation, scarring, or texture concerns on the body, a tailored solution may be closer than you think.
If you’re already a patient of The Secret, speak to our team about safely using your current formulation on additional areas.
If you’re new here, we invite you to begin your journey today. Because clearer, healthier skin shouldn’t stop at your jawline—reach out to our team to discuss a whole-body treatment plan, unique to you and your skin concern. .
Start your skin quiz today to begin your consultation.
