These 3 products helped me get a handle on my body acne

As soon as the weather begins to turn even slightly colder, my acne rears its head. Is it going from freezing to the too-warm confines of a heated house? Likely, because it happens every year without fail 

But my issue doesn’t just stem from spots on my face, which makes them much harder to treat. For many, acne isn’t content inflicting its hell solely upon the face — in fact, the only place on the body immune to acne is the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet — but there are products that can help banish these particular types of breakouts.

Related: The best foundations for acne

And as a woman who has suffered various bouts of body acne on and off for years (and is in the midst of a battle once again), I can attest that no one product will work complete miracles — often it’s something in the blood or hormone-related which is a separate issue to treat and I had gone down this route many times — but used regularly, these three products do help manage and keep the spots in check on a base level. If you’re unsure, always consult a GP/dermatologist/nutritionist.

First off, a medicated, targeted wash or bar containing exfoliating salicylic acid, which stimulates healthy cell turnover while calming inflammation is a good place to start. I love Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body, €22, which contains 2% salicylic acid to zap bacteria. It leaves skin soft and supple and doesn’t aggravate the skin. Great for the chest area in particular.

For hard-to-reach areas, the super La Roche-Posay Serozinc, €18.50, targets any new outbreaks and aids the clearing of any mild old scarring. You can spray it as many times as you like and it helps keep bacteria constantly at bay. This was the only product that successfully aided the very harsh outbreaks on my back.

When I’m on the go during the warm summer weather, these IMAGE Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Pads, €35 are excellent spot-busters. The salicylic/glycolic acid skin pads work to remove impurities and excess oil. They are ideal for on-the-road cleansing and for use after physical activities. These can also be used on the face as a mini-exfoliant during the week. Though do bear in mind, this particular range of IMAGE skincare products are very strong. It’s always advised to go for a consultation before making any purchases to determine which products will work best with your skin type. I use these lightly and sparingly, and on particular ‘under-the-skin’ spots that I find difficult to banish.