Chest Acne: How to Cover it Up While Making It Go Away for Good
Décolletage-baring season is here.
The décolletage is essentially the sleeper hit of sexy body parts. And considering we're approaching high season for putting it on display, it's time to address the annoying plight that is chest acne, which can be just as much of a problem as breakouts on your face...if not more.
According to Dr. Arash Akhavan, owner and founder of The Dermatology & Laser Group, like that on our visage, it is, in fact, very much hormonal. This means that same things that are making your face break out, like stress or an influx of high fat/sugary foods, are causing your chest area to be inflamed. So basically it's all the more reason to be mindful of what you eat and drink.
Akhavan also highlights another cause of these kind of breakouts: Sweating. "Sweat mixes with oil and dirt on our skin, clogging our pores and causing skin inflammation," he explains, adding that the best course of action for prevention is washing sweat off as soon as possible following exercise.
The silver lining is that you can use the same treatments you do on your face on the chest area. "Acne cleansers and gels containing salicylic acid exfoliate congestion in the pores and lead to the quickest improvement," he says.
Celebrity makeup artist Kira Nasrat views the neck/décolletage as an extension of the face. After moisturizing the chest area, the first step is color correction, if necessary. "I'll use a green color to cut the red," she explains. Then, she uses a full coverage concealer that's closest to the client's natural skin tone. "I use Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer," she explains. "A little goes a long way and it's sweat-proof, water resistant, and long-wearing." Nasrat likes to use it on its own—gently tapping it into the skin with warmed finger tips or a wet Beautyblender—or mix it into body lotion for lighter coverage. While it's not 100% necessary, you can also set your coverage with a translucent powder and a small fluffy brush.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published