Breakouts can be a nightmare. A number of things can trigger it like stress, diet and hormones. While most of us mostly suffer from acne on our faces, you could also develop it on your chest. This can be a huge cause for alarm if you are not aware of why it's going on. Chest acne is common and it is inflammation of hair follicles caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. Sweating could lead to more bacteria and cause chest acne. However, there are ways to deal with it. Here are some tips to prevent and treat chest acne.

Even though laundry detergents help kill germs and bacteria, certain ingredients found in them could trigger an allergy or a bad case of acne. Those with oily skin should especially be careful. Make sure the laundry detergent you opt for contains the label hypoallergenic.

Picture Courtesy: Google Images

A non-comedogenic product won't clog your pores. It is especially important to choose products like these if you are going to leave it on all night. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream, and Neutrogena Body Lotion are some of the products to try. Avoid lotions that contain fragrances as they can cause skin irritation.

Picture Courtesy: Google Images

When you are picking a body wash, choose one that contains salicylic acid. This ingredient can dry out acne so you won't feel uncomfortable. Neutrogena Body Care Body Wash, ProActiv+ Cleansing Body Bar, and The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash are some popular products you could try.

Picture Courtesy: Google Images

You don't have to wash your hair every day, but you do need to make it a habit, especially if after a workout. If you head home from the gym and do all sorts of chores prior to your shower, then you will be more prone to acne. Treat existing breakouts with an anti-bacterial body wash that contains benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash is a good product you can try.

There is no specific diet you can follow to completely avoid acne. However, dairy and sugar-rich foods can cause inflammation and disrupt your hormones. You can either choose to limit these kinds of food or avoid it altogether. You should incorporate more organic foods as they are good for your skin and don't contain antibiotics or hormones.

Exfoliating your body at least once or twice a week can help get rid of dead skin cells and unclog your pores. Use a good scrub on your chest. However, for some, it can burn or sting if you have sensitive skin. In that case, you can opt for a chemical exfoliator which uses acids to remove dirt and oil.

Don't wait for your acne to vanish on its own. You have to put in the work to get rid of it. If you start to feel a pimple coming on, apply a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. It will reduce the appearance of breakouts. Apply the product just before you go to sleep. Murad Acne Control Outsmart Acne Clarifying Treatment, Peace Out Acne Healing Dots and Mario Badescu Drying Lotion are some of the products you could give a go.