Whereas all breakouts are annoying, pimples in your butt are in a unique class of frustration. Not solely can they be very painful (for those who’ve ever tried to sit down down with a deeply-rooted blemish in your derriere, you recognize what I imply), however they’re usually tough to deal with. And even for those who’ve discovered learn how to do away with the pimples themselves, you’re usually left with discoloration and scarring lengthy after they’re gone.
Fortunately, that’s the place kojic acid is available in.
“Kojic is a mild acid with some antimicrobial properties that may assist zits,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital. Whereas its mild nature makes it an ideal choice for treating butt-ne with out irritation (particularly for these with delicate pores and skin), it’s value noting that its antimicrobial properties are on the weaker facet—which implies it can work higher mixed with different acne-fighting elements versus as a standalone therapy.
The true purpose so as to add kojic acid into your routine, although, is to assist with the post-pimple pigmentation that may seem after a butt breakout has cleared up. “Kojic acid is usually used to deal with pigmentary points corresponding to melasma,” says Dr. Castilla. “It blocks a sure enzyme that produces pigment permitting it to lighten the pores and skin.” Moreover, she says that kojic acid has antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals, so it helps to guard the pores and skin general.
For finest outcomes, Kaia Naturals founder Mary Futher (AKA Madame Sweat), recommends supplementing your standard butt-ne preventing routine with a lather-and-rinse utilizing kojic acid cleaning soap. Merely scrub your cheeks for 20 seconds within the bathe, rinse, and repeat repeatedly till issues clear up.
Designed to brighten pores and skin on the physique (together with the butt, underarms, and extra), this kojic acid-infused bar is the right addition to any butt-ne preventing routine.
As talked about, this course of must be accomplished along with, not as a substitute of, the remainder of your butt-ne preventing routine. As a result of butt zits isn’t one measurement suits all—it has various totally different causes, together with clogged hair follicles, friction, and keratosis pilaris—it tends to require a multi-pronged therapy method.
“Usually, most dermatologists will suggest benzoyl peroxide wash or a salicylic acid wash as first-line remedies,” says Dr. Castilla (you should utilize these on the times you aren’t utilizing your kojic acid cleaning soap). From there, you possibly can observe up with an exfoliating moisturizer, and your pimples—and the discoloration that comes together with them—might be on their manner out.
Salicylic acid is thought for its capacity to get deep into pores and filter grime and particles from manner beneath the floor, and this physique wash is chock-full of the stuff.
With benzoyl peroxide as its star ingredient, acne-causing micro organism aren’t any match for this breakout-banishing physique wash. What’s extra? It may be used in your physique and face, which is a reasonably whole lot for $23 a pop.
Lauded on TikTok as a butt-ne savior, this bump-erasing physique scrub “will be useful as an additive exfoliator,” says Dr. Castilla. It’s bought each chemical and bodily exfoliating elements, so take into account it a one-two punch for clearing away pore-clogging buildup.
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This dry-skin-friendly lotion comprises lactic acid, one other mild AHA (from the identical household as kojic acid) that can soften away useless pores and skin cells with out inflicting irritation.