Although it’s not always the case, many people probably believe that the neck is a safe place to hide pimples. “Pimples can (and do) occur on the neck, despite the fact that the skin there naturally has fewer oil glands than the skin on the rest of the face,” explains dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD, of Omaha, Nebraska. Men’s and women’s responses to our questions about what triggers neck breakouts and how to clear the skin vary slightly.
Neck acne in men
According to dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD, of Southlake, TX, men’s neck acne is frequently caused by shaving, which can lead to perifollicular pustules and breakouts. Dr. Schlessinger agrees, stating that folliculitis—a condition in which hair follicles become damaged and inflamed, making them susceptible to bacterial infections—is the most common cause of neck acne among men.
“Folliculitis often resembles small, red, pimple-like bumps that may or may not be pus-filled,” explains Dr. Schlessinger. “Not washing your neck thoroughly enough—especially after sweating—excessive friction from tight clothing, exposure to certain hot tubs, and shaving irritation can all contribute to folliculitis.”
Solutions For Men
“If you have pimple-like pimples on your neck, you should see a board-certified dermatologist. If it is folliculitis, a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medications may be required to adequately treat it, according to Dr. Schlessinger.
“For my male patients having issues with neck pimples, I recommend washing with a benzoyl peroxide cleanser before shaving, then using a shaving gel and clean razor,” according to Dr. Hopkins. After shaving, they should use an over-the-counter astringent or relaxing cream containing antioxidants to help minimize irritation and breakouts.
Furthermore, “Laser hair removal is also a good choice for these patients to eliminate unwanted hair growth on the neck, so they don’t have to shave and deal with post-shaving pimples,” according to Dr. Hopkins.
Dr. Schlessinger suggests CLn Body Wash ($36) for treating folliculitis. “It uses sodium hypochlorite, also known as bleach, in a highly advanced formulation that is gentle on the skin. It effectively cleanses and reduces the spread of microorganisms without damaging or drying out the skin.”
Neck acne in women
Experts point out that acne around the neck and jawline in female patients is frequently an indication of hormonal acne.
“Hormonal acne typically pops up on the lower half of the face and jawline and, in some cases, may extend down onto the neck,” according to Dr. Schlessinger.
“For these patients, I check their hormone levels and address any underlying issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome,” says Dr. Hopkins.
So, make an appointment with a specialist if you’re experiencing neck acne.
Solutions For Women
“For female patients, using medicated cleansers such as CLn Hypochlorous Acid Face Wash ($35), or even prescription or medical-grade glycolic and salicylic acid cleansers, can help address acne breakouts on the neck,” Dr. Hopkins explains. She also suggests using anti-inflammatory antioxidants or a cream containing azelaic acid to help clear the breakouts. Furthermore, “Light therapy is a good treatment option, using red and blue LED medical-grade lights that have been shown to be both anti-acne and anti-inflammatory.”
“Treating pimples on the neck is largely the same as treating pimples on the face or elsewhere on the body, with one major exception: the skin on the neck is significantly thinner. Therefore, products that may be fine for your face can be too harsh for the neck. Dr. Schlessinger often recommends a mild treatment for the thinner skin in this area. As a result, Dr. Hopkins notes that while tretinoin- and Retin-A-based treatments are frequently used to treat acne, they can be irritating to the neck.”
Dr. Schlessinger suggests AFA Clarifying Gel Cleanser ($45) for anyone experiencing breakouts on their face, jawline, or neck. “It contains exfoliating alpha and beta hydroxy acids to unclog pores and remove excess dirt, oil, and any makeup that may have been applied down onto the neck.” Additionally, it includes “a dermatologist-developed molecule that provides highly effective exfoliation at a low pH while also reinforcing the skin’s moisture barrier with virtually no irritation.”
