Ah, acne. If there’s something we can safely say about this chronic inflammatory disorder, it is that it loves to make a home just about anywhere. Your body, naturally, is no exception. Everything from your back to chest is susceptible to said spots, with there being a veritable spectrum of probable causes as to why you’re experiencing a full-body breakout. See: sweat-infused gym gear, an unsuitable detergent, or even a yoga mat that hasn’t been wiped down thoroughly. The real question, therefore, lies in if you should be dealing with it the same way you handle zits on your countenance. Is there a reason to be investing in acne body washes when your facial cleanser is just as effective?
The answer is a resounding yes. You see, the skin of your face is thinner and more delicate than that of your body’s, which means that more potent formulas are required to really get to the root of the problem. Think glycolic acid, enzyme exfoliators and the like; an amalgamation of ingredients that are designed to bolster skin cell turnover as well as counter bacteria growth. Drugstore favourites aside, there proves to be a bevy of niche picks as well as unexpectedly nourishing elixirs to choose from. Below, a full rundown of Vogue’s Singapore selection of standout acne body washes.
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Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash
Your pores will be looking squeaky clean thanks to a potent combination of fruit enzymes and AHAs. Another positive: its delicious scent, which is said to be inspired by a tropical breeze.
Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash, $35, available at Sephora
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Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Exfoliating Shower Gel
No harsh scrubs here. This bad boy from Jo Malone is crafted using the most gentle, sensitive-skin safe ingredients: bamboo stem does the heavy lifting with regard to unclogging and purifying, while natural origin jojoba and castor seed oils work on the hydration aspect.
Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Exfoliating Shower Gel, $85, available at Sephora
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Murad Acne Control Acne Body Wash
Who said physical exfoliants can’t work in tandem with chemical variants? This one by Murad gets it done with a formidable fusion of date seed powder, glycolic acid and licorice root extracts.
Murad Acne Control Acne Body Wash, $77.21, available at iHerb
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Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash
Evading skin congestion aside, Sol de Janeiro’s Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash is also a marvel when it comes to preventing ingrown hairs and bumps, all while effusing skin with a heady hint of warm floral.
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash, $42, available at Sephora
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Medicube Red Acne Body Wash
50% of bacteria killed in just five minutes. This bold claim by Medicube is certainly backed up by the bevy of rave reviews for their Red Acne Body Wash, which eradicates dead skin cells and impurities while also calming intense bouts of inflammation.
Medicube Red Acne Body Wash, $51.90, available at Guardian
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Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser
Talk about a triple threat. This triad of chemical exfoliants goes above and beyond by ensuring minimised sebum production to deny the arrival of new acne formation.
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser, $28.90, available at Watsons
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Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash
Safe for use on both the face and body, Naturium’s glycolic acid shower gel is also a prime pick for those dealing with rough, uneven texture. This can be credited to the lactic, pyruvic and tartaric acids that are found in its formula.
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash, $25.78, available at Amazon
