When a pimple pops up on your face, you know to reach for that trusty acne-fighting spot treatment. But, what about breakouts elsewhere on your body? Should they be treated in the same way?

“The main cause of acne on your face and your body is the same,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Simply put, when your pores are blocked with dead skin cells, dirt or oil, bacteria grows and the end result is acne.”

Acne is most likely to crop up on your face, chest, back and shoulders because these areas have the most oil glands.

Can you use facial acne treatments on your body? Technically, yes. It won’t hurt, but it might not be enough to help either. Because skin on your body tends to be thicker and less sensitive, it typically tolerates a higher concentration of acne-fighting active ingredients than facial products contain.

To get rid of body acne, use a topical treatment to heal existing blemishes. Remember to also cleanse and exfoliate with a purifying scrub or wash to remove acne-causing bacteria and prevent future breakouts. From spot treatments to cleansers, get rid of body acne and ward off future breakouts with these dermatologist-approved products.

Best spot treatment for body acne

Epionce Purifying Spot Gel

This potent spot treatment heals the worst body breakouts with sulfur, which absorbs oil, and resorcinol monoacetate, a phenol known for its antibacterial, acne-fighting power. We love how you can use the tube’s precision tip instead of your fingers to apply just the right amount directly onto your skin.

Best acne treatment for hard-to-reach spots

Murad Acne Clarifying Body Spray

If you suffer from acne on your back, aka bacne, you know the most annoying part is how hard it is to reach. That’s why this treatment is so genius. It features a 360-degree spray that easily dispenses from any angle. It contains salicylic acid to clear pores as well as retinol to exfoliate and triclosan to zap breakout-causing bacteria.

Best body wash for acne

Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash

This body cleanser contains 8.8% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by buffing away dead skin cells while keeping acne-causing bacteria at bay. To prevent future breakouts, lather up any areas prone to acne—back, chest, shoulders—as well as any dry, scaly patches (think heels, knees, elbows) that need softening.

Best head-to-toe acne wash

LovelySkin Salicylic Acid Face and Body Wash

If you have limited space on your shower shelf or you’re just looking to simplify your routine, this two-for-one acne cleanser works on both your face and body. As you wash, salicylic acid (2%, the highest concentration available without a prescription) works to dissolve the excess oil and dirt dwelling deep in your skin’s pores. The addition of extra virgin coconut oil also provides balanced moisture.

Best multi-benefit body scrub

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub

If you have both body acne and keratosis pilaris (bumpy patches on your skin caused by keratin buildup), try this gentle body scrub formulated to help both conditions. It exfoliates the skin in two ways: polished granules provide physical exfoliation while glycolic acid serves as a chemical exfoliant. This results in less body acne, less keratosis pilaris and smoother skin overall.

Pro Tip: If your body acne is still severe despite trying topical treatments, it could be time to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to talk about their recommendations for prescription treatment options.

Are you also wondering how to get rid of face acne? Read more about one LovelySkin staffer’s journey to help reduce acne scarring using popular acne medication Accutane.