What Causes Blackheads On Breasts? Plus 11 Products To Get Rid Of Acne

Blackheads on breasts may not be the most exciting or glamorous topic, but it’s one that deserves some attention since it’s such a surprisingly common occurrence.

What causes blackheads? They form when a hair follicle, also known as a pore, becomes blocked by skin cells, oil, built-up product, sweat, and dirt. When this trapped material is exposed to oxygen, it turns dark gray or black — hence the term. Hair follicles cover much of the breast, which means this area of the body is particularly susceptible to forming blackheads.

“A common cause of blackheads are thick creams and lotions,” notes Dr. Richard Torbeck, a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC. He adds that makeup, body glitter, tanner, and other topical products are also major pore-clogging culprits.

Also, let’s get real for a second. Breasts have a tendency to get a little sweaty throughout the day, which doesn’t help the cause. For that reason, it’s very important to make sure you’re cleaning them well, as inadequate hygiene can exacerbate the issue.

So, are there methods for how to get rid of blackheads, especially ones appearing on your chest? If you have existing blackheads on your breasts, or if you want to prevent them from forming, the following products can help.

RELATED: The Best Way To Wash Your Face, According To Your Skin Type

1. Ahava Natural Dead Sea Mud

You’re probably used to slathering masks on your face, but they come in handy when battling blackheads on your breasts as well. Ahava’s Natural Dead Sea Mud contains 100 percent pure mud from the dead sea, which is known for its potent cleansing and softening abilities.

(Amazon)

2. Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask

Another option is this pretty pink clay mask from Australian brand Sand & Sky. Though it says it’s for usage on your face, you can technically use it on other areas — including breasts — that need a detox. It’s made with kaolin and bentonite clays to clarify pores and zap oil, aloe leaf juice to soothe, and a nourishing blend of botanical extracts.

(Sephora, $49)

3. SLMD Glycolic Acid Body Scrub

Who better to formulate a blackhead blasting body scrub than Dr. Pimple Popper herself? Dr. Sandra Lee (her real name, in case you didn’t know) has an entire line of acne-fighting products, including this well-reviewed glycolic acid (AHA) scrub that cleans, exfoliates, and hdyrates in one go.

(SLMD Skincare, $40)

4. Dr Song Benzoyl Peroxide Wash 10% Acne Treatment

Dr. Torbeck recommends a cleanser formulated with benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient that specifically targets the p. acnes bacteria. Try Dr. Song’s Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, which contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide and is highly acclaimed on Amazon.

(Amazon)

5. Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face & Body

Don’t write off the classic cleansing bar so fast. This one by Clinique is a medically-formulated soap that helps target acne-related breakouts, including blackheads. It does so with encapsulated salicylic acid (BHA) while also removing sweat, dirt, oil, and grime.

(Ulta, $16.50)

6. Foreo LUNA™ Mini 2

In the same way an electronic toothbrush can help get your teeth cleaner, an electronic cleansing device can make you more efficient when cleansing your skin. Foreo’s LUNA Mini 2 is an excellent option for this. It’s small, easy to wield, and is super gentle. (Bonus: it comes in so many pretty colors.)

(Sephora, $99)

RELATED: How To Get Rid Of Blackheads: 15 Products For Perfect Pores And Smooth, Acne-Free Skin

7. Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Body Spray

Sometimes it’s easier to spray than slather. This acne-fighting spray from Paula’s Choice is formulated with 2 percent salicylic acid, and the bottle was designed to be used at any angle so you can get to hard-to-reach spots.

(Paula’s Choice, $25)

8. Golden Door Soothing Toner

A post-cleansing toner can help restore moisture and balance to your delicate breast tissue. Golden Door’s Soothing Toner is mildly astringent to help zap excess oil, while the inclusion of green tea and cucumber extracts promote calmness.

(Golden Door, $42)

9. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

Dr. Torbeck says that using a mild retinoid can help in more severe cases of breast blackheads. The Ordinary makes a series of retinoid-based products, their Granactive Retinoid 2 percent being the mildest option. If you want to graduate to a stronger formulation, try their Granactive Retinoid 5 percent or Retinol 1 percent in Squalane.

(The Ordinary, $9.60)

10. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Moisturizing your breasts is an important step in your skincare routine, but heavy or thick lotions aren’t ideal, as Dr. Torbeck mentioned. Instead, he recommends using noncomedogenic creams. One of his favorites is Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost, which is a lightweight, water-based moisturizer that sinks into your skin instead of sitting on top.

(Amazon)

11. Kate Somerville Anti Bac Clearing Lotion

A medicated lotion that targets acne could also be helpful. Kate Somerville's Anti Bac Clearing Lotion contains 5 percent benzoyl peroxide (the ingredient that Dr. Torbeck strongly recommended) along with liposomes that protect and hydrate.

(Sephora, $42)

RELATED: Get Rid Of Blackheads With The 30 Best Pore Strips For Clear, Smooth-As-A-Baby Skin

Wendy Rose Gould is a freelance lifestyle reporter based in Phoenix, Arizona. She contributes to NBC, Refinery29, Brides, Allure, Spotlyte, Total Beauty, Soko Glam, and others.