Blackheads on the Chest

Blackheads rear their ugly heads just about anywhere on the body, but they can be particularly unnerving when they pop up on the chest. A blackhead happens when sebum and oil join together in a hair follicle and then reach the skin's surface. The chest is a natural landing spot for blackheads because glands in the breast area produce sweat and oil throughout the day. Banish blackheads from your chest by following a twice-a-day cleansing routine and using oil-free products.

A woman lathers up her chest in the shower. (Image: studiovespa/iStock/Getty Images)

The Lowdown on Blackheads

Both men and women battle blackheads when skin cells that would normally shed naturally end up clogging the hair follicle and trapping dirt and oil inside the pore. Women especially may find themselves plagued by blackheads when hormones trigger the overproduction of sebum and oil due to age, pregnancy or stress. Both sexes need to be conscious of using oil-free sunscreen and moisturizer.

Banishing Blackheads for Good

Make sure to wash the chest area twice a day with an acne-fighting cleanser featuring benzoyl peroxide, sulfur or salicylic acid. These products kill bacteria, slow down oil production and help shed dead skin cells. It's also a good idea to use a clay mask or body scrub twice a week on the chest area. This helps draw out blackheads and slough off dirt that can infect the hair follicle once you begin to sweat. In addition, make sure all skin products are oil free and noncomedogenic for the best results.