For many the neck likely feels like a safe space from acne, but that’s not always the case. “Even though the skin on the neck naturally has fewer oil glands than the skin on the rest of the face, pimples can (and do) happen on the neck,” says Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD. We asked experts what causes breakouts on the neck and how to clear skin—and the answers are a bit different for men and women.
Featured experts
- Daniel Schlessinger, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Janine Hopkins, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Hopkins Southlake, TX
Neck acne in men
Southlake, TX dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD notes that acne on the neck for men is often a result of shaving that leads to perifollicular pustules and breakouts. Dr. Schlessinger agrees, noting “folliculitis, where hair follicles become damaged and inflamed, making them susceptible to bacterial infections” is the most common perpetrator for 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, sitting in certain hot tubs, and shaving irritations can contribute to folliculitis.”
Solutions
“If you are experiencing pimple-like bumps on your neck, a visit to a board-certified dermatologist is always a good idea. If it is folliculitis, a combination of prescription and at-home products may be needed to clear it up effectively,” says 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,” says Dr. Hopkins. After shaving, they should apply an over-the-counter astringent or calming product with antioxidants to help reduce inflammation and breakouts.
Additionally, “Laser hair removal is also a good choice for these patients to eradicate unwanted hair growth on the neck so that they don’t have to shave and deal with these post-shaving pimples,” adds Dr. Hopkins.
Dr. Schlessinger recommends CLn Body Wash ($36) for any folliculitis regimen. “It uses sodium hypochlorite, more commonly known as bleach, in a very sophisticated formulation that is gentle enough for the skin. It effectively cleanses skin and decreases the spread of bacteria without irritating or drying out skin.”
Neck acne in women
The experts note that acne on the neck and jawline in female patients is often a sign of hormonal acne. “Hormonal acne typically pops up in the lower half of the face and jawline and in some cases, may extend down onto the neck,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “For these patients, I check their hormone levels and address any underlying issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome,” says Dr. Hopkins, so be sure to schedule an appointment with a doctor if you’re noticing neck acne.
Solutions
“For the female patients, using cleansers that are medicated such as CLn hypochlorous acid face wash ($35) or even prescription or medical grade glycolic and salicylic cleansers can help address the acne breakouts on the neck,” says Dr. Hopkins. She also recommends anti-inflammatory antioxidants or a product with azelaic acid to help clear up the breakouts. Additionally, “Light therapy is a good choice for treatment using red and blue LED medical grade lights that have been shown to be anti-acne and anti-inflammatory.”
“Treating pimples on the neck is, for the most part, similar to treating pimples on the face or anywhere else on the body, with a big caveat. The skin on the neck is much thinner, so products that might be okay to use on your face could be too strong for the neck. Often, a gentle approach is best for thin skin on the neck,” says Dr. Schlessinger. Therefore, Dr. Hopkins notes that while tretinoin and Retin-A based products are often an acne solution they can be too irritating on the neck.
Dr. Schlessinger recommends afa Clarifying Gel Cleanser ($45) for anyone who experiences breakouts on the face, jawline or neck. “It contains exfoliating alpha and beta hydroxy acids to unclog pores and rid skin of excess dirt, oil, and any makeup that might have been applied down onto the neck.” It also features “a dermatologist-developed molecule that provides very effective exfoliation at a low pH, while also reinforcing the skin’s moisture barrier for virtually no irritation.”
