For some, the lumpy, red, blotchy grossness of acne was confined to the awkward pubescent years of adolescence. The affliction only added to the already seemingly painful experience of being a teenager, but for most, the whole ordeal was quickly and eagerly left behind once adulthood arrived. However, there are some people whose acne may have left their face only to migrate to other parts of their anatomy. Body acne is just as difficult to deal with as facial acne, perhaps more so in some ways. And being that it’s often genetic, it can prove inescapable.

The cause of acne is easy enough to understand. Without getting into the dermatological nitty-gritty, suffice to say pores become clogged with dead skin cells and naturally occurring oils, providing a friendly environment for bacteria. Once the bacteria take hold, there you have it: as that tormenting little brat in junior high used to call it, pizza face—or pizza back or butt or chest or arms. To some, it may seem a trivial cosmetic affliction. But to those who are afflicted with it, it’s not trivial at all. If you’re battling body acne, try adding these products and techniques to your arsenal.