How to Treat a Pimple on Your Neck, According to a Dermatologist

Nothing ruins a mood like waking up with a big red zit — especially on a part of your body you might not normally get breakouts, such as the back of your neck. Finding a neck pimple can be unnerving and lead you to wonder how in the world you got it. But before you start jumping to conclusions, having a blemish in that area is not totally out of the ordinary. In fact, says Dr. Michelle Henry, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and L’Oréal Paris consultant, like the face and back, “the neck is an area where we often get body acne.” Below, she fills us in on what may be causing that neck pimple and how to treat it.

What Causes A Neck Pimple?

“People can get neck pimples for the same reasons that we get facial acne and back acne,” says Dr. Henry, and that’s usually due to genetic and hormonal factors. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), hereditary genes can play a role in genetic acne. Hormonal acne, on the other hand, is caused by fluctuating hormonal changes within the body, states the AAD. Those usually range from blackheads and whiteheads to painful cysts.  

“Neck pimples can also be due to heavy products, a lack of exfoliation or from certain medications,” adds Dr. Henry. That’s why exfoliating and using products with non-comedogenic formulas are a crucial part of your skin care routine. Other causes may include stress, side effects of some medications and even an undiagnosed medical condition.

How To Treat A Neck Pimple

Good news: With proper care, you can generally get rid of a neck pimple and it can be treated like other body pimples, says Dr. Henry. First, she recommends that you cleanse your face with the L’Oréal Paris Ideal All Skin Types Foaming Gel Cleanser daily. Its refreshing gel-like formula gently removes makeup and buffs away impurities, while helping to minimize the appearance of pores. While some foaming cleansers tend to be more drying, this cleanser is gentle, revealing smooth and radiant skin.

Dr. Henry encourages incorporating a gentle exfoliator into your routine, too. The L'Oréal Paris Pure Sugar Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub is a great option because it’s gentle enough to use daily and it leaves your skin looking revitalized.

Lastly, she advises using topical treatments or any other skin care products with active ingredients containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. If you have an extra stubborn pimple, try also using the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser. It’s formulated with salicylic acid, as well as glycolic acid, which is a resurfacing agent that visibly brightens and smooths skin. But as always, if these non-prescription treatments fail to clear your acne, you should consult your dermatologist. 

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Written by: Sophie Dweck; Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn