When spring hits, many of us quickly realise that the skin we’ve had covered up all winter will soon be on display. Typically, an exfoliation session and a hefty dose of hydration can transform limbs, so that we can rock shorter hemlines and go sleeveless when summer starts. But there’s one area that can suffer with multiple conditions and be a little harder to treat—the bum.
 
The skin on our derrières is thicker than skin elsewhere on the body, and contains more fat to help withstand friction and pressure. But despite its composition, it’s prone to a sensitive disposition, presenting with conditions like dryness, roughness, acne, hyperpigmentation and dimpling.

Thankfully, with the right combination of in-clinic support and consistent at-home care, smooth, even toned and healthy skin is entirely achievable. Read on to discover how…

Bottom acne

What most people call bum acne is rarely true acne in the clinical sense. It’s more commonly folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicles triggered by sweat, bacteria and friction. Tight clothes, synthetic fabrics, sitting for long periods and not changing out of damp clothes quickly enough all create the occluded, warm environment that folliculitis thrives in.

Mechanical stress compounds this—every time you sit, move or exercise, friction ensues. Over time, this disrupts the follicle and produces those familiar red, sometimes tender bumps. In clinic, chemical peels formulated for the body work wonders: salicylic acid is a solid option, as this beta hydroxy acid is oil-soluble, so it can penetrate into the pore lining to dissolve debris and calm inflammation, rather than just sitting on the surface. For more persistent cases, LED light therapy can reduce bad bacteria and support healing without irritating already compromised skin.

At home, a body wash containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is a solid starting point, but be sure to let it sit on the skin for a minute before rinsing off. And don’t skip moisturiser as ditching hydration often backfires—dry skin can cause the overproduction of oil, which perpetuates congestion.
 

Keratosis pilaris

Those small, rough bumps that give skin a sandpaper-like texture are typically keratosis pilaris. This occurs when keratin (a structural protein in the skin) builds up and blocks the hair follicle, leaving a scattering of tiny bumps, often with a red or slightly pigmented halo. Commonly associated with the upper arms, the bum is another frequent site. Thicker skin and constant pressure make it more noticeable here, particularly in natural light or when the skin is dry.

In clinic, lactic acid peels are a strong option. Unlike more aggressive acids, lactic acid both exfoliates and hydrates, loosening the keratin plugs while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance. In cases where redness is prominent, gentle laser treatments can reduce the associated discolouration.

At home, its about steady, low-level exfoliation. Products containing lactic acid, glycolic acid or urea gradually dissolve the build-up and improve texture without stripping the skin. Apply regularly, follow with a nourishing body cream, and resist the urge to over-exfoliate by way of physical scrubs, as scrubbing worsens irritation and will set your progress back.

Hyperpigmentation

Pigmentation on the bum is almost always post-inflammatory, usually the skin’s response to previous breakouts, or low-grade irritation. Excess melanin is produced at the site of inflammation, leaving marks that linger long after the original issue has cleared. On deeper skin tones, this response tends to be more pronounced and considerably slower to fade.

Friction is also a trigger: repeated rubbing from clothing or exercise leads to chronic inflammation that slowly drives discolouration, without any obvious single cause.

In clinic, chemical peels combining acids such as mandelic and lactic can gradually lift pigmentation. For more stubborn marks, laser treatments may be appropriate, but for those with Black and brown skin it’s important to choose a practitioner who has experience treating melanin-rich skin—the wrong approach can deepen discolouration rather than resolve it.

At home, niacinamide, azelaic acid and gentle exfoliating acids all help regulate melanin production over time. If your bum is exposed to UV, this will deepen existing marks and undo any progress made, which makes sunscreen a non-negotiable if fading pigmentation is the goal.

Dryness 

It’s easy for the bum to be neglected during the winter months, so by spring it's dry, rough and dull. Dryness here isn’t just a cosmetic issue, as a compromised barrier makes the skin more vulnerable to irritation, breakouts and uneven texture.

In clinic, hydrating body treatments can replenish moisture levels and restore suppleness through a combination of gentle exfoliation and active ingredient infusion. Superficial chemical peels using lactic acid or low-strength glycolic acid help lift dull, dead skin while drawing moisture into the upper layers—this is paired with hydrating serums rich in hyaluronic acid.

For more intensive support, hyaluronic acid-based injectable skin boosters can be used to deeply hydrate and improve skin quality from within, all without filling the area.
 
At home, the fix is straightforward but only works with consistency. Moisturise daily, straight after showering while the skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and a gentle exfoliating acid of your choice should make up the key actives.

Exfoliating acids slough away dead cells, ceramides rebuild barrier function, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin and help it stay there. A nourishing oil applied over the top a few times a week adds an extra layer of protection, and gives skin a noticeably more luminous finish.

Cellulite

Cellulite forms when fat pushes against the underside of the skin, while fibrous connective bands pull it downward, creating that familiar dimpled surface. The bum is one of the most common sites thanks to its high fat distribution, reduced circulation from prolonged sitting and the way connective tissue is organised, which allows dimpling to show more easily at the surface.

In clinic, radio frequency and RF microneedling-based devices target the structural causes. Delivering heat energy into the deeper layers of the skin, radio frequency devices stimulate collagen and elastin production, gradually improving firmness and tightening the overlying skin so dimpling appears less pronounced.
 
At home, retinol body creams support collagen production over time, gradually thickening and strengthening the skin so the surface appears a little smoother. Caffeine-based formulas temporarily tighten and smooth, making them a useful option before a holiday or event. Regular massage—manual or with a dry body brush or tool—supports circulation and lymphatic drainage, both of which have a subtle but real effect on skin texture when done consistently.

The takeout

Prepping your bottom for summer is all about consistency and a 360° approach. The right in-clinic treatments address what at-home products can’t, while the right at-home routine maintains and extends what’s been done in-clinic.

Start now, stay consistent, and by the time your beach trip comes around your bum will be ready.