Back acne, often coined ‘bacne’, is a common condition that occurs when pores on the back become clogged with excess oil, dirt and dead skin. Much like facial acne, the causes of back acne can be as varied as genetics and hormones. Hot, humid weather and friction caused by clothing and athletic equipment can also trigger breakouts. Although poor hygiene is not a cause of acne, simple changes in hygiene habits may improve the condition. These include:
- Shower daily with a soap-free cleanser. A product made especially for acne-prone skin, like La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel, or one that contains salicylic acid, can help wash away acne-causing bacteria, oil and impurities.
- Exfoliate gently once or twice a week. This will help remove the dead skin cells that partially cause the pores to become clogged. MaMa Lotion, with its unique 20% formulation of gentle alpha hydroxy acids, has been shown to significantly reduce acne breakouts and fade acne scars as it removes dead skins cells with minimum irritation.
- Apply a topical, over-the-counter acne treatment that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or alpha hydroxy acid.
- Moisturize. This may seem counterintuitive for oily skin, but many acne treatments can be harsh. Using a non-greasy moisturizer as needed can help minimize dryness. La Roche Posay Effaclar H is well suited for this purpose.
- Wear clean clothing made of breathable, natural fibres and change bed linens often to prevent reabsorption of oils and dirt onto skin.
The challenge with back acne is that it is often hard to tackle simply due to its location. Without the help of a second person, it can be more difficult to clean the area thoroughly and also to apply topical treatments evenly. And since the body is almost always covered in clothing, the back is in constant contact with the oils that have been secreted and then absorbed by the clothes we wear.
Severe and persistent cases of back acne that do not respond to over-the-counter products may require escalated treatments that include topical and/or oral antiobiotics and should only be taken under the care of your doctor or dermatologist.
An excellent post on the problem of back acne, although it’s not visible is certainly more difficult to treat.
The main thing people should be careful of is washing the area harshly with a brush or loofah, this is really the worst thing that can be done.
Even if you don’t have a partner to help you, you may still be able to wash cleanse the area successfully and apply any treatment.
Using the right hand to reach over your shoulders and down your back as far as possible, and the back of your left hand with your arm behind your back (reverse if left-handed).
Do this very carefully and slowly this will avoid catching the skin with your nails.
Never use ordinary soap or fancy shower gels, baby soap or medicated soap is best, keep shampoo and especially conditioner from contacting back acne as you rinse it off, bend your head forward and smooth with the hand.
Have your back submerged within the salt water of the beach for about 10 minutes. Sit in the sun for 10-15 minutes. The sun will dry out the pimples. Do not do this for longer though because if you get burnt, it will make your acne a lot worse. Repeat this process a few times more and you will notice results within the first two days. This Naturally Getting Rid of Bacne. Thanks for sharing such relevant information.
Thanks for the tips. Acne is very painful to all aged people but it is more irritating for teenager. I think your article will definitely helps all aged people to get rid. Thanks for sharing it.