Does back acne have your self-confidence down?
Banish bacne for good! Our how-to guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you get rid of back acne, including various home remedies and lifestyle modifications.
You’ll learn the best ways to cleanse, treat, and prevent future breakouts from occurring.
With our ultimate guide on getting rid of bacne, you will no longer worry about having unsightly back pimples during summertime or any other time!
Get your confidence up again with just a few simple steps that can be done right at home.
What is Back Acne?
Back acne or "Bacne" is a skin condition characterized by the formation of red bumps, whiteheads, or blackheads on the back. It can be an eyesore and make everyday activities such as wearing clothing uncomfortable.
Acne is a common skin condition that develops when oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog pores.(1) Back acne tends to form during exercise or physical activity in which sweat gets trapped under tight-fitting clothing - where it can be irritated by the fabric's constant rubbing against your skin - leading to body breakouts or worsening existing blemishes.
Fortunately, there are ways to treat this condition so you don't have to suffer through it any longer.
Let's take a closer look at some of them.
How to Get Rid of Back Acne
Are you frustrated with persistent back acne that just won't go away? We know how it feels! But don’t worry, help is here.
We have compiled a list of 11 easy and effective acne self-care tips to get rid of back acne once and for all.
From using the right products to changing your lifestyle habits - these tips will work wonders in clearing up your skin from any kind of blemishes.
1) Shower Immediately After Working Out
Hitting the gym can cause sweat to get stuck to your skin which can lead to clogged pores.
To combat this, use antibacterial soaps in the shower as soon as you finish exercising. This will help remove any bacteria and reduce the possibility of back acne or for that matter, any acne from occurring.
2) Use a Back Scrubbing Brush
Struggling to reach your back for cleaning can be a real hassle. For hard to reach areas, use a scrub brush with an extended handle. It will allow you to thoroughly scrub the whole area to get rid of dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells while showering or bathing.
3) Use a Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
To effectively combat acne-causing bacteria, incorporate an emollient foam wash into your daily bathing routine.
A body wash with benzoyl peroxide works to unclog the pores on your back, leaving it free of any potentially pesky bacteria that could lead to bacne or flare-ups.(2)
After getting wet in the shower and grabbing a scrub brush, add some of this special cleansing solution before giving your back a good rub down - you'll be sure to see results!
4) Try a Salicylic Acid Cleanser
In addition to using a benzoyl peroxide cleanser, add some salicylic acid into the mix for an extra layer of protection against back acne.
Salicylic acid can penetrate deeply into your skin's pores, effectively removing dirt and excess oil that can lead to acne flare ups.(3) Mix a few drops of this solution into your normal body wash or use it as an over the counter spot treatment for any existing blemishes.
5) Allow for Absorbtion
Once you're done scrubbing your back with the cleanser of your choice, allow it to absorb into the skin for a few minutes, giving it a chance to work its wonders before rinsing it off.(2)
This will help combat any bacteria that cause acne outbreaks and prevent potential irritation later on. Once done, rinse your back completely for the best results.
6) Opt for Breathable, Comfortable Clothing
To help minimize the chances of bacne, choose clothing that is loose-fitting and breathable. Sweat often accumulates under tight fabrics, leading to irritation and trapping bacteria - both of which can contribute to breakouts.
Additionally, opting for fabrics like cotton and wool allows your skin to breathe, reducing the amount of sweat buildup on your back.
Also try to avoid tight-fitting yoga pants, compression shorts, and sleeves that can block or irritate your hair follicles. Plus, never reuse sweaty clothing without washing it first!
7) Target Back Acne Breakouts with Spot Treatments
Combat back acne before it worsens and only target individual pimples if you have a few.
When selecting the perfect skincare treatment, look for one that contains sulfur, camphor, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil - all of which are proven to reduce breakout-related inflammation.
Make sure you apply the product according to package instructions; in some cases, this might require help from another person as well!
8) Do Not Touch, Squeeze, or Pick Your Pimples
Don't be tempted to pick at your back acne, as it can cause scars and even lead to a nasty infection.(4)
Popping pimples on your back is not only painful but also could introduce more bacteria that could make the situation worse. Utilize cleansing products regularly and let your body fight off the acne all by itself.
9) Make Sure to Keep Your Hair Away
To avoid skin irritation and possible acne breakouts, keep your hair clean! Wash it regularly and tie it in a bun or ponytail during exercise.
Furthermore, make sure that shampoo and conditioner don't run down your back as this can lead to clogged pores due to its ingredients.
10) Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy skin, and this holds true for your back as well. Staying hydrated helps to flush out impurities that can worsen acne while providing ample amounts of moisture to the skin.(5)
This will help reduce inflammation and promote healing from any existing body breakouts or scars.
11) Incorporate Probiotics Into Your Diet
If you're looking to bolster your skin's health and keep bacne at bay, probiotics can be a great aid.(6) Fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt are supercharged with microbiota-friendly microorganisms that help nourish the skin from within by bolstering its microbiome.
Plus, if you want an extra dose of probiotic benefits for improved dermal defense against acne flare-ups, there are plenty of dietary supplements available.
Causes of Back Acne
Just like any other form of body acne, back pimples emerge when the pores on your skin become obstructed with sweat, trifling dead skin cells, and dirt along with an oily secretion known as sebum. Your body produces this sebum to protect both your hair and skin from getting excessively dehydrated.
If your body produces too much sebum, or you don't regularly wash and cleanse your skin correctly, pores can become blocked.
This occurrence may be caused due to any of the following reasons:
1) Family History
If you come from a family of acne-prone skin types, it may be more likely that you'll develop back acne.
2) Tight Fitting Clothes
Friction between tight clothing such as shirts and backpacks worn against sweaty skin can make existing breakouts worse.
3) Hormonal Changes
Pregnant women and teenagers going through puberty are especially prone to developing acne due to hormonal fluctuations in their bodies during these life stages.(7)
4) Medications
Unfortunately, certain medications such as corticosteroids may trigger or intensify back acne.(8)
5) Neglecting to Maintain Personal Hygiene
Not only can having greasy locks cause back acne but using dirty sheets, towels or clothing can too. When oils from your hair come in contact with your skin, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow and clog up pores which leads to breakouts. Keep yourself clean both inside and out for optimal skin health!
6) Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety and strain are capable of triggering the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases sebum production. As cortisol levels surge, your body releases more sebum than normal which further leads to dead skin cell buildup and clogging of skin pores, resulting in breakouts.(9)
7) Sweating
Sweat-induced skin irritation is an uncomfortable experience for many. Unfortunately, when your sweat gets trapped between you and your clothing, it can block the pores of your skin leading to acne - especially if one suffers from Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Signs and Symptoms of Back Acne
Acne can present itself in varying ways, and it may arise on your shoulders and upper back or stretch down to your waist. These annoying blemishes can be tender to the touch and even occur in groups.
Depending on where you have breakouts, acne forms in various ways:
- Whiteheads: Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are common skin issues that arise when the pores on your face become blocked and trapped underneath the surface of your skin. This leads to white bumps appearing along your skin.
- Blackheads: Blackheads, or open comedones, are a common issue that occurs when an obstructed follicle on the surface of your skin opens. Contrary to popular belief, the dark-tipped appearance is caused by a reaction between sebum and air - not dirt accumulation in your follicles!
- Papules: Papules are small, tender pink bumps that show up on the skin due to acne. Unlike other types of acne lesions, papules do not contain pus and arise when a blocked hair follicle becomes inflamed.
- Nodules: Nodular acne manifests in the form of hard, bumpy nodules under your skin's surface. These unsightly blemishes can be painful and difficult to get rid of without proper acne treatment.
If you’re concerned about the signs of back acne, consult with a board certified dermatologist for help.
Now let's move on to some frequently asked questions regarding this pesky skin condition - stay tuned!
Did We Mention…
How to Get Rid of Bacne FAQs?
Seeking answers to all the puzzles related to your acne can be overwhelming and discouraging. To assist in this journey, we have crafted a comprehensive list of FAQs to help you navigate challenges and potentially achieve clear skin!
Skim through to get your questions answered.
Do I Need to Treat Back Acne Differently Than I do Body Acne?
Yes, back acne can sometimes require different treatment than body acne. You may need to use cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide along with other ingredients designed to target acne on the back.
Also, benzoyl peroxide is a good choice for treating body and back acne because it helps to reduce inflammation, unclogs pores, and kill bacteria. However, be sure to speak to a board-certified dermatologist before trying any acne treatments, as some acne medications can actually make acne worse.
Is there Any Other Back Acne Treatment that I Should Incorporate?
There are several different methods for treating back acne, including taking certain medications such as oral antibiotics and prescription creams, using specific skin care products such as exfoliants, and getting regular facials.
Additionally, some people find that changing their diet and lifestyle habits can also help to reduce acne breakouts. For example, reducing stress levels, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding activities that can lead to sweat and clogged hair follicles can all help acne.
Are there Any Body Washes that Can Help with Severe Back Acne?
Yes, there is a range of body washes designed to help with severe back acne. Many acne body washes contain ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help to reduce inflammation and unclog pores, and benzoyl peroxide, which helps to kill bacteria.
Does Drinking Water Actually Help to Ward Off Body Acne?
Yes, drinking plenty of water each day can help to prevent and clear up skin problems such as body acne. Water helps to keep your skin hydrated and prevents damage to the skin barrier which is important for healthy skin cell turnover.
Additionally, water helps flush toxins from the body, which could be contributing to breakouts. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day can help to keep skin looking clear and healthy.
Are Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes Effective for Getting Rid of Back Acne?
Yes, oil-free cleansing wipes can be effective for managing back acne. These wipes are designed to help remove oil and dirt from clogged pores, which can help reduce breakouts. Additionally, oil-free wipes and cleansing pads are gentle on the skin and won’t leave behind any residue that could lead to more breakouts.
It’s important to note that an oil-free cleansing wipe should never replace a regular skincare routine, but it can be used as an extra step to help fight acne.
The Final Mention
Bacne is an annoying and sometimes painful problem. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the severity of your bacne.
First, choose breathable fabrics for your clothing and make sure to rinse off after activities that cause you to sweat.
Second, target breakouts with spot treatments and avoid touching, squeezing, or picking your pimples.
Finally, stay hydrated and incorporate more probiotics into your daily routine to help keep sensitive skin healthy.
With a few proactive measures, you can reduce the occurrence of acne and have clearer, smoother skin in no time.
Let us know in the comments below if you have any tips and tricks for treating acne on your back. We would love to hear from you!
So don't wait any longer to get started on your bacne-free journey!
✅ 9 Sources
HealthMention only uses sources from authoritative and reliable resources, such as peer-reviewed studies, to strengthen the accuracy of our content.
- Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL. Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris. Drugs Context. 2021;10:2021-8-6. Published 2021 Oct 11. doi:10.7573/dic.2021-8-6
- Back acne: How to see clearer skin. www.aad.org. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/DIY/back-acne
- Lu J, Cong T, Wen X, et al. Salicylic acid treats acne vulgaris by suppressing AMPK / SREBP 1 pathway in sebocytes. Experimental Dermatology. 2019;28(7):786-794. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.13934
- Skin Care for Acne-Prone Skin. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2019. Accessed February 27, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279208
- Rodrigues L, Palma L, Tavares Marques L, Bujan Varela J. Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2015;8:413. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s86822
- Sinha S, Lin G, Ferenczi K. The skin microbiome and the gut-skin axis. Clin Dermatol. 2021;39(5):829-839. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.08.021
- Bagatin E, Freitas THP de, Rivitti-Machado MC, Ribeiro BM, Nunes S, Rocha MAD da. Adult female acne: a guide to clinical practice. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2019;94(1):62-75. doi:https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20198203
- Nair PA, Salazar FJ. Acneiform Eruptions. PubMed. Published 2022. Accessed February 27, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459207
- Zari S, Alrahmani D. The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2017;Volume 10:503-506. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s148499
