Back acne can do a number on your self-esteem. While it may be easy to cover it up in the winter, there’s nothing worse than throwing on a sweater when all you want to do is wear jumpsuits and sundresses. Acne anywhere on your body can be a serious pain, but today we’re shining to light on banishing back acne once and for all. Take a look at our best tips and remedies!
What Causes Back Acne?
Acne, anywhere on your body, is caused by three main culprits: overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells and an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria. The skin on your back is particularly prone to acne, so don’t feel like you’re alone if you notice it pop up from time to time (or all the time). Since the skin on our backs is thick, our pores on our back are more likely to get blocked. Pimples form when extra oil, called sebum, and dead skin cells build up, blocking the skin’s pores and bacteria. The upper half of the body also has more oil glands per square inch, so combined with blocked pores, creates the perfect combination for back acne.
Along with this, other factors that can cause back acne are genetics, medications, hormones, sweat and stress. Acne can run in the family, so if your mom, dad or grandparents had it, you’re more likely to have it too. Acne can also develop as a side effect to certain medications. Sweat can make acne worse, especially when it’s trapped under tight clothing, and hormones and stress have both been linked to breakouts, as have certain foods such as chocolate and fried foods.
How to Prevent Back Acne
1. Shower Immediately After Exercise
Sweat is one of the main culprits of acne, especially when it sits under tight clothes, which are typically worn for any type of exercise. Rather than staying in your workout clothes, make sure to take them off and shower immediately after exercise when you can. Also, make sure you always wash your workout clothes between sweat sessions.
2. Wear Oil Free Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is a must when you’re heading outside, but make sure to choose the right one. Heavy, greasy sunscreen can lead to clogged pores and bad breakouts, so choose an oil-free sunscreen that’s light on your skin.
3 Wear Loose Fitting Clothing
Try wearing loose fitting clothing any time you’re going to be engaging in physical activity, whether you’re doing an online workout or taking a bike ride to the park. Tight clothing can trap dirt and sweat and rub it into your pores, so stick with loose-fitting clothing that allows your skin to breathe!
4. Exfoliate Your Back
It may sound strange, but your back needs exfoliating just as much as the other parts of your body. Exfoliating will reduce the amount of dead skin cells that could lead to clogged pores. Find a gentle exfoliating scrub with ingredients like salicylic acid that will remove extra dirt and oil from your skin.
5. Use a Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer
Find a body moisturizer that’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Look for one that’s also hypoallergenic, which will be gentle on your sensitive skin. A lotion such as CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is light and fragrance-free, leaving your skin feeling smooth and hydrated due to the hyaluronic acid it contains.
How to Get Rid of Back Acne
1. Use an Acne-Fighting Body Wash
Your body wash should contain acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. These ingredients exfoliate and smooth the skin, getting rid of dead skin and preventing blemishes. They prevent dead skin cells from building up and blocking your pores, leaving you with flawless skin.
2. Don’t Pick Your Back Acne
Picking at your back acne may be tempting, but it will only make things worse. When you pick at your acne, it leads to scarring, which can mark your back for years. Instead of picking, use a topic treatment such as a benzoyl peroxide gel or salicylic acid cream to affected spots. They kill the bacteria that leads to acne, but keep in mind that they can dry out the skin.
3 .Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil may help kill the bacteria that leads to acne. It’s been used for years to treat skin issues and is found in many lotions, cleansers and creams. It has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to treat pimples and banish your back acne!
4. Change Your Sheets Regularly
You should be washing your sheets weekly to reduce your risk of back acne. When you’re asleep, dead skin cells and body oils rub off on your sheets, and the bacteria can lead to back acne breakouts. Changing your sheets regularly reduces the amount of pore-clogging oils your skin is exposed to. This also goes for towels, bras and pyjamas!
5. Have an Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salts are really beneficial and soothing for the skin. They reduce the redness that comes with acne, making your skin more smooth and clear. Add one cup of epsom salts to your bath water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with mild soap and warm water.
6. Visit a Dermatologist
If all else fails, it may be time to go see a dermatologist for your back acne. A derm will be able to advise you on a prescription medication. There are topical and oral prescriptions available that can help get rid of stubborn back acne.
Back acne is no joke, but these prevention tips and remedies will help you banish it for good so you can feel confident all year round!
