Discover the causes and different types of back acne, along with effective treatment and prevention tips; learn about cleansers, routines, medications, and lifestyle adjustments that can help clear and prevent breakouts.
Struggling with back acne? We totally get it. It’s frustrating, right? We’re gonna break down the causes, types, and most importantly, how to kick it to the curb.
We’re going to cover a few things, so let’s jump straight in.
Treating Back Acne
Figuring out how to treat back acne really depends on trying different methods and sticking to a routine.
1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments
You can totally tackle back acne with over-the-counter stuff, which, let’s be honest, is usually our first go-to. It’s usually enough to clear up mild back acne without having to see a doctor. We’ve found that some of the active ingredients you want to keep an eye out for are:
- Benzoyl peroxide.
- Resorcinol.
- Salicylic acid.
- Sulfur.
2. Following a Routine Suitable for Skin Cleansing
Keeping the affected area clean every day with the right products is key. This is super important for treating back acne effectively, or even preventing it. Think gentle exfoliation, which means using a loofah, that sort of thing. We’ve noticed a few basics that stand out:
Keeping your skin clean is a must
Use a cleanser or soap that’s gentle and designed for acne-prone skin. We suggest body washes that help reduce oiliness. So, consider using:
- A wash with benzoyl peroxide.
- A sulfur-based soap.
These types of cleansers work by getting rid of the excess oil, bacteria before they cause problems, um, that can block skin pores and hair follicles, causing acne.
Shower after sweating
Make sure to shower ASAP after workouts, sports, or, you know, anything that makes you sweat. Cleaning the area, like, say, after a gym session, is key, especially if your workout clothes are made of fabrics that trap sweat against your skin; because it’s a recipe for clogged pores and, yup, back acne.
3. Washing Hair Regularly
Another way to deal with back acne is to wash your hair regularly, especially after workouts. Try to avoid getting shampoo on your back after rinsing.
Also, pick hair products carefully, as some ingredients can cause irritation and contribute to back acne, and other skin areas. For example, watch out for sulfates, because these ingredients can irritate your skin, leading to breakouts on your back, or other areas of the body.
4. Dealing Gently With Acne
Something to note is that another factor in the successful treatment of back acne is dealing with it gently. You can see positive results, such as:
- Not messing with the pimples or trying to squeeze them to get rid of the pus inside them.
- Avoiding too much sun, because prolonged sun exposure isn’t good for acne in general.
- Not using beauty products with harsh ingredients like lanolin, petroleum stuff, or silicone-based products.
5. Exfoliating Your Skin Regularly
The pores on your back are bigger than, say, the ones on your face, so don’t be afraid to exfoliate your back two to three times a week. Just maybe don’t use the same scrub you would for your face.
Exfoliating helps get rid of dead skin and keeps pores clean, which can prevent new acne from forming, but just remember not to scrub too hard because this can actually cause more problems, such as:
- Making the skin constantly dry.
- Inflammation, and redness.
- Irritating the skin, which can trap oil and dirt, making acne worse on your back.
If these at-home methods don’t seem to be doing the trick, it’s worth chatting with a dermatologist because there are stronger prescription treatments available.
Preventing Back Acne
Besides treating back acne, learning how to keep it from coming back is just as important. So, consider a few guidelines to help prevent it from returning:
1. Avoiding Certain Medications
Certain meds can increase the chances of getting back acne. These medications may increase the chances of getting back acne, specifically those containing:
- Male hormones (Androgens).
- Lithium.
So, try to avoid these drugs, and if you can, ask your doctor about alternatives if possible.
2. Minimizing the Use of Certain Beauty Products
It’s a good idea to be careful when using certain beauty products to prevent further problems, such as:
- Products made with oils or fats.
- Heavily fragranced products, including certain laundry detergents.
- Products that contain comedogenic chemicals.
These products can cause acne on the back and face, and using them for a long time could mean you end up looking for solutions to treat back acne after a while!
3. Avoiding Pressure on the Back
When your back is constantly rubbed, whether by tight clothing or daily backpack use, the skin can be affected. These factors cause what is known as *Acne mechanica*.
You might try swapping out the backpack you usually carry for one with different straps or wearing looser clothes.
Just keep in mind that preventing back acne might not always be possible if it’s down to genes or hormones.
Types of Back Acne
Now that we’ve looked at how to treat and prevent back acne, it’s also useful to understand the different types, because that’s important, which include:
- Whiteheads: These pop up when a hair follicle gets blocked and closed off, resulting in a small, white bump.
- Blackheads: These happen when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The top stays open, which causes it to look dark because of exposure to air.
- Papules: These are small, tender pink or red bumps on the skin’s surface, and sometimes they can be a bit sensitive.
- Pustules: These are basically pimples that are red and swollen, with pus at the top.
- Nodules: When acne goes deep under the skin, it can turn into solid, painful lumps that are bigger and more serious, these are called nodules.
- Cysts: This type of acne is large and filled with pus, and it’s the kind that’s most likely to cause scarring and pain.
Key takeaways
- Shower ASAP after working out.
- Exfoliate your skin regularly but not too hard.
- Avoid products that can cause acne.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Can diet really affect my back acne?
It’s a tricky one, but yeah, what you eat can play a role. Super sugary or processed foods might make things worse for some of us. It’s worth trying to cut back and seeing if it helps.
Is it okay to pop back acne pimples?
Resist the urge! Popping pimples can lead to inflammation, scarring, and more breakouts.
Will tanning help clear up back acne?
Tanning might temporarily hide acne, but it damages the skin and doesn’t fix the problem. Plus, some acne treatments make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s best to protect your skin.
I had this issue for years, and nothing seemed to work. It was so embarrassing to wear certain shirts or go swimming. Then, I started using a benzoyl peroxide body wash, and it really helped clear things up. Now I feel much more confident.
I thought back acne was just a teenage thing, but it stuck around. I found out that my laundry detergent was irritating my skin! Switching to a sensitive-skin formula made a huge difference.
As a competitive swimmer, I was constantly battling back acne. Showering right after practice and using a gentle scrub regularly has been a game-changer. It’s not perfect, but it’s way better!
So, from our experience, dealing with back acne is really about figuring out what works for you, whether it’s OTC treatments, tweaking your shower routine, or ditching certain products. What’s your go-to tip for keeping back acne at bay?
