Almost everyone has experienced some sort of acne on their face, whether that be throughout your puberty or if it keeps popping up throughout your lifetime. Still, your face isn’t the only place where acne can appear.
Acne can affect any part of your body with oil glands or hair follicles, such as your back, chest, and shoulders. That’s where back acne (bacne) comes into play. In fact, bacne actually affects more than half of the people who experience acne.
Bacne is easy to ignore, many of us might not even realise it’s even there, but with warmer weather and foreign holidays on the books, you may have started to notice or even begun to feel insecure about your bacne.
Bacne is an annoying condition which people can find embarrassing, causing them to choose not to wear open-backed clothing or even participate in certain activities. But have no fear; read on to discover how you can get rid of your back acne.
Cause Of Bacne
To put it simply acne, and bacne, is simply a blocked pore, but for a more detailed explanation, read on below.
Back acne is caused by a build-up of excess sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells in pores, resulting in redness, irritation, and blemishes – identical to facial acne but on your back. Hormonal changes can also cause it, which is why it is so common in teenagers and why you may experience it around your period or pregnancy, and daily behaviours like diet and wardrobe choices can also play a part.
Propionibacterium acnes is a bacteria that lives on everyone's skin, and it causes no difficulties for most people. The build-up of oil on acne-prone people's skin, on the other hand, produces the ideal habitat for bacteria to multiply. Inflammation and the production of pus-filled or red patches might arise as a result of this.
Large sensitive cysts might form on the back occasionally. They can either rupture or heal without rupturing. Acne-affected skin can be delicate to the touch, warm, and painful.
How To Get Rid Of Bacne
Here are a few simple changes to your everyday routine that will help you get rid of those pesky body pimples for good.
Take A Look At Your Wardrobe
Certain types of clothing can cause breakouts, and your gym clothes (together with the act of exercising) are an especially potent combination.
This is because tight clothing can force oils or bacteria deeper into pores, and friction from tight-fitting training gear like sports bras or leggings can irritate hair follicles and cause red bumps; tight clothing should be avoided.
If possible, choose breathable fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking clothing. If you don't have time to change your clothes, always shower after sweating. You should always shower after a workout or a sweaty activity anyway; going about in sports bras or gym shirts is a no-no.
Change Your Bedsheets
Whilst you’re taking a look at fabrics, it’s important to give your bedsheets a change.
Change your sheets once or twice a week at the very least. Changing your sheets on a regular basis is beneficial since dead skin cells and germs can easily develop on them and irritate your skin throughout the night.
Choose The Right Cleanser For You
If you have a family history of pimply skin, don't be shocked if you develop it despite your best attempts to avoid it. But don't worry; there are ways to overcome your genetics.
To prevent and treat pimples, use an over-the-counter salicylic acid or glycolic acid wash. Washes tend to be less irritating than leave-on steroid creams, and because they’re usually included in your shower routine, they're more accessible and can be used more frequently.
If these don't work, your dermatologist may be able to prescribe a prescription-strength topical medicine or an oral antibiotic.
Pay Extra Attention To Your Back
This may sound obvious, but failing to wash or exfoliate your back is more common than you may think. It's also one of the most acne-prone areas, so you should treat it with the same care as your face.
Clean and exfoliate your back on a regular basis to keep the follicles clean and unclogged, which will make them less prone to acne. Use a light exfoliating cleanser to clean, moisturise, exfoliate, and even soothe inflamed skin. An antibacterial cleanser could also be beneficial.
People are also beginning to treat acne using light devices, which can be excellent, effective alternatives to traditional treatments; consult a dermatologist to determine which treatment is best for you.
Tweak Your Routine
Your conditioner, sunscreen (especially if you have sensitive skin), and body cream can all block pores, resulting in back acne. Fortunately, a few simple changes to your morning routine will significantly reduce your odds of seeing one.
Flip your hair to the front and rinse forward when washing and conditioning to prevent leaving shampoo and conditioner residue on your back — and rinse your entire body fully before stepping out of the shower. In the summer, lotions or oils are more preferable to creams since they’re less clogging.
Final Tips For Bacne
Back acne is easier to hide than face acne, but it doesn't mean you have to live with it. By keeping your skin clean, using the correct products, and choosing the right clothing, bacne can easily be reduced or gotten rid of, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin.
If you've tried everything above and your bacne is still stubbornly persisting, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. They may be able to provide specific suggestions to help keep things under control, or they may be able to recommend oral or topical prescription drugs that can help.