How To Get Rid Of Back Acne Once And For All
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The first thing to know about how to get rid of back acne is that it’s not like the pimples you get on your face. Yes, its similar in that the pores clog and bacteria is often to blame, and also you get incredibly confused and angry and emotional about it . But it’s different in that it comes with its own rulebook for treating and preventing it.
Luckily bacne is very treatable and very preventable. And I didnt know all the ways to keep it at bay until I sourced a bunch of board-certified dermatologists for the answers. We got the advice they often give their own patients in regards to back acne, and now theyve got your back, too: Here’s how to get rid of back acne.
Apply Green Tea To Your Skin
Green tea is very high in antioxidants, and drinking it can promote good health.
It may also help reduce acne. This is likely because the polyphenols in green tea help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two main causes of acne .
There isnt much research exploring the benefits of drinking green tea when it comes to acne, and more studies are needed.
In one small study with 80 women, participants took 1,500 mg of green tea extract daily for 4 weeks. By the end of the study, women who took the extract had less acne on their noses, chins, and around their mouths .
Research has also found that drinking green tea may lower blood sugar and insulin levels, which are factors that can contribute to the development of acne .
Many studies also indicate that applying green tea directly to the skin may help with acne.
Research shows that the main antioxidant in green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate reduces sebum production, fights inflammation, and inhibits the growth of P. acnes in individuals with acne-prone skin .
Multiple studies have found that applying green tea extract to the skin significantly reduces sebum production and pimples in those with acne .
You can buy creams and lotions that contain green tea, but its just as easy to make your own mixture at home.
How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars
Scarring from severe cystic acne can have harmful effects on a person’s self esteem, happiness and mental health. Thankfully, there are many different acne scar treatment options available, ranging from chemical peels and skin fillers to dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these are all safe and effective acne scar treatment methods. However, Baldwin says it’s important to first clarify what you mean by “scar.” “Many people point to red or brown spots leftover from old zits and call them scars,” she says. “These are marks, not scars and they’ll fade with time. Scars have textural changes and are not flush with the surface of the skin. There are two types of acne scarsinnies and outies. Outies can be injected with corticosteroids and flattened. Innies can be either deep and narrow or broad, sloping and relatively shallow. Deep and narrow scars need to be cut out, but broader sloping scars can be made better by fillers, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion.”
Learn more about acne scar removal below to see which method might work best for you.
Read Also: How To Help Baby Acne And Dry Skin
What Causes Pimple Marks
Many people mistake acne and pimple as the same thing. While acne is a skin condition, pimples are a side effect of one of the symptoms of acne. Oily skin is one of the most affected skin types due to acne and pimples. The pimples and pimple spots appear, in most cases, as the natural boils on your skin. When your skin cells accumulate dirt, toxins and oil sebum, it leads to clogging of pores. These clogged pores, in result, lead to breakouts and pimples. To know how to remove pimple marks effectively, it is essential that you keep your face clean. Many people suffer from pimples due to hormonal changes. However, no matter what the case is, pimple marks are a dreaded nightmare for all of us.
Dont Waste Your Time On Benzoyl Peroxide
When it comes to over-the-counter acne spot treatments, youre likely to find that many products contain benzoyl peroxide. The problem is, benzoyl peroxide doesnt work for all types of acne.
Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing swelling, which a key marker of inflammatory acne, which includes cysts and pustules. It can also get rid of underlying bacteria in a pimple.
However, blackheads arent considered inflammatory. Also, they are not caused by bacteria, so products featuring benzoyl peroxide wont do much good.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Dark Acne Scars On Face
Rethink Your Hair Care Regimen
If you’re getting a lot of forehead acne, it might be that your hair products are to blame. Hair oils, dry shampoo, and other spray-on products can wreak havoc on your skin if they’re not thoroughly washed off. Make sure to wash your hair properly and rinse away all the product that just may be clogging the pores near your hairline.
How To Get Rid Of Acne: 25 Skin Care Tips From Dermatologists
fast.
It can take years and dozens of trips to the dermatologist to discover how to get rid of acne on your unique skin. Everyone has unique skin types, skin tones, lifestyles, and genetic histories that make it impossible to have a single piece of one-size-fits-all advice. But here at Teen Vogue, we’ve pretty much made it our life mission to figure out the best tips from the pros to point you in the right direction. We’ve seen it all and won’t recommend skincare products or acne treatments unless they’re backed up by experience and science.
We’ve rounded up the best advice on how to get clear skin from top dermatologists. Read on for our favorite ways to get your skin to look and feel its best.
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Spot Treat With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia.
Its well known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation. Specifically, tea tree oil helps fight P. acnes and S. epidermidis, two types of bacteria that can cause pimples .
One study found that 5% tea tree oil gel was almost four times more effective at reducing acne lesions and almost six times more effective at reducing acne severity than a placebo .
In another study, a gel containing 5% tea tree oil was proven equally effective at reducing pimples as a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, a common acne medication .
The tea tree oil treatment also resulted in fewer adverse effects, including dryness, irritation, and burning.
Its important to note that tea tree oil is very potent and can cause redness and irritation when applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it should be diluted with a carrier oil.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, only a small amount of research has been conducted on the topical use of tea tree oil for health conditions, and a limited amount of research indicates that tea tree oil might be helpful for acne .
If you choose to try please it, use it safely and always perform a test patch on your skin, as tea tree oil can be very irritating and should never be applied undiluted to the skin.
You can purchase both tea tree oil and carrier oils online.
How To Use Green Tea For Acne
Summary
Green tea is high in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. Applying it to the skin has been shown to significantly reduce pimples.
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What Not To Do To Get Rid Of A Pimple
You can watch pimple popping videos on the internet to your hearts content, but Dr. Khetarpal recommends against trying it in real life.
Any manipulation of a pimple can lead to more inflammation, which can increase the risk of scarring, she explains. And your hands are dirty, so youre going to introduce more bacteria and potentially make it worse.
Your best bet is to spot treat the pimple with benzoyl peroxide and then leave it alone.
Wearing makeup and covering it up is not a problem, but dont poke or pick or squeeze it, Dr. Khetarpal suggests. It will resolve on its own.
What Causes Back Acne
There are many reasons people get acne, so its important to know why and how pimples form.
Your body produces an oil called sebum. Its made in the glands connected to your hair follicles. Sebum moves up the hair follicles to add moisture to your skin and hair.
Pimples form when extra sebum and dead skin cells build up. This buildup blocks skin pores and bacteria. When the hair follicle wall swells out, it forms a whitehead pimple. When the clogged pore gets exposed to air, blackhead pimples form.
Some common causes of acne are:
- Genetics. Trouble with acne can run in your family.
- Medications. Acne can develop as a side effect of some medicines like certain antidepressants.
- Hormones. Hormonal changes in the teenage years are often the cause of acne. But for women past puberty, pimple outbreaks can be linked to hormonal changes that happen during menstruation and pregnancy.
- Sweat. Sweat, especially if its trapped under tight clothing, can make acne worse.
- Stress. Stress isnt a direct cause of acne, but it could be a contributing factor.
Some research shows that foods you eat could be linked to acne.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is some evidence that certain carbohydrates known to increase your blood sugar levels can also contribute to acne. For some, dairy products might also be a trigger.
In most cases, you can get rid of acne by making some lifestyle changes and using at-home remedies. Here are some things you can do to get rid of back acne:
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Combat Hormonal Acne With Birth Control
Sometimes, your gynecologist can share insight into your acne, especially when it comes to deciding if birth control could help your breakouts. The FDA approves of Estrostep, Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Yaz to combat acne, but the trick is to be patient, as it can take up to four months to start seeing results. “This plan of attack works best when paired with whatever topical treatments youre already using to treat your acne, like Proactiv, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, etc,” advises dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi.
How Would You Summarize Current
Treating acne requires patience and perseverance. Any of the treatments listed above may take two or three months to start working . Unless there are side effects such as excessive dryness or allergy, it is important to give each regimen or drug enough time to work before giving up on it and moving on to other methods. Using modern methods, doctors can help clear up the skin of just about everyone.
Just hang in there. And don’t pick. Please.
Recommended Reading: How To Treat Acne Vulgaris
How To Make A Scrub At Home
Summary
Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. It may reduce the appearance of scars and discoloration, but more research needs to be done on its ability to treat acne.
The relationship between diet and acne has been debated for years.
Research suggests that dietary factors, such as insulin and glycemic index, may be associated with acne .
A foods glycemic index is a measure of how quickly it raises your blood sugar.
Eating high GI foods causes a spike in insulin, which likely increases sebum production. As a result, high GI foods may directly affect the development and severity of acne.
Foods with a high glycemic index include processed foods, such as:
- white bread
- nuts
- whole or minimally processed grains
In one study, 66 people followed either a normal or low glycemic diet. After 2 weeks, the individuals consuming a low glycemic diet had lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 , a hormone involved in acne development .
Another study in 64 people found that those with moderate or severe acne ate diets with more carbohydrates and a higher glycemic load than those without acne .
These small studies suggest that a low glycemic diet may help those with acne-prone skin. Additional larger, longer studies are needed.
The relationship between dairy and acne is highly controversial.
Types Of Pimple Marks
There are primarily three types of pimple marks. They are usually identified by their appearance on the skin.
Also Check: Does Acne Go Away After Mirena Removed
How To Make A Honey And Cinnamon Mask
Summary
Honey and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They may help reduce acne, but more studies are needed.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil thats extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia.
Its well known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation (
Summary
Tea tree oil has strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying it to the skin may reduce acne.
How To Get Rid Of Acne Fast With Over
There are a number of pore strip brands now, but Biore was one of the first and remains the most popular. Applied wet, typically to either the chin or nose, the strip dries and sticks to built up oil, dead skin cells and other impurities clogging pores. Once the strip’s dry, it’s removed and all of those nasty, pore-clogging plugs come with it!
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What Are Acne Scars
A generalised term, acne scarring can be used to refer to a multitude of different marks that a breakout may leave behind. “Acne scars come in different forms, including rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars,” explains Pamela Marshall, clinical aesthetician and founder of Mortar & Milk.
While most types of scarring can be treated via various methods, there is one subset that requires specialist treatment, as aesthetician and founder of West Room Aesthetics Dija Ayodele explains. “Be wary that keloid scarring, which darker skin can be prone to, can make you contraindicated to treatment that works on the basis of inducing a mild trauma to the skin, such as chemical peels and microneedling. If youve got this type of scarring, it’s best to see a doctor or dermatologist that can provide steroid shots or advise on removing with surgery.”
Foods That Cause Zits
Do a Google search for “how to get rid of zits fast” and you’ll see plenty of websites telling you to eat better for clear skin. But are there really foods that cause pimples, or is that an old wives’ tale?
Dermatologist Hilary Baldwin, MD, of the Acne Treatment and Research Centre in Morristown, New Jersey, says the answer isn’t really simple at all. “The simple answer is, we don’t know. So far studies have suggested that high-glycemic index diets , as well as diets high in skim-milk dairy products and whey protein supplements might be associated with worsening of existing acne but are less likely to cause acne,” Baldwin says.
So eating too many sweets could be a potential cause of pimples. You may not want to cut back on your favorite treats, but if you’ve tried different methods of acne treatment and are still wondering how to get rid of pimples, considering a change in your diet is definitely worth a shot.
Also Check: How To Clear Teenage Acne Naturally
The Best Acne Products For Natural Acne Treatment
There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of natural acne treatment products on the market, but these are a few of our favorites:
Barlean’s uses organic coconuts for their product. If you’re into using coconut oil for acne but also environmentally or socially conscientious, you’ll like thatBarlean’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is also fair trade, non-GMO and vegan.
Barlean’s organic virgin coconut oil, from $16,
NOW Tea Tree Oil for acne is a popular choice thanks to the product’s strong antiseptic and germicidal properties. Distilled from the leaves of the tea tree in Australia, this brand is 100 percent tea tree oil and also has a milder smell than you might expect.
NOW tea tree oil, from $11,
