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:
How To Treat And Prevent Body Acne
You can use many methods to clear up mild body acne without the need for dermatological treatment. Once you’ve identified the primary cause for your breakouts, you can opt for any of these acne-clearing techniques.
Stop using cosmetic products that clog your pores. Take a look at the hair and body products you’re regularly using. Cut down on those that contain:
- Oils
- Silicones
Instead, choose grooming products that state on the label that they are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.
Do your laundry more often. Cosmetic products, sweat, and dead skin cells might remain on clothes and other fabrics if you don’t wash them regularly. Make sure to keep the following items clean:
- Pillowcases
What Are The Common Causes Of Adult Acne
Hopefully, by now, you have understood that adult acne is a little different than the acnes we have in our teens. In fact, these are a bit more serious kind of acne that does not occur simply due to hormonal changes in body, so what are the most common causes of adult acne?
It is important to have a basic view of the factors responsible behind the occurrence of adult acne as that will help you prevent the acne. Listed below are the most common causes of adult acne.
- Pregnancy
- Having corticosteroid medications
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Body Acne And Hygiene
Poor hygiene doesn’t cause blemishes, but practicing good hygiene can help prevent acne — especially body acne. Acne forms when oil mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores, creating a breeding ground for bacteria . But cleansing your skin daily and exfoliating weekly can help prevent pores from becoming clogged.
Showering daily can help keep your skin clean and free of bacteria. Use a soft sponge and mild body wash and make sure you clean every part of your body — including hard-to-reach areas such as your back . Showering is especially important immediately after exercise or other activities that result in heavy perspiration. Also, make sure you gently exfoliate your skin at least once a week using a sponge and gentle scrub If you have oily skin, use a skin cleanser that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid — these ingredients gently exfoliate skin and help unclog pores .
But while cleansing is important, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Showering too frequently, scrubbing your skin too hard, bathing in hot water, or using harsh, antibacterial soaps can actually make your skin worse. Make sure you cleanse your skin no more than twice a day, and use warm water and gentle cleansers .
Hygiene may be an important factor, but it’s not the only one. Read on to learn how stress and diet affect body acne.
What Is Back Acne
Sometimes, large tender cysts can develop on the back. These may either burst or heal up without rupturing. Skin affected by acne may be tender to the touch, feel hot, or be painful.
The severity of back acne can vary. Grade 1, or mild acne, usually consist of a few blemishes and may include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Grade 4 acne is severe and is characterized by many spots or cysts.
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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.
Use Specially Formulated Cleansers
Take advantage of cleansers made specifically to fight bacne, like the CeraVe Salicylic Acid Body Wash . As the name suggests, this cleanser deposits salicylic acid wherever you need it most, leaving you feeling ultra-clean and helping you to fight acne all over your body. Another option is to use a benzoyl peroxidelaced wash, like PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash .
If body washes are more your style, try Murads Acne Body Wash, $44. The trifecta of salicylic acid, green tea, and licorice root extract reduces redness, soothes inflammation, and unclogs pores. If you’re still not seeing results with OTC products, ask your dermatologist about prescription-strength washes, too.
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Incorporate Probiotics Into Your Diet And Skin
Whether you add fermented foods like kimchi, miso, yogurt, and kefir, or take a daily supplement, probiotics can boost the health of the skin’s microbiome. “Taking an oral probiotic daily really does help to not only reset the gastrointestinal flora, but can actually help the skin flora as well,” says Engelman. Luckily, probiotic supplements are readily available thanks to brands like Olly and Tula , at a variety of price points.
What Are The Different Types Of Body Acne
While we often call all, red, pimple-like bumps found on our bodies acne, there are actually two main categories of pimples: acne and folliculitis.
Acne is an inflammation caused by a buildup of fatty substances secreted by your skins oil glands. Acne usually only develops on your face, upper chest and back, because these are the areas where these oil glands are concentrated.
Folliculitis, on the other hand, is an inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by staph bacteria, so it can occur anywhere hair follicles are found.
Distinguishing between body acne and folliculitis is important because although both involve inflammation of the hair follicles, they are driven by different factors, Moshiri says. Understanding what is causing the problem will help us better prevent it and deliver the most appropriate therapy, particularly in more severe cases.
Healthcare workers and athletes are particularly prone to folliculitis because staph bacteria are present in hospitals and gyms.
Other factors that lead to the formation of both acne and folliculitis include stress, diet, tight clothing, heavy makeup or moisturizers, hormones, pollution and poor hygiene.
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Sweat Does Not Cause Acne Directly
One of the reasons that back and body acne tends to get worse in the summer is due to an increase in sweating. To be clear, though, sweating doesnt cause acne directly it just makes it easier for acne to pop up. The beads of sweat on your skin provide the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria, dirt, and oil to stick to it and ultimately lead to breakouts.
Powerful Home Remedies For Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85% of young adults .
Conventional acne treatments like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide are proven to be the most effective acne solutions, but they can be expensive and have undesirable side effects, such as dryness, redness, and irritation.
This has prompted many people to look into remedies to cure acne naturally at home. In fact, one study found that 77% of acne patients had tried alternative acne treatments .
Many home remedies lack scientific backing, and further research on their effectiveness is needed. If youre looking for alternative treatments, though, there are still options you can try.
This article explores 13 popular home remedies for acne.
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Important Tips To Prevent And Treat Adult Acne Easily
The above-mentioned face masks using the natural ingredients to get your adult acne treated are great but in order to cure it permanently and to never let it occur again, you do need something extra. To be more specific, apart from the face masks, you also need to have an idea on what you eat, how you take care of your skin in general can help you greatly in preventing and treating adult acne and getting healthy and flawless skin easily.
Listed below are a few of the most essential tips that you should follow to prevent and treat adult acne easily.
Exfoliate your skin regularly to get rid of acne
You need to maintain a good skincare routine so that your skin is protected from all kinds of harshness all around. And, that skincare routine must include exfoliation of your skin. This is because exfoliating your skin helps in the top layer of the dead cells which often clogs the skin pores and lead to severe acne. It lets your skin breathe. In addition, exfoliation allows the anti-acne homemade facial masks to act on your acne more effectively thereby giving you faster results.
There are various exfoliation products available in the market but since it is best to go natural, you can easily make an exfoliating scrub using coconut oil and sugar or salt and use it on a daily basis.
Follow a low glycemic diet
Avoid consuming dairy products
Reduce the level of stress
Exercise regularly
Why Sweat & Heat Can Make You Break Out More
Shocking to no one, we tend to sweat more in the summer. The sweat itself doesnât create acne but instead contributes to the clogging of pores. âSweat, oil, and debris, when left on skin, can clog pores and become âfoodâ for acne-causing bacteria to flare up,â says Dr. Jenny Liu, FAAD. Instead of focusing on not sweating , focus on optimizing your routine to reduce the chance of breaking out.
As tempting as it may be to lounge around or run errands post workout, you should always shower after any physical activity to prevent the bacteria buildup that could cause acne. According to Dr. Fahs, âthe clothing youâre wearing, timing of your shower or the body products youâre applying onto your skin,â all factor into the acne that could ensue.
Post workout, you might also find yourself flushed and red. Dr. Orit Markowitz, New York based dermatologist and founder of OptiSkin, recommends carrying around a small, cold insulated pack to house a moisturizer and sunscreen. âOftentimes, flare-ups and flushed skin after working out is due to overheating,â Dr. Markowitz shares. âPost workout, you should rinse your face and apply a cold moisturizer and even a cold sunscreen over that to keep things less overheated on your face, which will in turn prevent flushing and acne.â
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Visit A Dermatologist Of Your Own
Our failsafe technique on how to get rid of back acne? Talk to a pro. If your back acne is progressing despite these measures, seek a board certified dermatologist. Your dermatologist can offer more aggressive treatment including prescription creams, short term antibiotics, hormonal therapy, extractions, peels, laser treatments, and even isotretinoin for the most severe cases of nodule-cystic acne to halt acne before it scars. A board-certified dermatologist can also recognize acne-imposters such as steroid folliculitis, fungal folliculitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa, says Dr. Laura Haygood.
Fewer But More Severe Lesions
Because the skin on the trunk contains less pores per square inch than facial skin, we often see fewer lesions on the trunk than on the face. However, pores on the body are larger, which often makes the lesions that develop on the body more severe.4,5
Another reason we might see less acne on the body compared to the face is because skin on the body is more acidic.6 Acne bacteria prefer less acidic environments.
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Washing And Moisturizing Your Skin
How To Treat Back Acne
You dont need a medical degree to tackle bacne, because the treatment for regular acne, folliculitis, and acne mechanica are pretty much the same. The same ingredients that help acne on your face, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, can help on body acne, too. Keeping the area clean and exfoliated is a given as well.
As with most things, prevention is far more effective than treatment, Finney says. Always make sure to shower as quickly as possible after working out and change into dry clothes to prevent sweat from sticking around on your skin . Keep using skincare products, like body washes and exfoliators, even after your bacne has cleared up to keep it from coming back. Acne-focused skincare can work wonders on mild to moderate cases of bacne, but if you have severe outbreaks or notice that its not going away despite treatment, see a dermatologist. There might be underlying issues like hormones or diet at play. But for now, start with these 17 best back acne treatments to help get rid of annoying bacne and prevent it in the future.
Dexterity issues be damned, a spray containing salicylic acid can help you treat hard-to-reach areas like your mid-back or between your shoulder blades. This version is a leave-on treatment, which means you spray it on after your shower and let it go to work without washing it off.
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Getting Help For Chronic Acne
