How Do You Get Rid Of Back Acne
When looking at how to get rid of back acne, even small changes can make a difference.
If youre the type of man that likes to work out, try wearing looser clothing and make sure you shower after a workout. Letting sweat and dirt sit on your skin will make back acne worse.
There are other changes you can make, too. may not generally be caused by diet and lifestyle alone but these factors can have a dramatic impact, added Dr Quinn. Eating a healthy balanced diet and drinking lots of water can have a significant impact, as can cutting out alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.
Changing your shower gel may also help, as will choosing a skincare range that is oil-free. Its all about controlling the oil production and removing the dead skin.
How Can You Treatand Preventback Acne
Treating back acne can be a challenge, but there are some straightforward steps you can take at home that will help manage it, according to the American Academy of Dermatology . Heres how to get rid of back acne for good:
Look for benzoyl peroxide. Of all the over-the-counter acne medication options you have, the AAD suggests starting with benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient works by killing bacteria that fuel acne. The AAD recommends using a wash containing benzoyl peroxide by letting it sit on your skin for two to five minutes in the shower daily and then rinsing it off. They also suggest starting with a concentration of 5.3% and only going higher than that if a lower concentration isnt enough. Although the skin on your back isnt as sensitive as the skin on your face, high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects, so its still smart to start at a lower level and work your way up only if needed.
Products to try:
- Paulas Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment, $19,
- SLMD BP Body Wash, $35, Target
- PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10%, $11, Target
Products to try:
- La Roche Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1%, $30,
- Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1%, $12,
Products to try:
- Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash, $7, Target
- Murad Acne Body Wash, $44, Murad
- Dermaologica Clearing Skin Wash, $62, Ulta
Products to try:
When Should You See A Dermatologist For Back Acne
You can probably treat mild to moderate back acne at home with over-the-counter options. But if your acne is more severe, meaning you have deep, painful cysts, you should see a dermatologist for help. They may prescribe stronger medications, like prescription retinoids, that can help clear your acne.
If youre not sure if your acne is actually acne, you should also see your dermatologist. There are other skin conditions, including fungal acne, that can look a lot like regular acne but that require more specialized treatments.
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Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Cystic Acne Overnight
Cystic Acne Treatment: Antibiotics
If you see a dermatologist for cystic acneand experts agree that over-the-counter remedies are not sufficient for cystic pimplestheir first option will likely be an oral antibiotic, says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. Antibiotics attack the underlining bacteria that may be causing and perpetuating the acne.
The relief can be immediate. It works as an anti-inflammatory, says Mudgil. Tetracycline-type antibioticslike minocycline or doxycyclineare the most common choices. Some dermatologists also use topical antibiotics.
Make A Yoghurt And Cucumber Juice
Plain yoghurt is full of healing properties due to the lactic corrosive. It is full of natural acids, which will help to lighten the skin and reduce the look of scars similar to the way that lemon and lime juice work.
The yoghurt will also help to rejuvenate the skin, encouraging dead cells to shed so the new cells come through. This instantly reduces the look of the scarring.
Cucumber is also rich in nutrients not just water! It has vitamin C, which has already been linked to collagen repair.
It is also full of vitamins A and B1, which both help to reduce scarring, whether from injury or acne.
Due to the water in it, the vegetable is also revitalizing. The skin will soak up the moisture, also helping the repair of the collagen.
Making juice apply on the skin with the two is very easy. Start with the cucumber and make that into juice.
Then you can add yoghurt. You want to use plain yoghurt and not one of those with all the flavours.
The flavoured ones have a lot of extra sugars. Mixing the two together will create the glue that is then applied directly to your back acne scars.
Sit with the paste on for about 20 minutes, before washing it off with lukewarm water. If you are short on time, you can leave it on for a few minutes.
Having it on longer just helps the skin absorb all the healing properties to make really sure this is something that works.
Recommended Reading: How To Remove Fungal Acne
Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
Of course, the best way to get rid of scarring is not to let it happen in the first place.
Some of the methods above are great for preventing acne from forming at all, but can be used directly for acne.
They will reduce the inflammation and redness, and youre less likely to scratch or pop.
It is the popping of pimples that often causes scars to appear. The skin is fragile, and popping pimples lead to it tearing.
The best thing that you can do is prevent scars from forming at all by leaving your pimples to heal on their own, and they really will!
The only time you want to put your hands anywhere near your acne is when youre applying a healing ingredient.
Picking at your pimples is bad for you anyway not just for causing scarring. Your skin is more likely to get infected, and this can cause damage to lower layers.
Your acne will look worse, and you end up with deeper scars in the future.
Always try to avoid exposing your skin to the sun.
You only need 15 minutes of sun on your unprotected skin to get your recommended amount of vitamin D each day, and you should do that outside of the peak sun hours.
All other times, either cover your skin with clothing or through the use of sunscreen. This is especially important when it comes to scars. The sun will make scars look a lot worse than they really are.
The skin is less likely to colour at the same rate as your scars, making them stand out much more.
Is It Bad To Pick At Back Acne
Picking at acne anywhere on your body or face isnt advised because it can lead to an increased risk of infection by pushing bacteria deeper into the skin, cautioned Aslam. Additionally, squeezing your pimples can lead to more breakouts or acne scars.
If youre still tempted to prod at your body acne, you can take a page from our guide to teen acne and opt for an acne spot treatment such as Differin Gel or pimple patches like the popular Hero Cosmetics Invisible Mighty Patch. You can also book an appointment with your local board-certified dermatologist and ask them to evaluate your bacne and they can decide if your pimples should be popped or not.
Recommended Reading: What Is Acne Vulgaris Pictures
How Diet And Hygiene Contribute To Back Acne
You’ve probably heard that greasy foods can cause acne breakouts. While being around excessive amounts of oil can increase acne on your back, you’d have to be working as a fry cook to see such results. The Mayo Clinic says that eating greasy food has little to no effect on acne. Before you reach for your favorite snacks, though, keep this bit of trivia in mind: carbohydrates can worsen acne.
Hygiene can also play a role in the development of back acne, but not in the way you might expect. To understand what causes back acne, it helps to know that dirty and clean skin is equally prone to pimples. Oil, not dirt, causes acne. Scrub too frequently and your skin may develop more oil to compensate. Ignore your hygiene at your own risk, though oils will still build up and cause more back acne to break out. It’s all about finding a happy medium for your skin.
Cystic Acne Treatment: Topicals
Topical treatmentof either the prescription or over-the-counter varietyprobably will not resolve the deep-seated problem of cystic acne alone, but they can be helpful if prescribed with an oral medication.
The old standard therapy for inflammatory acne treatment is combined topical therapy with oral medications, said Melanie Palm, MD, a San Diego dermatologist and clinical professor at Scripps Encinitas Memorial Hospital. Benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics often go with anti-biotics or retinoids.
Cystic Acne Treatment: Good Skin Hygiene
The population who suffer the most from cystic acn3high school- and college-age malesare not exactly known for their cleanliness and skincare routines.
They work out a lot and have sweaty clothes against their skin, Friedler says. She recommends that men of prime acne age be mindful to change their workout clothes and use an antibacterial body wash.
Cystic Acne Treatment: Manage Medications
Palm said that certain medications can alter ones testosterone system, leading to acne flair ups. These include anabolic steroids, and hormone replacement .
Also Check: How To Clear Up Acne Prone Skin
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.
Back Acne Body Washes
1. “This cleanser is meant for your face, but it’s great for the back, too, especially if you’re starting on a new routine and want to experiment with what works,” says Dr. King. It’s gentle enough to use daily, but it has the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide that you can get over the counter so it’s really effective.
Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser, $5.39, drugstore.com
2. This creamy wash containing 3.5% benzoyl peroxide can be used as an everyday cleanser or as an occasional mask. Spread on a thin layer over your back and leave it on for five minutes to deeply penetrate each the blemish.
Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser & Mask, $6.79, soap.com
3. The thick consistency of this wash helps it cling onto excess dirt and oil to gently unclog pores. The 4% benzoyl peroxide formula is mild enough to use two or three times a day, but if you’re prone to dry skin, start with one application and gradually work your way up.
PanOxyl Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Creamy Wash, $11.99, walgreens.com
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Bad Acne On Face
Here Are A Few Tips On How To Get Rid Of Back Acne:
Change your sheets
Try your best to change your sheets about once a week or so. “Changing your sheets frequently is beneficial because dead skin cells and bacteria can easily accumulate on them throughout the night and irritate skin,” says Dr. Chimento.
Make over your morning routine
Your conditioner, your sunscreen , your body cream can all clog pores, causing you to get zits on your back. Luckily, a few easy tweaks to your get-ready routine can help slash your chances of one popping up.
When washing and conditioning, flip your hair to the front and rinse forward to avoid leaving shampoo and conditioner residue on your back and rinse your whole body thoroughly before stepping out of the shower. In summertime, it’s better to use lotions rather than creams because they have less oil content and rely more on water to hydrate the skin, so they’re less clogging. “Only use non-comedogenic creams and lotions: these products are specifically formulated with ingredients that won’t block pores,” Dr. Chimento says.
And when it’s time to apply sunscreen, choose one that is labeled “ultra-light” or “quick-dry” like La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid.
Swap out your clothing
Choose the right cleanser
Eat skin-friendly foods
Give your back extra love
See a dermatologist
When To See A Dermatologist
It can take time to see results from treatment. If treatment works, you may start to see results in six to eight weeks. Complete clearing can take three or four months.
If you dont see any difference in six to eight weeks, you may need a dermatologists help. With a dermatologists help, virtually every type of acne can be successfully treated.
Have a skin, hair, or nail problem?
Discover the benefits of seeing a dermatologist.
ReferencesBikowski J. A review of the safety and efficacy of benzoyl peroxide emollient foam in the management of truncal acne vulgaris. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 3:26-9.
Brand B, Gilbert R, et al. Cumulative irritancy comparison of adapalene gel 0.1% versus other retinoid products when applied in combination with topical antimicrobial agents. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 49:S227-32.
Del Rosso JQ. Management of truncal acne vulgaris: current perspectives on treatment. Cutis. 2006 May 77:285-9.
Eichenfield LF, Andrew C. Krakowski AC, et al. Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Acne. Pediatrics. 2013 131 Suppl 3:S163-86.
Leyden JJ, Del Rosso JQ. The effect of benzoyl peroxide 9.8% emollient foam on reduction of Propionibacterium acnes on the back using a short contact therapy approach. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012 11:830-3.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Hypertrophic Acne Scars
Do I Need To Treat Bacne Differently Than I Do With The Stuff On My Face
Yes and no! Because acne forms the same way, no matter where it crops up, your favorite skin-care products can pull double-duty on pimples that appear south of your neck. But unless youre particularly flexible, it can be tough to reach a zit right in the middle of your back.
Luckily, they make sprays for that, dermatologist Dandy Engleman points out. She recommends looking for products that contain one of the two big acne-fighters: benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. The latter, she says, is especially effective because it dissolves your skins keratin. It actually can penetrate into the pore to dissolve dead skin-cell buildup, she explains. Both ingredients also help your skin shed its top layer, which helps keeps your pores clear and free from future breakouts.
Dr. Lamees Hamdan recommends investing in a wash cloth or scrubber with an arm long enough to reach your back, and replacing it every month if you can. And Zeichner points out that its crucial to let whatever product youre using have enough time to penetrate your skin.
You should apply your cleanser, let it sit, lather it up while you sing the alphabet, then rinse off, he says. He particularly likes products with benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation around the infected pore. And if youre applying a topical product after you shower, let it dry before getting dressed salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can both bleach clothing.
Wear Clothing That Breathes
“Any skin irritation can exacerbate outbreaks. Its important to stay away from tight clothing to minimize friction, especially when perspiring. Certain materials, like those that absorb sweat from the skin, will also reduce irritation. Lighter colors and cotton are ideal, especially during workouts,” says Day.
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Cystic Acne Treatment: Surgery
After you have already treated your cystic acne, you may be left with scarring, if the swelling or lesions were severe enough. Few acne scars are severe enough to warrant surgery, says Larry Linkov of City Facial Plastics in Manhattan. Its not terribly common, he says. Only one time, Ive been asked to do acne.
There are a variety of minimally invasive surgeries, says Linkov. He has used microneedling, a dermaroller procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin, which has smooth out small scars and abrasions. Its like sandpapering the area, Linkov says. Occasionally, cosmetic surgeons use dermal fillers in this progress.
Facial chemical peels and laser resurfacing are also effective in eliminating the blemishes left by cystic acne. Usually a localized scar that doesnt go very deep, he says. Were not having to make any massive incisions.
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.
Read Also: Which Cleanser Is Best For Acne
