Are Pore Strips The Best Acne Treatment For Blackheads
Pore strips, whether purchased over the counter or created at home, use an adhesive to cling to the impurities blocking the pore and ultimately remove the plug. Pore strips do remove pore plugs and dead surface skin cells, but they won’t prevent blackheads from returning. Immediately after using them, your pores will shrink and appear smaller.
Cover Up With The Best Foundation For Acne Prone Skin
When you need your pimples to disappear in a pinch, you may have to get a little creative. Using foundation won’t make your zits go away, but it can temporarily cover them up. Regular foundation can help smooth your skin and even out skin tone. Using the best foundation for acne prone skin can also provide a much needed emotional boost from looking your best. After cleansing and moisturizing, use a foundation designed for combination or oily skin to prevent acne. Make sure it’s labeled “non-acnegenic” and “non-comedogenic.”
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
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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!
Why Am I Getting Acne On My Back

Genetics, some medications, hormones, overall increased oil production that clogs the poresthe causes of back acne are the same as the causes of acne that you find on your face. But one additional factor that plays a huge role in the kind you find on your back, as Dr. Rabach points out, is sweat. “I also see a lot of people with sweat-induced acne from exercising and staying in sweaty clothes,” Dr. Rabach explains. If that sounds like you, try changing out of any damp clothes as soon as you finish working out, and see if that helps reduce your zit frequency. If not, keep reading!
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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.
How Can I Get Rid Of Body Acne
Wear natural fibres that are breathable and avoid itchy, tight ones recommends Xu.
Be sure to change your sheets and pillow cases regularly as these can collect oil, dead skin cells, bacteria and residue from hair, skin and body products. Opt for a moisturiser thats oil free, like Cetaphil moisturising lotion as this wont aggravate your bacne.
Washing your hair more regularly or showering straight after the gym may be simple fixes but for that pesky bacne, ch-acne or n-acne that just wont seem to go away, you should look out for products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid or tea tree oil.
Salicylic acid is a BHA that acts as a chemical exfoliant to unclog pores deeper than the surface. Benzoyl peroxide dries out the skin and kills bacteria but may bleach clothing or sheets.
Glycolic acid gently targets the surface layer of your skin to remove dead skin and increase cell turn over. Tea tree oil works as an antiseptic. Scrubs and buffers can be too abrasive and may actually aggravate the spots and make them more inflamed and long-lasting.
Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, Consultant Dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic advises that Everyones skin will respond in a slightly different way to each of these approaches and getting the right product for you can make a big difference.
For clearer and smoother skin from head to toe, weve gathered the best at home treatments and products to banish body blemishes.
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Otc Treatment For Back Acne That Works
OTC stands for over-the-counter. Its medical jargon that means any treatment that you can buy without a prescription.
Studies show that the following OTC acne products can help clear mild back acne when used along with acne-friendly skin care:
Benzoyl peroxide : This helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Used daily, it can help control back acne and reduce flares.
Benzoyl peroxide needs time to work
Studies show that benzoyl peroxide works best if left on the back for two to five minutes.
Letting the benzoyl peroxide sit on your skin for a few minutes has two advantages.
This approach helps the medicine penetrate your skin. Skin is thicker on the back than on the face.
Rinsing it off prevents bleached clothes, sheets, and towels. Benzoyl peroxide is known to bleach fabrics.
Youll find OTC benzoyl peroxide foaming washes in different strengths. Using a product that contains 5.3% benzoyl peroxide is less likely to cause irritated skin, dryness, or peeling.
If you feel that you need stronger medicine, you can start with a foaming wash that contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. Thats the strongest concentration of benzoyl peroxide that you can buy without a prescription.
Retinoid : Using this along with benzoyl peroxide can improve your results. This OTC retinoid can help unclog pores, which will help the benzoyl peroxide work better.
Dermatologists recommend applying adapalene after you shower or before going to bed. Again, you want to apply it daily.
Best Prescription Options For Getting Rid Of Back Acne
If your back acne does not respond to OTC products, it is time to consult a doctor or dermatologist who will prescribe a stronger medication.
Some common prescription options are retinoic acid, isotretinoin and adapalene, all of which are retinoids that calm acne flare-ups and reduce inflammation. If you have severely inflamed, cystic acne you may also be prescribed antibiotics.
If your acne is caused by hormones, it can be managed with combined oral contraceptives, a certain class of birth control pills. Another treatment for hormonal acne is spironolactone, an anti-androgen that reduces sebum production.
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How To Get Rid Of Back Acne: Try Benzoyl Peroxide
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Another effective acne-fighting ingredient to seek out in your products? Benzoyl peroxide. You can use it to kill acne-causing bacteria and find it in washes and topical creams, like this one with a five percent concentrationbut theres one small catch. Benzoyl peroxide is notorious for bleaching clothing, towels, and sheets. For this reason, Dr. Rabach recommends sticking with some of the other exfoliating ingredients mentioned. That said if youre willing to give it a shot, stick with white fabrics when treating acne on your back.
Use The Right Products
While testing out different products over the past few weeks, there are seven standouts that actually help to treat and improve the look of my breakout. I have faith that before the end of the summer, these go-tos listed below will help banish my bacne once and for all. Use everything in moderation as you dont want to overmedicate and make matters worse.
Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Wash with Glycerin
This was one of the first products I tested when I started to treat my bacne breakout, and Im glad I did. After about two days, I began to see a reduction in inflammation. I’m pretty sure it has a lot to do with the salicylic acid within the formulation. Another plus is that its gentle enough to use all over my body. Now, I have been using it every morning and will need to restock soon.
Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Wash with Glycerin, $6, target.com
SheaMoisture African Black Soap & Bamboo Charcoal Scrub
I am starting to believe a good scrub every other day will keep the derms away. This exfoliating black soap and bamboo mix truly seems godsent. It isnt overly grainy like some scrubs can be, and it helps to buff away excess oil, dead skin, and any other pimple debris. The raw shea moisture also assists in keeping the skin on my back from drying out.
SheaMoisture African Black Soap & Bamboo Charcoal Scrub, $12, ulta.com
AcneFree Body Clearing Acne Treatment Spray for Body and Back Acne
AcneFree Body Clearing Acne Treatment Spray for Body and Back Acne, $11 amazon.com
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The Best Body Acne Treatments To Get Rid Of Breakouts
Not all body acne will clear up at the same paceor respond to the same treatment. The closer to your face, the easier the acne is to treat,” says Peredo. For example, the acne on your chest and upper back will be easier to get rid of than on your lower back and buttocks. It’s a matter of physiology. Because the lower half of the body has relatively slower circulation , acne there is slower to heal.
Then there are a few primary ingredients to choose from. While benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the most common ingredients for fighting acne on your body and face alike, there are differences between the two. If you have sensitive skin, salicylic acid is a better choice since it is better tolerated than benzoyl peroxide,” Peredo says. Benzoyl peroxide is best suited for people with normal and less sensitive skin. However, salicylic acid is still an exfoliant, and may not be doable if your skin is really reactive or sensitive. If that’s indeed the case, consider sodium hypochlorite, which is safe enough for all skin types, even those prone to eczema.
With that in mind, we asked derms and editors to share their favorite over-the-counter body acne treatments. Here are the products they say get the job done.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
What Are The Symptoms Of Acne

Acne signs vary depending on the severity of your condition:
- Whiteheads
- Small red, tender bumps
- Pimples , which are papules with pus at their tips
- Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin
- Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin
Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.
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Ask Your Doctor About Acne Medications
If you have persistent pimples, you may want to ask your doctor about available prescriptions and whether they might be a good fit for you. There are several FDA-approved oral and topical medications on the market that could help improve your skin, such as minocycline, spironolactone, and isotretinoin. We’ll discuss these prescription medications and more later on.
When Should I Visit Us Dermatology Partners For Bacne Treatment
Anyone who has acne should partner with a dermatologist to create an ongoing maintenance care plan, and they should schedule an appointment at least once or twice a year to follow up on their skin condition and avoid more severe breakouts. Additionally, patients with back acne should schedule a visit at U.S. Dermatology Partners anytime they have a breakout that is painful or lasts several weeks. We are happy to welcome patients back to our office locations, and you can schedule an in-person visit using our simple appointment request form.
We understand that some patients are not ready to venture out quite yet, so patients can also schedule a virtual consultation visit, starting with an online request form. These consultations are great if you just need to touch base with your dermatologist about your ongoing bacne care plan. Virtual consultations are also beneficial if you want to chat with a dermatologist about your condition to find out whether or not in-office treatment is necessary. Whichever type of appointment you schedule, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Murad Acne Clarifying Body Spray
A 360 degree acne treatment spray that works at any angle to fight breakouts wherever they occur. This product contains salicylic acid, which penetrates pores to help clear up acne and prevent new acne from forming, while menthol cools and comforts irritated skin for an overall soothing effect, and blue lotus extract purifies pores.
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser delivers the efficacy of maximum-strength benzoyl peroxide, but with less irritation and dryness. The formula is ideal for those seeking a deep, powerful cleanse that wont strip their skin. It contains 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, which is just as effective as 10 percent benzoyl peroxide.
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Tip #: Pick Your Body Moisturizer Wisely
As with your shower gel, it could be time to swap out your body moisturizer for something that has oily skin in mind. “Theres no need to apply thick butters or oils to moisturize the skin,” says Dr. Ejikeme. “Instead, opt for lightweight products labeled non-comedogenic, which means they wont clog pores.” Try Oskia Renaissance Body Treatment Milk featuring a barely-there consistency that sinks straight into skin to deliver a hefty hit of hydration with nutrients and bio-actives.
“The same rule applies for SPF: seek out fragrance-free, oil-free, and matte formulations,” Dr. Ejikeme adds.
Our beauty editors recommend…
Oskia Renaissance Body Treatment Milk
This lightweight, nourishing body lotion has fermented actives and nutrients to not only hydrate against dryness, but also works against fine lines and wrinkles. A premium option well worth the spend.
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.
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Best Skin Care Products For Treating And Preventing Back Acne
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Acne can pop up on the face, chest, scalp and back the latter popularly called bacne. Bacne, in particular, occurs because friction from clothing combined with dead skin cells, bacteria and sebum can “inflame pores” and lead to pimples, explained board-certified dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD it doesnt help anything that clothes cover a “dense collection” of sweat glands on the back.
SKIP AHEAD Best bacne treatments
While bacne looks similar to acne on the face, back acne tends to be “more severe” than face acne, said board-certified dermatologist Imran Aslam, MD. Since back skin is often thicker than face skin, its pores and hair follicles are typically larger, too, so congestion can lead to inflammation and possibly infection more rapidly and sizably. Given the similarities between back acne and face acne, board-certified dermatologist Gretchen Frieling, MD, advised using the two below anti-acne ingredients:
Cortisone Cream Or Injection

Cortisone cream fights inflammation and is one of the acne remedies that can help prevent scarring from worsening. Available over the counter, cortisone cream can be applied directly to inflamed acne lesions to reduce swelling and redness. A doctor can also inject cortisone into a deeper acne cyst or lesion to shrink it and help prevent scarring.
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