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Best Ways of Treating Back Acne

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Back acne, which we sometimes jokingly call “bacne,” can be particularly bothersome this time of year.  Black spots, pimples and pus bumps on your back are never cute, especially when you’re trying to rock a halter top or bikini.  Let’s talk about the best ways of treating back acne!

 


What Causes Back Acne?

Back acne is very common among teenagers, but unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there.  I find that many of my adult patients also go through bouts of back acne from time to time.  Back acne can be caused by hormonal changes which increase your sebum (oil production) on your back.  The increased oil on your back, mixed with bacteria, and with shed skin cells that clog your pores, can lead to inflammation and back acne.

 

The hormonal connection with back acne is real!  I never suffered from back acne until after I had my first child.  A few months after he was born, my back looked like a confetti-explosion of pimples and dark spots.  Benzoyl peroxides became my best friend—but more on that later.

 

Types of Back Acne

There are several types of back acne.  Some people have small pimples (comedones)—white-heads, black-heads or a combination of the two.  Your back acne might also look more inflamed, with red pimples and bumps on the skin.

 

treating back acne

Kundu, R et al. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Jun 15;87(12):850-856.

 

If you’ve got deep, painful cysts or pimples on your back (or anywhere), it’s probably best to forego treating your back acne on your own.  You should go to a dermatologist immediately, as you might need prescription medications to help avoid scarring.

 

Best Ways of Treating Back Acne

 

Benzoyl Peroxide Washes

Benzoyl peroxide washes help to kill the bacteria that causes acne and can be very effective for treating back acne.  Benzoyl peroxide washes come in a range of strengths, but I usually recommend starting with 4 or 5% benzoyl peroxide, since higher strengths can be drying or irritating for some people.  You can always work your way up if your acne requires something stronger.  There are a TON of brands of benzoyl peroxide washes.  PanOxyl 4% Creamy Wash can be very effective, has a good price point and works well for treating back acne.

If you’re going to use a benzoyl peroxide wash for treating back acne, you should let it sit on for 2-5 minutes before you rinse it off, so the medication has a chance to penetrate.  Also rinse well, as they can bleach fabrics.

 

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a type of Beta Hydroxy Acid.  It works by being able to penetrate deep into your skin pores to dissolve the debris that can clog your pores and cause acne.  Salicylic acid is also helpful at treating back acne because it can decrease the inflammation that leads to acne.  It also helps to exfoliate the skin.  A good salicylic acid wash for treating back acne is Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Wash, which contains 2% salicylic acid.

 

Retinoids

Dermatologists love retinoids.  They help clear acne and can even help prevent some wrinkles and aging skin.  For treating back acne, a good retinoid to try is adapalene.  Differin Gel, which contains adapalene, can be effective for treating back acne because it works to help unclog your pores and decrease the inflammation in your skin.  Besides treating back acne, Differin gel is also often used for treating acne on the face.

Many people wonder how they’ll get products on their backs.  If your mobility is limited and you can’t reach your back, there are medication and lotion applicators that can help you get to those hard-to-reach spots so that you can treat your back acne.

 

 

Other Tips for Treating Back Acne

  • If you work out, wear lose fitting clothing in breathable fabrics like cotton or a moisture-wicking fabric.
  • After you work out or sweat, be sure to take a shower to clean off the excess oil and sweat from your skin.
  • Wash your work out clothes after every use.  (seems obvious…but….)
  • Don’t scrub your back aggressively!  You’ll only irritate it.  A gentle circular cleansing motion with your hand or a soft towel is all that you really need.
  • Use oil-free and non-comedogenic body lotions and sunscreens.  They won’t clog your pores and worsen your back acne.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen if your back will be exposed! Here’s some information on how to pick a sunscreen for your skin type.
  • Don’t pick at your pimples.  Picking will make you more likely to get a dark spot.  If you’ve got dark spots, consider treating them with a product like Ambi Fade Cream, which can be very helpful in fading dark spots.   Check out this post for more information on the best ways of treating dark spots.

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