Acne is a common skin condition that plaques many teens and adults. While typically discussed in reference to facial acne, back acne can also occur. Back acne, popularly termed “bacne”, refers to the whiteheads, blackheads and skin cysts that develop on the back. While your back acne may be easier to cover up, it can still be a source of concern and embarrassment for many men and women.
What Causes Back Acne?
Back acne has the same culprits as facial acne, which include excess bacteria and oil productions, hormones and clogged pores (from dead skin cells). While you can’t do much about hormonal changes, you can eliminate the majority of back acne causes by maintain a clean, exfoliated back – something many people neglect to do. In addition, wearing tight shirts and excessive sweating can contribute to bacne.
How To Prevent or Lessen Breakouts on Your Back?
#1 Wash Your Back With an Acne-Fighting Soap – Consider purchasing a salicylic-based body wash for your back to avoid bacne, as this is a special chemical formula that can exfoliate your back skin and remove the dead skin cells that are causing your acne. You may also incorporate a body wash with benzoyl peroxide, which can fight acne-causing bacteria.
#2 Wear Breathable Fabrics – This is especially true when exercising or during times in which you anticipate excessive sweating on your back. Wearing breathable fabrics instead of tight spandex can keep extra sweat and oil off of your back and prevent acne flare-ups.
#3 Don’t Wait to Shower – If you’ve just exercised, try to make it to the shower sooner rather than later. The longer that oil and bacteria lingers on your back, the more susceptible you are to developing pimples back there.
#4 Exfoliate Often – At least once or twice a week, try to exfoliate your back. A scrub that contains tiny exfoliating beads 1 to 2 times a week, use a physical exfoliator or scrub that contains little exfoliating beads can go a long way in keeping bacne at bay. Your exfoliating frequency may depend on how sensitive skin is on your back.
#5 Choose Your Sunscreen Carefully – While it is easy to lather up with a regular body sunscreen on your back, you may want to consider a facial sunscreen for your back if you are prone to back acne. Your sunscreen needs to be “broad spectrum” but also oil-free. Most facial sunscreens are designed for acne-prone skin.
Treating Stubborn Bacne
If you have maintained the above mentioned steps and you still suffer from embarrassing acne on your back, a dermatologist can help. At Olansky Dermatology, we can determine if a prescription strength oral or topical antibiotic is suitable or if you are a candidate for a more advanced acne treatment. Our Atlanta office offers chemical peels as well as state-of-the-art Laser Treatments or Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy for unwanted acne. Call today to schedule your appointment, and say goodbye to ‘bacne” for good.
