Most people have relatively well-formed opinions about how to handle the average face pimple. Whether you’re devoted to retinols, double cleanse like your life depends on it, or resort to picking and popping, you likely have a game plan developed. Less talked about however, is body acne.
Today, we’re going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about back acne and provide you with tips to help combat your bacne so you can feel confident all summer long.
WHAT IS BACNE?
Back acne is simply put as acne on your back. Bacne is actually very common since the skin on the back and shoulders have large, oily pores that are prone to clogs. High levels of oil production get trapped within the pores, promoting an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria and inflammation and resulting in bacne.
COMMON CAUSES OF ACNE
A lot of acne, however, is caused by internal factors, just as it is external factors.
1. GENETICS
If you have trouble with acne the connection could be linked to acne being common in your family.
2. MEDICATIONS
Acne can develop as a side effect from certain medicines, such as specific antidepressants. Have your doctor review your medications to see which could be potentially affecting your acne.
3. HORMONES
Hormonal changes during the teenage years are often the main cause of acne. For woman post-puberty, pimple breakouts can be linked to hormonal changes that happen during menstruation or pregnancy.
4. SWEAT
It is extremely important to shower after working out or doing any activity that makes you sweat. Sweat can get trapped under clothing and make acne worse.
5. STRESS
Stress isn’t a direct cause of acne, but it is a contributing factor in a lot of cases.
6. DIET
The foods that you put into your body can widely impact your skin. Limit your intake of foods such as dairy products, fast food, and refined grains and sugars.
DO I NEED TO TREAT BACNE DIFFERENTLY THAN I DO FACE ACNE?
Yes and no! Because acne forms the same way, no matter where it is, your favorite skin-care products can pull double-duty on pimples that are on your body too. We recommend ditching the loofah, as it could be harboring some serious bacteria and investing in a pH-balanced, salicylic acid cleanser specifically for body breakouts.
HOW TO TREAT BACNE
There are multiple habits you can start incorporating into your daily routine to help fight your bacne, such as:
1. SHOWER AFTER A WORKOUT
Letting the sweat and dirt sit on your skin after a workout can be a big contributor to back acne. Shower as soon as you can after a workout and wash those sweaty workout clothes between sweat sessions.
2. WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING
Tight clothing can trap dirt and sweat and rub it into your pores. Working out with no shirt on against a sweaty gym machine or on a dirty floor can also cause problems. Go for loose-fitting clothing that lets your skin breathe and helps wick away sweat.
3. KEEP HAIR OFF YOUR BACK
Long hair may be adding unnecessary oil and dirt to the skin on your back, causing acne outbreaks. Wash your hair regularly and put it in a bun or ponytail during sweat sessions.
PRO TIP: Wash your body last in the shower. Ingredients in shampoo and conditioner can contribute to clogged pores.
4. EXFOLIATE
You can’t scrub away acne, but gentle exfoliation (key word: gentle) can be a helpful way to remove it. Whether it’s a physical exfoliation or a chemical exfoliation, we recommend exfoliating 1-2 times a week.
When it comes to chemical exfoliants, there are two key ingredients to look for. Both beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for chemical exfoliation of the skin. They dissolve the bonds that hold dull, dead skin cells on the surface so the skin will gently shed, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. The difference is that while AHAs are water soluble and work on the surface of the skin, BHAs are oil soluble and can penetrate pores, so they are able to work on the surface of the skin as well as inside the pore. We recommend trying out the ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser!
If your skin is red and inflamed, however, avoid exfoliating since you can disrupt your skin barrier and make that inflammation worse.
Image via zoskinhealth.com
5. CHOOSE SUNSCREEN CAREFULLY
Protecting your skin from sun damage is important, especially if you’re exposing your bare back. Greasy sunscreen, however, can be a contributing factor to clogged pores. Make sure to choose products that are oil-free and light on the skin.
6. EAT HEALTHY
An unhealthy diet can affect our bodies in a variety of ways and if you’re prone to acne, certain foods could be triggers. Research shows that foods high on the glycemic index (GI), meaning they cause your blood sugar to rise quickly, may worsen acne. These foods include white bread, white pasta, white rice and white potatoes.
It’s a good healthy habit to practice eating a healthy, balanced diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains.
BEST PRODUCTS FOR BACNE
The best products to use for bacne are those that contain one of the two big acne-fighters: benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is especially effective because it dissolves your skin’s keratin. It can penetrate the pores to dissolve dead skin-cell buildup. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation around the infected pores. Both ingredients also help your skin shed its top layer, which helps keep your pores clear and free from future breakouts.
A few products we recommend trying:
BEST TREATMENTS FOR BACNE
At SKN BAR RX, we offer a variety of body treatments that help with combatting acne:
1. Microdermabrasion
This wonderful exfoliation treatment manually exfoliates dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin, promoting cell regeneration and improving overall health of the skin.
2. HydraFacial
Your skin will be left glowing and radiant after this non-invasive personalized treatment that exfoliates and loosens the bonds between dead skin cells to completely remove pore clogging build-up.
3. Chemical Peels
There are multiple chemical peels SKN BAR Rx offers to help achieve results focused on your body goals.
Schedule your Ultraceuticals Customized Facial treatment for body today.
4. Acne Laser
This treatment targets breakouts and acne without the use of creams or prescription products, leaving you with an overall clearer and brighter complexion.
LET’S COMBAT BACNE TOGETHER
We know back acne can be uncomfortable, painful and an insecurity during the summer season. Follow our tips and you’ll be able to throw on your new swimsuit, this summer turning your back on acne.
Taylor
Licensed Aesthetician, SKN BAR Rx
