How To Get Rid Of Back Acne: What You Need To Know

Acne on your back can be uncomfortable and distressing. It can impact the type of clothing you wear, and even prevent you from carrying out certain activities such as swimming if you feel self-conscious about how it looks.

The good news is that there are ways to help. One of the most common questions about the back is how to get rid of back acne. You can do many different things to treat acne, from home remedies to medical treatments.

Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s often a matter of trial and error before you find what works for you. If you’re experiencing acne that won’t go away no matter what home remedies you’ve tried, it might be time to speak to a healthcare professional. A licensed pharmacist can offer a consultation to find the best back acne treatment for you.

What Is Back Acne?

Acne isn’t an issue that just affects your face - it can appear on other parts of your body too. Your chest, shoulders, and especially your back can all be impacted by acne. It’s called back acne, or some people refer to it as ‘bacne’ when you have acne on your back. It’s very common and can happen to anyone.

Like your face, the skin on your back has many oil glands. These can easily get blocked by a combination of oil (also called sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria in your pores. These all contribute to acne forming.

Your back is harder to reach than almost anywhere else on your body, so it can be tricky to keep it clean. This can make the problem worse. The good news is that with the right care and back acne treatment, you can help clear it up.

What Causes Back Acne?

So, what causes back acne? There are a whole range of different reasons why you may get acne on your back. One of the most common reasons is hormonal changes. These changes can happen at many different times in your life - during puberty, your period, or even because of certain medical conditions. Hormones can impact your oil glands, making them more active. The more active they are, the more oil they produce, which can lead to more frequent breakouts.

Then there’s genetics. If your parents had acne when they were younger, you may be more likely to get it too. Some medications could also increase the chance of you developing acne.

Aspects of your lifestyle can also make you more likely to develop back acne. If you don’t shower often enough, dirt and oil can quickly accumulate, or if you use thick body butters, pores can easily clog and lead to breakouts. Even your diet may play a small role - you may find that sugary or greasy foods make things worse.

Finally, stress can also cause you to break out too. This can lead to more stress, which can lead to more acne. It can be a horrible cycle. Everyone’s skin is different, so what causes your acne might be a combination of factors.

Best Treatments For Back Acne

Luckily, there are a variety of different treatments out there for back acne. The best one for you will depend on how severe your acne is, and you may find that you need to use a combination of different things to help improve your skin.

If you experience mild back acne, you might find that over the counter products are enough to tackle it. Products containing keratolytics like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help unblock pores, remove dead skin and even reduce bacteria.

A GP or dermatologist may suggest a topical retinoid if your acne is more stubborn. This works by encouraging your skin to shed dead cells more easily and it stops new spots from forming. To learn more about topical retinoids, check out the Differin product page.

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If your acne is more inflamed, red and sore, antibiotics may help calm this. Your pharmacist may recommend topical antibiotics or antibiotic tablets if necessary. Sometimes you may need a mix of different treatments to really beat the acne. Combination products may include both a retinoid and an antibiotic to work together.

If your skin doesn’t get on with stronger treatments, you may find azelaic acid to be an effective choice. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects and can also help fade marks left behind by spots.

You should always follow your healthcare provider’s advice to find the right option for your skin. And again, it may often be a case of trial and error until you find the treatment that works for you.

Home Remedies For Back Acne

You may also decide to try some home remedies to treat back acne.

Popular options include using:

• Tea tree oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Aloe vera
• Honey

Some of these ingredients have natural anti-bacterial or other spot-busting effects, but it’s important to remember that there’s limited clinical evidence to support their use.

As well as primarily being based on anecdotal evidence, some home remedies might make your skin worse. For example, apple cider vinegar is very acidic and can cause burning or dryness on sensitive skin.

It is okay to try home remedies, but realistically, they might not be powerful enough to tackle more severe acne. Overall, medical treatments are generally safer and more effective. If your back acne doesn’t improve or gets worse, you should speak to a pharmacist or GP so that they can prescribe specialised acne medication.

How To Prevent Back Acne

While not all back acne can be prevented, there are many things you can do to reduce the likelihood of it appearing. For starters, good hygiene is incredibly important. You should aim to shower daily, especially after you’ve sweated. Washing with gentle products that are labelled ‘non-comedogenic’ means they won’t clog your pores. You can also remove dead skin using a soft back brush - but make sure you don’t scrub too hard.

You may not think about it, but habits around exercising can also make a difference. For example, if tight clothes rubbing on your skin can cause back acne, wearing loose breathable clothes may help prevent it. Make sure you shower after you sweat and keep your hair clean if it’s long enough to touch your back.

As well as this, your diet could play a part in the development of back acne too. The link isn’t entirely clear, but you might notice that sugary or greasy foods make your acne worse. Cutting down on these could help improve things. Drinking plenty of water and keeping your diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables is always a good thing for your skin and overall health.

Lastly, don’t pick or squeeze spots, as this can cause scarring.

How To Get Rid Of Back Acne Scars

Scars from back acne are common, especially if you pick at or squeeze the spots. Luckily, some treatments can help minimise scarring by fading the scars or preventing them from appearing in the first place.

Treatment options include:

• Azelaic acid
• Retinoids
• Chemical peels
• Laser therapy
• Microneedling

The last three all need to be carried out by a skin specialist and are usually part of a facial treatment. Long-lasting scars may need professional advice, so it’s important to speak to a licensed pharmacist or GP if you’re concerned.

Always Remember...

It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any acne medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs.

Say Goodbye To Back Acne With Support From The Independent Pharmacy

Many people experience back acne in their lives, so you’re not alone. You may get it at any age, and it can be mild with a few small spots, or severe with large, painful, inflamed breakouts. While it can be distressing, you don’t have to live with it. With the right support, you can manage your back acne easily and safely.

Self-care steps like making sure your skin is always clean, not wearing tight clothing and always using gentle skincare products can make a big difference to your back acne. Mild cases may be tackled by home remedies, but medical treatments are typically more effective.

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Are you looking for treatment for your back acne? Unsure which might work for you? Start your acne consultation today. Our pharmacists will review your symptoms and recommend suitable treatment options. We’ll provide clear advice to help you manage your back acne.