Back acne can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, especially during these hot summer months. Back acne is a result of an accumulation of dead skin cells and oil within the pores in the skin. It can be combined with an overgrowth of bacteria which triggers an inflammatory response that can turn into whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. If you are struggling with this, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of developing this or if you already struggle with it, to help treat it.
1. Use medical grade products to treat your back acne. Regular body washes aren’t strong enough to help with body acne. To have a real effect, it is best to have a medicated body cleanser, preferably with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide that can unclog your skin pores and kill bacteria.
2. Shower regularly and clean your skin. Look for body washes that say “noncomedogenic” or “oil free” on the package to avoid clogging your pores. Avoid antibacterial soaps, astringents, fragrance, and abrasive scrubs that can make your acne worse. Be gentle while cleansing your skin; harsh scrubs, loofas, washcloths and exfoliators can damage the protective layer of the skin and make acne worse. Speaking of washcloths, did you know the first bullet of information the acne society (a professional group of Dermatologists) will tell you is to ditch the washcloths for any cases of acne, whether it may be your body or face. Washcloths are damaging to the skin and completely unnecessary.
3. Eliminate pressure and friction on your back, because anything that increases sweating on your back such as backpacks or sports gear can lead to worsening back acne. If you must wear sports equipment, try not to wear the item longer than needed or wear a clean cotton T-shirt underneath.
4. Speaking of clean clothes, dirty clothes are a harbor for sweat, oil, and dirt. It is best to wear loose clothing during exercise and remove sweaty clothing directly after a workout. Shower immediately after your workout, if possible. If you are unable to shower, use a medical-grade oil-free cleansing wipe to remove as much sweat as possible. The latest studies show that makeup wipes actually contribute to acne, not help it due to non-medical-grade additives, so make sure you purchase a medical-grade wipe such as PCASkin.
5. Wash your sheets weekly. Although you may not feel like you sweat and shed dead skin cells when you sleep, YOU DO. An easy tip is to purchase an extra set of sheets so you can alternate and easily wash them weekly.
6. Don’t squeeze or scratch back acne. Squeezing acne can worsen the acne, along with causing damage to the skin, all of which can lead to hyperpigmentation.
7. Avoid excessive sun exposure. This can darken acne and trigger scars on your back from acne. Wear sunscreen if your back is exposed and reapply it as directed. This not only can improve acne, but it will protect your skin from sun damage and skin cancer.
We are now offering back facials at DHH Med Spa and you have choice of a regular medical grade back facial or a DiamondGlow back facial. The regular back facial treatment will consist of steam, a deep cleanse, a customized exfoliation mask, and extractions (if needed), followed with finishing products specific for your skin. The DiamondGlow back facial will exfoliate, extract, and infuse your skin with a customized serum targeting your concerns. Both back treatments are customizable treatments for your skin and can be received monthly to prevent and treat acne. Skin is still skin, whether it is on your face or back; acne is uncomfortable, and it doesn’t discriminate. Treat the skin on your back the same way you would treat skin on your face.
