You may have the cutest backless dress, but if you have back acne, you may not feel motivated enough to carry it off. Leave it to the scorching heat and long days spent in our lightest layers to remind us that summer only exacerbates body acne. But let’s get something out of the way first: There’s nothing wrong with back acne. It’s actually quite common, so you are not alone! Capeesh? With that being said, it’s probably safe to assume that you’d rather get rid of it than keep it, right?
Bring on the tank tops and backless dresses ‘coz we are ready to fight back! To help you guide through the rest of summer and beyond, we break down what body acne is and how to combat it for smoother, clearer skin all over!
What Causes Back Acne?
Back acne is acne that occurs on your back. It can appear in the form of bumps, blackheads, or whiteheads as well as more severe cystic acne. Bacne is mostly caused when dead skin cells, dirt particles, and the body’s natural oil get trapped within the follicle and that creates a blockage. In addition to this, there are lifestyle factors that can contribute to outbreaks, such as hormones and excessive sweating. Back acne is more probable during the summer, as the bacteria that causes acne thrives in moist, damp conditions. It means keeping your sweaty sports gear on for long durations can be a problem. Even having long hair can cause back acne because the oil and grease from your long locks can be deposited on your back, Grim. Even so, there are simple ways to curb the problem – and we’ve put them together below!
8 Ways To Combat Back Acne Once And For All
Exfoliate Regularly
Just like our faces, our upper torso, and back have more sebaceous glands than any other area of the body, which means it produces more of the skin’s natural oil, increasing the likelihood of developing acne in these areas. Therefore, exfoliating regularly is important to slough off dead skin cells as that pile up can aggravate acne.
Spot-Treat Back Acne
Masks and spot treatments aren’t just for your face, but they are a surefire way to treat back acne, too. Use a mask with ingredients such as camphor, tea tree oil, sulfur, or salicylic acid. Alternatively, using the same spot treatment as the one you use for your face can also do the trick.
Use Targeted Body Washes
If your skin is prone to back acne, switch to shower gels and body washes that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tea tree oil. Products containing AHAs are key here as they prevent the buildup of excess dead skin cells, which can clog pores.
Wear Clothing That Breathes
Any skin irritation like sweat can exacerbate acne. It’s important to stay away from tight clothing to minimise friction, especially when perspiring. Certain materials, like the ones that absorb sweat from the skin, will also reduce irritation. Lighter fabrics and colours are ideal, especially during workouts.
Use Acne Spray To Target Weird Angles On Your Back
Applying acne medication to your back can be a tricky business, but using a simple spray can propel its treatment from any angle.
Give Cleansing Pads A Try
Even when we think our skin is squeaky clean, one swipe of a cleansing pad can reveal trapped oil and dirt. These discs are saturated with salicylic acid, so they fight breakouts while cleansing.
Don’t Let Conditioner Sit On Your Back
When conditioner-coated strands sit on your back, it seeps into the skin – and that can actually be the cause of back and body acne. Conditioner can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Shower Right After Working Out
Breakouts on the body and back are exacerbated by working out and sweating more. Whenever possible, shower right after working out to remove sweat that may be irritating the skin and causing clogged pores on your back.
Buy-bye, back blemishes!
Featured Image: Pexels
