Back Acne 101: How to Prevent It & How to Treat It

Feeling attractive stems from many aspects like our silhouette, from how our face looks, but also from the smoothness of our skin. Unfortunately, our self-confidence can be disturbed by having acne issues on our back. The worst part is that not only does so-called bacne look bad, but it can also be quite painful. Basically, it’s nothing any of us would want, but in fact many have dealt with it or are still fighting it. 

Back acne usually appears on the upper part of the back, in the shoulder area between the shoulder blades. This is exactly where the sebaceous glands are most concentrated. But what contributes to the formation of acne there? Can you easily treat back acne? And how should you take care of your skin in that area? Read on, as we’re coming to you with some tips on proper back acne treatment and prevention.

What exactly is a pimple?

Skin breakouts are obviously very common. Even those blessed with the most flawless skin had a pimple appear out of the blue at least one time. The funny thing is, though so many of us have them, few actually know how pimples develop. When we think “pimple,” we usually associate that with a painful pimple with a white center. But where does this annoying little thing come from? Let us explain. 

The entire process begins with the sebaceous gland, as we mentioned above. Sometimes it will produce too much sebum which will make your pores clog. A sort of plug is formed in the pore, as excess oil and dead skin cells clog it. On occasion, bacteria will also get into that pore and they’ll start multiplying. This can lead to swelling and inflammation around that pore, thus, creating a pimple. 

Unfortunately, it often won’t end at that. The excess discharge of “infected” sebum causes the walls of the hair follicle to become more and more full. Eventually, under too much pressure, the walls burst and the sebum spreads into the tissue. This situation causes acute inflammation, which results in the spread of more pimples.

What causes back acne?

Pimples and blemishes on the back are often the result of a medical condition–acne. So to understand why we suffer from bacne, we need to first learn about acne itself.

It turns out that hormones are one of the culprits here. Disorders in the proper functioning of hormones make the sebaceous glands work more intensively, producing excessive amounts of sebum. Too much sebum blocks the pores and allows bacteria to multiply. This situation causes inflammation and ends with a pimple.

However, hormones are not the only ones to blame. Using improper products on your skin and even hair (especially if you have longer hair that often touches the skin on your back) can also induce back acne. Additionally, the lack of proper hygiene and even bad eating habits can further affect inflammation. You may want to cut down on the sugars and spices in your diet, as that may help with your skin issues.

Everyday tips

Of course, acne-ridden skin requires more careful care. Maintaining proper hygiene is the first and most important step. You’ll want to opt for showers rather than baths, as this won’t enable even more bacteria to accumulate.

It’s also worth using appropriate products, like anti-acne gel, which has antibacterial and exfoliating properties. You should also remember about peels, which by removing dead skin cells, cleanse the skin, preventing the growth of bacteria at the same time.

Finally, you’ll want to take a closer look at the clothing you wear. The skin on your back should have the possibility to breathe, so looser clothes, made of cotton, are a good solution. Avoid wearing tight-fitting tops that don’t allow for proper air flow. The same with clothes made from synthetics, you may want to think of removing them from your wardrobe entirely.

What if none of these tips work?

Unfortunately, some cases of back acne are more serious and the best option is to visit a specialist. A dermatologist can opt for various treatments, from medication to special creams. In the most severe cases, he can even prescribe antibiotics. 

If you want products that you can apply directly to your skin, you’ll want to choose those with acne-dedicated ingredients. Some of the most common are azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid.

Hormonal disorders are not always the cause of acne. Often the reasons can be found in the lifestyle we lead. That’s why sometimes it’s good to just slow down, relax a bit, and put your worries aside. By doing so, we’ll quickly see an improvement in both our mental and physical health.