Back acne (“bacne”) is acne that develops on your back. It happens when sweat, oil, dead skin cells and bacteria get trapped in your skin's pores. Backpacks, sweaty shirts or sports equipment can create friction on your back and worsen back acne.
“Back acne is the result of an accumulation of dead skin cells and oil [sebum] within the pores in the skin, combined with an overgrowth of a common skin bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes, which triggers an inflammatory response,” says Kara Shah, MD, a board-certified general and pediatric dermatologist with Kenwood ...
What does hormonal acne look like? Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules are all common hormonal acne symptoms. Normally, whiteheads and blackheads do not cause pain, inflammation or swelling, but if they do, then they are most likely forming into cysts and pustules.
Back acne is a common form of acne because of the high number of oil glands on the back. There are multiple causes of back acne. Pores can become clogged with sebum and dead skill cells, leading to acne. Hormonal changes can also cause back acne.
Exfoliation involves removing the top layer of dead skin cells that would otherwise block your pores and cause acne. Exfoliation also helps fade acne scars by removing dead skin cells, letting new cells form. Exfoliating with any of my acne body scrubs will help remove the dead skin that blocks pores.
Cystic back acne is treatable, but a person will usually require prescription medication and advice from a certified dermatologist. Although treatment can take time to work, the skin should show signs of improvement within 6 months.
“Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and healthy bacteria,” Grous explains, “which plays a major role in keeping moisture in—and the bad stuff out. And because dryness triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, hot water can worsen preexisting acne or cause a breakout.”
Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can cause whiteheads and other types of acne in these areas. The bumps can be so subtle that you can feel but not see them. Some people develop numerous, closely packed bumps that they can see. Even if you've never had acne, hair care products can cause breakouts.
Acne can appear anywhere you have oil glands in your skin, so it can occur on your back, face, stomach or chest. Body acne is not the result of poor hygiene. It is not caused by dirty skin, and it can be made worse with harsh soap or chemicals and rough scrubbing.
The AAD recommends using a wash containing benzoyl peroxide by letting it sit on your skin for two to five minutes in the shower daily and then rinsing it off.
Researchers say foods high in fat, sugar, and dairy ingredients can raise the risk of adult acne. Foods such as milk chocolate, french fries, and sugary drinks are among those that can increase acne risk.
Prevents Pimples and Acne. Certain kinds of toxins will clog your small pores on your epidermis and can cause issues like acne and pimples. By drinking more water, you ensure that you won't suffer from severe pimples and acne. The more hydrated your skin, the less your pores will clog.
Stress can't directly cause acne. However, studies have shown that if you already have acne, stress does make it worse. Researchers have found that wounds, including acne, are much slower in healing when a person is under stress.
Back acne is more severe than acne in other areas. Usually, it has bigger inflammatory regions because there's just more surface area on your back than in other places. And because back skin is so thick, breakouts go deep under the surface. That means treatment for back acne demands a different approach.
Cold water tightens your pores and reduces the overproduction of sebum and excretion of acne-causing bacteria. In contrast, hot water opens them and does the complete opposite, leaving your skin more prone to irritation.
Cold water can be especially beneficial for dry or acne-prone skin, says Knapp. “If you have chronically dry skin, hot water can strip your sebum levels (oils) and exacerbate the issue, so cold water is a good alternative.”
Natural Exfoliators
Exfoliation—the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin using a chemical, granular substance, or exfoliation tool—can keep pores from getting clogged. With the help of a dry brush, you can slough off dead skin cells that can mix with sebum and cause pore blockage.
If traditional acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid don't seem to be making a dent in your bacne, that could be an indication it's yeast folliculitis, says Dr. Bhanusali. In that case, he recommends using a dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders as a body wash.
While back acne (a.k.a bacne) is totally normal, it may still leave you feeling insecure from time to time — and that's also normal.
Acne Mechanica: This is one of the most common types of acne to develop on the shoulders and back. Caused by friction, acne mechanica is typically the result of ill-fitting clothing, exercise, and athletic apparel, but it can also be the result of something as simple as an improperly fitting backpack.
Back acne and body acne are common. Since it is often caused by friction or sweating, showering after a workout is important for managing back acne. Be sure your clothing choices don't cause or aggravate it, as well. Keep the area clean, but avoid harsh scrubbing.