Back Acne

Back acne, also referred to as ‘bacne’ is when acne and congestion develops on your back. It occurs due to a build up of sweat, oil, bacteria and dead skin cells that have got stuck in the pores, but it can also be due to an imbalance of hormones. This condition can be particularly frustrating and cause you to avoid wearing clothes that show your back. It is also a condition that can affect both male and females.

Back acne is the result of clogged pores. The pores on your back can get clogged for a number of reasons. It could be as a result of eating greasy foods, stress, using the wrong types of skincare products for your skin, genetics, or hormones.

If you are suffering from this skin concern, it is important not to scrub the skin as this will actually worsen the acne, as can using antibacterial soaps or astringents. Since there is an excess of oil, using products which say ‘oil-free’ will help to prevent an even greater build up of oils. The temptation of popping or picking the acne should be resisted as this will also contribute to it worsening.

Another way to prevent back acne or ‘bacne’ from getting any worse, is to limit the use of backpacks, sweaty shirts or any sports equipment which rubs against the back and can cause friction. If you take part in exercises that lead to increased body heat and sweating, ensuring you wash the skin as soon as you can post exercise can help to keep the pores clog-free. To help back acne clear by itself, it is important to keep the back out of the sun. The sun’s rays can darken acne and actually cause it to last longer. Wearing an oil-free sunscreen will help to protect it from the sun. 

If you are finding that your back acne is severe, then having an Obagi Chemical Peel on the area can dramatically reduce the signs of acne.

If the breakouts are frequent and resulting in acne scarring, there are also certain skin treatments that can help to clear the skin and significantly reduce acne scarring. At Simply Clinics we offer Microneedling as an effective treatment for reducing acne scars and helping to prevent acne. Microneedling involves gently puncturing the skin to stimulate the skin’s repair process, leaving new skin which is rich in collagen and elastin. This collagen is what is responsible for rejuvenating the skin, ensuring the cells are healthy and bacteria free. Microneedling can also be combined with a mandelic chemical peel to help give the most effective results.