It’s time to talk about a topic that’s all too relatable - back acne. We've all been there, dealing with those pesky pimples and blemishes that pop up on our backs and shoulders out of nowhere. Well, don’t worry, besties! We're here to share some fabulous tips and tricks that will help you get rid of that back acne for good. It's time to unbox the secrets to a bacne-free life, and believe us, you're not in this battle alone.
What is back acne and what are the causes of it?
Alright, let's break it down - back acne, or "bacne," is basically acne that develops on your back. These pesky pimples come in all shapes and sizes and can range from small whiteheads to larger, inflamed cysts. And guess what? They just love showing up when you least expect it!
Just like acne that occurs on your face, back acne is often caused by overactive sebaceous glands. When these glands produce more oil, it can lead to sweat, bacteria and dead skin cells blocking your skin’s pores.
Not sure why this is happening? Let’s deep dive into some of the common suspects behind back acne!
Dead Skin Cells:
Our skin is constantly renewing itself by shedding dead skin cells. If these dead cells decide to linger and hang around on your skin’s surface, they can be a recipe for clogged pores and acne.
Bacteria:
It is perfectly common to have bacteria on your skin. But when there's an excess of them, things can get problematic. If your pores become a breeding ground for these bacteria, inflammation and pimples may start happening.
Hormonal changes:
During puberty, hormonal changes trigger the sebum glands to go into overdrive, causing acne. For some people, this can continue into adulthood, with menstrual cycles and pregnancy causing acne to appear.
Sweating:
Tight clothing, backpacks, and even excessive sweating can contribute to bacne.
Skincare products:
Stay clear of heavy or pore-clogging skincare products! Unfortunately, these can exacerbate bacne. Opt for products that are non-comedogenic - these won’t clog your precious pores!
Medications:
Certain medications such as steroids can trigger or worsen acne.
What are the symptoms of back acne?
Bacne comes with its own set of telltale signs. If you're wondering whether those pesky bumps on your back are indeed bacne, here's a quick rundown of the symptoms to look out for:
Blackheads
Blackheads are actually open comedones and spring up when the pore is clogged by oil and dead skin cells. Despite the pore being blocked, the pore stays open, resulting in its visible black colour.
Whiteheads
Like blackheads, these sneaky closed comedones are part of the team that forms when excess oil and dead skin cells decide to throw a party inside your pores. But here's the twist: while blackheads leave their doors open, whiteheads are all about exclusivity. The pore's opening shuts tight, creating a tiny bump that's like a secret gathering beneath your skin.
Cysts
When it comes to the more intense battles with bacne, brace yourself for the possibility of encountering cystic acne on your back. These aren't your ordinary pimples - we're talking about some seriously stubborn bumps. Cysts are hard, painful bumps that occur when oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells clog pores deep below the surface of the skin. Ouch!
Redness and inflammation
Let's talk about those fiery little warriors known as inflamed pimples. They're not shy about making their presence known. Expect a bold red hue, some swelling, and occasionally some tenderness to the touch.
Nodules
These bad boys are like the deep-sea divers of bacne, hanging out deeper beneath the surface of your skin. Nodules are the result of clogged and swollen pores that experience additional irritation, causing them to expand in size.
Spreading to shoulders and chest
Bacne doesn’t always limit itself to the back. That’s right. Sometimes it likes to venture beyond the boundaries of your back. Picture this: shoulders, chest, and even your upper arms and butt. So, if you're spotting those sneaky bumps in unexpected territory, don't be surprised.
Why do I have acne on my shoulders and chest as well?
Acne is like that unexpected guest who shows up in the most surprising places! Not just your face and back, but anywhere you've got those oil-secreting glands and hair follicles. So, surprise! Your shoulders and chest can be a breeding ground for acne too.
Just like the reasons behind back acne, those pesky bumps on your shoulders and chest all come down to an oil overload. Ever wondered if your cute sports bra or trendy tight top could be the culprit? Well, turns out that yes, tight-fitting clothing can actually create friction and irritation, leading to acne. Who knew?
Now, your body deserves some TLC too, but sometimes our good intentions backfire on us. It’s important to note that those body washes, lotions or even laundry detergents that you love and use daily may secretly contain pore-clogging ingredients that can spark your acne flare up. So keeping a close eye on ingredients is key.
How do I prevent back acne?
If you’re wondering how to keep those annoying back breakouts at bay, look no further! Here are a few skincare and lifestyle tips you need to know to prevent bacne:
Cleanse regularly
Just like your face, your back needs regular cleansing to remove all that excess oil, dirt and sweat. We recommend using a gentle cleanser suited for acne-prone skin twice a day (morning and night) to prevent back acne from occuring. We highly suggest using our anti-bacterial cleanser, which effectively fights bacteria that causes breakouts and removes unwanted congestion.
For more info on how to properly cleanse your skin, read here.
Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. Get yourself a soft brush or a gentle scrub and show your back some exfoliating love a few times a week.
Shower after sweating
After a sweaty workout or a day in the sun, don't keep that sweat hanging around. Hop into a shower to rinse off the sweat and grime which can promote new acne from forming - your back will thank you for it.
Opt for breathable fabrics
We suggest wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton. Tight clothes tend to trap sweat and create a playground for those pesky pimples.
Use non-comedogenic products
Whether it's sunscreen, lotions, or body wash, opting for products labelled as non-comedogenic will be a game changer in preventing bacne.
How do I treat back acne?
If you're dealing with back acne, figuring out how to treat it can be a bit of a puzzle.
Feeling unsure? Here are some handy tips on what you can do:
Use a topical acne treatment
Applying a topical treatment like the acne hack spot treatment to your back can effectively reduce existing back acne and help prevent future breakouts. Pair this with the anti-bacterial cleanser and Bob's your uncle!
Keep your skin clean
Regularly washing your skin is a key player in the battle against back acne. However, it’s important to be cautious about what you're using on your skin as well. Opting for gentle body washes that are oil-free and non-comedogenic and will not clog your pores will help prevent future acne from occuring.
Avoid popping your pimples
Now, I know it may be tempting to tackle those stubborn breakouts head-on, but popping your pimples can actually damage your skin further. Squeezing a pimple can increase the chances of infection, heighten the redness, swelling, and even result in prolonged acne scarring. By resisting the urge to pop your pimples and instead following a consistent skincare routine, you give your back acne a better chance to heal naturally.
For more info on how to fix acne scarring, read here.
Wash your sheets regularly
Getting in the habit of changing or washing your sheets every week will be revolutionary for all you back acne hotties! This will remove the buildup of acne-causing bacteria and dead skin cells from your sheets.
See a dermatologist
If your back acne is really putting up a fight - you know, being severe, spreading across your body, or even making you uncomfortable - it's time to chat with a dermatologist. These skin experts have some specialised treatments up their sleeves that can work wonders for tough cases like these.
And there you have it, besties! Armed with these tried-and-true strategies, you're on the fast track to saying goodbye to back acne for good. From understanding the root causes to embracing consistent skincare habits, you're becoming a true bacne expert.
Whether you're dealing with a few pimples or tackling more stubborn bacne battles, remember that patience and persistence are key. It’s time to give your skin the love it deserves through gentle cleansing and smart product choices, and get ready to flaunt your clear, confident, flawsome complexion!
