Having back acne (a.k.a. bacne) is something we can all relate to, living in this tropical, sweat-inducing weather. And it’s just as annoying as the acne on our face. Plus, the recent outburst of off-shoulders and open-back tops are not exactly helping either.
So why do we get back acne? Well, it could be from…
- Not showering
Especially after your workouts or those cooling dips in the pool. We hope you didn’t forget to shower daily.
- From your clothes
Sometimes the detergent you’re using has a lot of fragrance causing irritation to your skin if it’s not washed out completely. Also, it could be the synthetic fabric of your top that traps sweat which in turn, triggers the acne.
- Dirty sheets
Our bedsheets collect dust, dead skin, and oil on a daily basis so it’s probably time to give it a good wash if your back acne is still not reducing.
- Lacking sun protection
Plus, we tend to forget to slap some SPF on our back since it’s not an easy area to reach. Too much exposure to the Sun’s harmful UV rays will damage your skin which poses a higher risk of acne.
- Your diet
Having too much sugar and dairy will trigger more breakouts too. (Cue: 8 Drinks That Are Filled With More Sugar and Calories Than You Think)
Image: health.com
But no worries! You can try out these 6 solutions to get rid of back acne so you’ll be bringing sexy back in no time!
1. Shower with a pH-balanced and medicated body wash
Get an oil-free body wash which contains either 2% salicylic acid or 10% benzoyl peroxide (not suitable for sensitive skin). Use it after you’re done with your shampoo/conditioner so you’re left with a clean back. Any leftover hair products will cause more irritation to your back acne. Do shower immediately after your workouts to prevent the sweat and grime from clogging your skin too.
2. Exfoliate!
But don’t scrub too hard because that’ll make the acne more inflamed. You could use a sponge or a gentle body scrub and rub it in circular motions once or twice a week to remove the dead skin cells and dirt stuck in your follicles.
3. Spot treatment
Go for acne creams or gel that may contain 2.5 – 10% benzoyl peroxide, 0.5 to 2% salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids which are found in certain face acne creams too so if you have that, use it to spot treat. For a more holistic approach, try these:
- Dilute 1 drop of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of pure aloe vera gel. Use a cotton bud to apply it.
- Mix 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water then apply it with a cotton ball or put it in a spray bottle for easier application.
4. Use SPF
Arm yourself no matter where you are. Get the spray-on sunscreen so it’s easier to apply on your back. Since the Sun darkens your skin, not having protection on your back will darken the back acne creating a scar which is something you’ll want to avoid. Also, if you’re using certain acne treatments, it might not settle well under the Sun so it’s best to keep it covered.
You may also like: Cool Off Your Sunburn with These 5 Tips for Relief
5. Do your laundry more often
It’s a dreadful task but for a sexy back, do it we must! Thoroughly wash your clothes and especially your bed sheets and pillow covers. You can try changing to a milder or fragrance-free detergent if you have sensitive skin. If you’re using bleach, be sure to rinse it clean to avoid more irritation.
6. Limit your sugar and dairy intake
Instead, keep a more balanced diet and load up on more veggies and water. Studies have shown that low-glycemic index foods such as whole grains and fruits help to reduce acne.
If your back acne still persists, it’ll be wise to consult a professional to find the cause and the right treatment to solve your back acne blues.
– Cover Image: glamour.com
– Sources: Wikihow.com, Marieclaire.co.uk, Allure.com, Stylecaster.com, GQ.com
