There is no difference in acne no matter where on the body it appears. Acne on the back, however, can be especially stubborn to get rid of and extremely difficult to prevent. Just like acne on the face and chest, back acne is more common in teens and young adults. The sebaceous glands are most active during these early years and hormones haven’t yet gotten balanced out. Along with raging mood swings and odd behavior, teens and young adults also often deal with raging acne.
Underneath the surface, our sebaceous glands produce sebum, or oil.” A build-up or blockage of these materials can show up as unwanted blackheads and pimples and (in particularly bad situations) become infected and inflamed by bacteria getting into the enlarged pores. Because it is more difficult to reach the back and keep it clean, back acne or “bacne” is more difficult to treat and prevent. The pores on the back are bigger and clog even more easily than on the face. It is also more difficult to keep the skin free of irritating fabrics and long hair.
Always “Watch Your Back”
Poor hygiene doesn’t cause back acne, but good hygiene does help prevent and clear pimples. Clients should be advised to shower regularly, daily, particularly right after exercise or any other activities that cause them to sweat. However, they should also not clean the skin more than twice a day, scrub the skin very hard, use real hot water or use harsh antibacterial soaps. Heavy scents and dyes can irritate and inflame the blemishes. Clients should bathe in warm water and use gentle cleanser that does not clog pores. Recommend a cleanser or body wash with acne-fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. They should gently exfoliate with a soft sponge and mild scrub to remove dead skin cells twice a week, but no more than that.
Avoid Dirty Fabrics
Change into clean underwear and clothing both before and after exercising. Be sure to put a clean towel on exercise machines and mats at the gym that you will lay up against. Exercise generates heat and increases circulation, causing increased production of sebum. The perspiration and bacteria will irritate acne. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, avoiding synthetic fabrics. Clothing that allows the skin to breathe and helps to wick away perspiration is ideal. Bed linens should be changed twice a week to keep dead skin cells and excessive oil off your clean skin.
Too Much Sun IS Possible
Contrary to what some have preached in the past, the sun will not dry out pimples or clear up acne. In reality, the sun weakens and damages the skin, which causes it to be more vulnerable to blemishes. Perspiration cools the body and cleanses the skin of dirt, however if dead cells and excess oil are left on the skin as sweat dries, the pores will get clogged and inflamed. Clients should use sunscreen for the face. It’s formulated to avoid clogging pores.
Be Careful With Hair Products
Hair-styling products left on the hair, and some conditioners, can cause blemishes on the back. After shampooing and conditioning, clients should pull long hair forward and cleanse their back afterward to keep the hair product residue off the back. They should also not leave wet hair on their back after swimming. A clean, unused towel should be used on the body.
A Healthy Diet Never Hurts
It is commonly believed that certain foods like chocolates, soft drinks, fatty or oily foods cause or encourage breakouts. Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet is great for your skin and overall health. However, you shouldn’t need to make major changes to your diet to clear up acne.
Rid Yourself of Bacne and Unsightly Skin Imperfections Once and For All!
Back acne is frustrating and tiresome, especially during the summer. There are, however, many effective treatment plans that, with good personal habits, can rid or reduce its occurrence. Try our modern back facial treatment that will allow anyone to take pride in baring their skin! You can set up an appointment with our spa today and let our experts treat you to a back facial or other modern skin care services to bring you skin the perfect glow under the summer sun!
