How To Get Rid Of Back Acne (“Bacne”)

Berry Mathew

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How to Get Rid of Back Acne (“Bacne”)

Back acne, or “bacne”, is relatively easy to cover up, but that doesn’t make it any easier to live with this condition. If you have back acne, you know how painful, itchy and uncomfortable it can be. Not only can it make you feel self-conscious during intimacy, but when it comes to finding a special outfit, you have to ensure it will cover your back. 

Whether you want to buy something that exposes your back or you are fed up with feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable, here are the fastest and most effective ways to get rid of acne.  

What Causes Acne?

Acne breakouts are typically caused by hormonal fluctuations, medications or genetics. Changes in hormones are why women often suffer from acne just before or during menstruation, and severe acne is more common during puberty. 

Acne results from sebaceous glands producing excess sebum, an oily substance that mixes with dirt and dead skin cells and blocks hair follicles. Bacteria that live on the skin accumulate in the blocked follicle, causing an acne breakout.

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How to Get Rid of Mild Back Acne

If you have mild acne on your back, you may find exfoliating and using products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help reduce and keep mild acne at bay. Other treatments you can try include:

Hydrafacial back treatment — you may have heard of a hydrafacial for the face. Now the same treatment is used to help treat back acne. The Hydrafacial back treatment exfoliates and clears pores of dead skin cells, dirt, excess oils and impurities. 

Following the back facial is an intensive moisturising treatment. Some practitioners may also include light-emitting diode (LED) light therapy, which can help to clear up acne and reduce redness and swelling. The hydrafacial back treatment is one of the most relaxing ways to treat back acne and leave your skin looking clearer after just one treatment.  

Blue light therapy — Studies into treating acne with blue light therapy show promising results. It is thought that blue light rays help destroy the bacteria and sebum production that causes blocked pores resulting in acne.  

However, clinical studies on blue light therapy for treating acne were short in duration and needed more data to show the most optimal devices, length of application time or the number of treatments required to see results. 

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Three Tips to Keep Back Acne Under Control

Keep hair tied back — oil and dirt in hair can get into your skin and contribute to acne breakouts. 

Watch what you eat — particular food may contribute to acne by raising blood sugar levels. In addition to reducing cakes, biscuits and other obvious culprits containing high sugar levels, watch out for white bread, white pasta and rice as they are all high carbohydrate foods that make your blood glucose levels rise quickly.

Wear natural material — artificial fabrics such as nylon will typically make you sweat more. If nylon clothing is tight, it will hold that sweat against your skin, which can increase skin bacteria, causing acne breakouts. Wear loose tops made from breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen if you are prone to back acne. Wear layers so you can remove one of them if you are hot before you start to sweat.

Medications for Back Acne

If nothing works to clear up your back acne, prescription medications can help treat it. You can ask your GP to prescribe acne medications, although they are less likely to do so if your acne is not severe. The most common acne medications include:

  • Benzoyl peroxide in the form of a gel or facewash
  • Topical retinoids in the form of creams or gels
  • Topical antibiotics in the form of creams or gels
  • Azelaic acid in the form of creams or gels
  • Antibiotic tablets
  • Combined oral contraceptive pill (for women only).

You can also buy products containing benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids without a prescription. However, they will cost more than a prescription and may not be as effective. 

Take Away

Acne can be treated, and you don’t need to just put up with and cover up your back acne. Whether you try light therapy, medication or change your diet, there are ways to banish backne and wear that fabulous backless outfit with confidence.