Everything You Need To Know About Bacne

Dana Oliver
Updated

Let's talk about back acne. You know, those breakouts (consisting of pink pimples and clogged pores) that you know are there but can't see?

Addressing bacne starts with treating the skin on the neck, shoulders and back with the same caution and concern as the skin on the face, according to board-certified dermatologist Jessica Weiser.

A gentle, well-balanced regimen will yield better results and avoid damaging the skin in the process," says Weiser. Simple steps such as bathing after working out and avoiding skincare products with harsh irritants and fragrances are key.

To feel super confident when baring our backs this summer, Weiser told us everything we need to know to beat bacne. Here's what to do and what to avoid.

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Shower immediately after exercising. "Never leave sweat-soaked clothing on the skin surface," says Weiser. Sweat, exercise, tight-fitting clothing, non-breathable fabrics and other forms of surface occlusion (like a backpack) are some of the main causes of bacne. Use a pH balancing body wash, salicylic acid/benzoyl peroxide cleanser or a sulfur-based soap to remove excess oils, debris and bacteria from the skin surface before they clog pores and cause acne breakouts.

Don't forget to exfoliate. "Unlike the face, the pores on the back are much larger and significantly more prone to congestion so they can tolerate an exfoliating cleanser two to three times a week to improve cell turnover and keep pores free of dead skin cells and debris," says Weiser. Just be sure to avoid scrubbing the skin too vigorously, as the dermatologist says it can damage or scar the skin and over-dry the skin surface, which stimulates oil production that triggers further acne flares.

Reconsider using scented laundry products. According to Weiser, fragrance detergents can cause increased irritation and dryness on the skin surface, which triggers inflammation. "Waxy coating on dryer sheets and fabric softener can also cause clogged pores and acne flares," she says.

Choose your beauty products cautiously. "Shampoo, hair conditioner and styling products contain a variety of comedogenic ingredients including sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate," says Weiser. These ingredients along with sunscreens and skin care products containing lanolin, petroleum/petrolatum and silicone derivatives may also cause breakouts and skin irritation.

If acne is unresponsive to at-home treatment and over-the-counter medications, visit a doctor. Early intervention is the best form of prevention against scarring. "The same in-office procedures that apply to the face can also be successfully applied to that back -- try microdermabrasion, antimicrobial glycolic acid chemical peels, blue light or red light treatments," she adds.

Do you struggle with back acne? Have you found successful ways to clear up and prevent breakouts? Tell us in the comments section.


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1. Keep It Simple

Because everyone’s skin is a little different, there’s no single miracle fash wash. But, something we all can do is look for a cleanser that is simple. “Cleansing should take away dirt, germs and excess oil, but not appropriate skin moisture and healthy cells,” Krant says. Find the gentlest cleanser that will “get the job done,” as she puts it, but nothing too harsh that leaves redness or rashes.

2. Don't Obsess

If your skin is sedentary on a certain day -- meaning you didn't sweat or put on heavy makeup -- Krant says skipping a day of washing your face isn’t a sin. On the other hand, she points out, “'it’s best not to let old makeup or sunscreen sit around too long or go to sleep with you.” Generally, washing your face once or twice a day is a good plan to stick to. Anything more than that is excessive (unless there are special circumstances prescribed by your dermatologist), and can lead to “rebound overproduction of oil and breakouts.”

3. Cool It

While it might feel good to warm up with a steamy splash of water, Krant says <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/221077-how-to-reduce-the-appearance-of-pores-on-my-face/">icy cold </a>or <a href="http://www.rosacea.org/patients/skincare/facialcleansing.php">lukewarm</a> water both have their benefits. Excessivley hot water will “strip healthy natural oils from your skin too quickly.”

4. Exfoliate Sparingly

Exfoliating definitely has skin benefits: The scrub can increase circulation for a rosy glow, and it helps to remove dead skin cells. But <em>excessive</em> exfoliation can “lead down the path to trouble.” Krant recommends a gentle exfoliation one or twice a week, max.
Exfoliating definitely has skin benefits: The scrub can increase circulation for a rosy glow, and it helps to remove dead skin cells. But excessive exfoliation can “lead down the path to trouble.” Krant recommends a gentle exfoliation one or twice a week, max.

5. Pat Yourself Dry

A lot of us rush our routines, and wipe our wet faces on whatever’s closest to the sink: a used towel, the shirt we’re wearing. But it’s important to use a gentle, clean cloth to dry up. Krant recommends patting your skin, rather than rubbing, and letting a “fine mist of water to remain so when you apply your moisturizer it will seal the moitsture into the surface of the skin.”

6. Winterize Your Regimen

“The most important thing to watch out for in winter is overcleansing and overdrying,” Krant says. In the cooler temps we’re prone to taking longer, hotter showers and spending more time in the overheated indoor air, both of which can dry out the face -- and fast. Krant says it’s important not to wash your face excessively and to introduce a moisturizer, if it’s right for your skin. Also cruical is an SPF: She suggests choosing a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 in the winter (and upping it to SPF 30 in the summer, when we spend more time outdoors).

7. Watch Your Eyes

Fight the urge splash your eyes open to wake yourself up on groggy mornings. The skin around your eyes is delicate and thin, so it it needs to be <a href="http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/skin-health-tips/face-washing-101/face-washing-101">treated even more gently than the rest of your face</a>. Things to keep in mind? "Use a gentle eye makeup remover and don't use harsh soaps or cleansers directly on delicate eyelids," she says.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.