8 Back Acne-Treating Products That Won't Dry Out Your Skin
Sweating underneath layers of heavy clothing in the wintertime is bound to produce some unsightly pimples on your back. "Bacne," short for back acne, is a common skin concern that many folks face during the colder months—you can thank the trapped sweat between your skin and clothing for that.
The causes of back acne are the same culprits that produce facial acne: P. acnes bacteria and excess sebum production getting trapped under the skin. “Bacne impacts all skin types and is more commonly triggered by lifestyle than by skin type,” says Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut. “For example, I see it in a lot of my patients who work out frequently.
While there are many medicated back acne treatments on the market, prevention is important. “Trapped sweat can further clog pores and breed more of the acne-causing bacteria,” Robinson says. “The Arm & Hammer Invisible Spray Powder for Body ($7, Walmart) is a great formula with odor-neutralizing ingredients to absorb moisture and sweat—it can be sprayed and applied on the back.”
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As for how to treat back acne? Exercise in breathable fabrics and keep skin clean and dry by showering or using a cleansing wipe as soon as you can after a workout. “Switch over to a medicated body wash, like the CLn SportWash ($35, Modern Dermatology of Connecticut), and to spot treat, use the KILLA Kit by ZitSticka ($29, Amazon),” Robinson says. “Also, just as you would with the face, be sure you're using an oil-free body lotion, like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($20, Ulta).”
Related: The Best Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin
Robinson advises looking for ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, and sulfur when searching for products to treat back acne. Here are a few tried-and-true products to help put an end to your bacne.
Body Wash
A true cult-fave when it comes to acne body washes, this pick is cream-based rather than liquid and helps hydrate while killing bacteria.
Buy It: Panoxyl Acne Creamy Wash ($14, Amazon)
Cleansing Pads
Pads are a quick and easy way to treat back acne right after you pop out of the shower or finish a sweaty workout. Just swipe and toss.
Buy It: Clearasil Gentle Prevention Daily Facial Cleansing Pads ($6, Walmart)
Body Spray
One of my favorite skincare brands, Paula’s Choice nailed it with this body spray, specifically for acne. The beta-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid help exfoliate the skin, while hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture (the good kind!).
Buy It: Paula's Choice CLEAR Back and Body Acne Spray ($25, Amazon)
Benzoyl Peroxide Gel
For really stubborn bacne, try applying a time-released 5% benzoyl peroxide gel. This pick helps to fight acne throughout the day while diminishing dryness and irritation.
Buy It: Glytone Acne 3P Treatment Gel ($31, Amazon)
Shower Sheets
If you’ve just finished a tough workout and don’t have time to hop in the shower, reach for these cleansing body wipes. They’ll help fend off body acne until you can get to a shower later on.
Buy It: YUNI Beauty Shower Sheets ($15, Amazon)
Adapalene Gel
What was once a prescription-only product is now available over the counter—this gel treats acne, inflammation, and clogged pores using topical retinoid.
Buy It: Differin Adapalene Gel ($12, Walmart)
Body Scrub
Scrub away sweat and dead skin with this pick from Neutrogena—the 2% salicylic acid will treat and prevent future bacne breakouts.
Buy It: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub ($5, Walmart)
Cleansing Gel
Featuring a combination of beta-lypohydroxy acids (think glycolic and salicylic acid), will supercharge skin renewal and regeneration, helping to prevent and treat bacne while refining skin texture and evening skin tone, too.
Buy It: Skinceuticals LHA Cleansing Gel ($41, Dermstore)
