How Do You Treat Back Acne?

Key Takeaways

• Back acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

• Sweat, friction, tight clothing, backpacks, hormones, medications, and pore-clogging products can contribute to or worsen breakouts.

• Simple habits can help prevent back acne, including showering after sweating, wearing breathable clothing, washing clothes and bedding regularly, and using a gentle cleanser.

• Avoid picking or popping breakouts, which can increase inflammation and the risk of scarring.

• Back acne facial treatment combines cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, customized peels, LED therapy, and masks to help treat and improve acne-prone skin.

Back acne, also called “bacne,” can be hard to treat because it’s harder to reach and often exposed to sweat, friction, dead skin cells, bacteria, and tight or restrictive clothing. These all contribute to clogged pores and breakouts across the back, and can even spread to your shoulders and neck if left untreated. Learn more about what causes back acne, how to prevent it and treat it.

What Causes Back Acne?

Like facial acne, back acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Several other factors can make back acne worse, including:

• Friction from tight and restrictive clothing, sports equipment, or backpacks.

• Hormones from pregnancy, postpartum, adolescence, perimenopause, or menopause.

• Some medications can trigger or worsen acne.

• Skincare products that clog pores or have irritating ingredients.

• Stress and anxiety.

• Diet and lifestyle choices.

• Poor hygiene habits, such as skipping showers or not regularly washing towels and bedding.

• Oils and other ingredients in conditioners, lotions, and body products can clog pores.

What Are Types of Back Acne?

Because your back has many sebaceous glands, it can be prone to oil and dead skin cell buildup. Different types of back acne, include:

• Pimples

• Whiteheads

• Blackheads

• Pustules

• Cysts

Is Back Acne Genetic?

There’s no single “acne gene” that means you’ll develop breakouts. However, genetics can influence how susceptible you may be to developing acne. Even if acne runs in your family, the right skincare products and treatments can help prevent breakouts.

How to Prevent Back Acne

Here are things you can do to help prevent back acne.

• Use skincare products that target and treat back acne. Shop recommended products for acne-prone skin.

• Wear loose-fitting or sweat-wicking fabrics to reduce friction on your back and clothing that can trap moisture.

• Shower after you sweat, and change your clothes after workouts or activities.

• Wash clothes after wearing them.

• Use a gentle cleanser on your back.

• Carry a handheld or side bag instead of a backpack to reduce friction, pressure, and sweat against your back.

• Don't pick or pop any acne.

• Protect your skin when you’re out in the sun by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Shop recommended SPFs.

Back Acne Treatment in the DC Area

Sarah Akram Skincare offers the following back acne facials:

• Sexy Back⎯The Sexy Back Facial helps improve your skin’s tone and appearance with a deep cleanse, exfoliation, extractions, LED therapy, and a customized mask to treat imperfections.

• Acne Relief⎯This customized acne relief facial purifies and soothes problem skin with a triple cleanse, customized peel, extractions, blue LED therapy, and a calming Alginate mask. A series of back acne facial treatments is recommended for the best results.

• Crystal Blast⎯This non-invasive microdermabrasion treatment uses crystals to gently resurface the skin, improving fine lines, acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation, mild acne scarring, and sun damage.

To reserve an appointment for back acne treatment, call us at (703) 531-9350 or fill out our online form. A personalized skincare consultation with one of our estheticians will help identify the right products to manage acne-prone skin so you can have a clearer, healthier-looking complexion. We’re conveniently located in Old Town Alexandria and also proudly serve clients in the DC area.

FAQs

How do you treat back acne?

Treating back acne starts with a consistent skincare routine with products designed for acne-prone skin. Professional back acne facials also help improve breakouts. A skincare consultation with an esthetician will help determine the right products and treatments for your skin.

What causes back acne in females?

Back acne in females can be caused by a combination of hormones, excess oil, dead skin cells, sweat, and friction. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause can trigger or worsen breakouts.

Is glycolic acid good for bacne?

Glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells that can clog pores and contribute to back acne. It may also help improve post-acne marks and uneven skin texture.