When people have back acne or bacne, they become self-conscious as they cannot feel comfortable in their skin. Globally, 60% of the population has this skin issue. It is possible to avoid or minimise bacne with a basic skin care programme and some lifestyle practises. Well, in this blog post, let’s discuss what might lead to back acne and discover effective bacne treatments to get the result.
Back Acne Causes
Back acne is the condition whereby acne develops on the back since oil, skin debris, and bacteria accumulate in the hair follicles. The blockage of hair follicles as a result of the excessive production of sebum causes acne. Further, the accumulation of dead skin cells in the hair follicles blocks the hair follicles, which allows bacteria to start growing. The penetration of bacteria into pores leads to inflammation and pimples. In women, hormonal change causes sebaceous glands to secrete more oil causing back acne. Through friction, the clothes or gear rub against the skin producing abrasion that in addition to blocking pores perpetuates inflammation. Other factors that are a sure way to trigger acne include taking too much sugar, stress and lack of sleep are also known to cause acne, especially among those with a genetic predisposition to the condition.
How to Get Rid of Back Acne?
It is impossible to eliminate bacne in one day, but it can be done over time. Here are several steps that may help you with back acne treatment:
Clean the Region
It is good to wash the back daily in order to lose layers of dead skin, sweat, and excess oil. The type of body wash that is most effective against acne is one that has salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Exfoliate
A gentle scrub is advised once or twice a week to help remove the skin debris from blocked pores. Do not overuse your scrub, as it causes skin inflammation and increases acne.
Use Non-Comedogenic Products
Apply moisturisers, sunblock, and hair products made specifically with ingredients that don’t clog pores.
Spot Treatments
Treat zits, red bumps, and swollen pustules with an over-the-counter lotion or gel containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These agents are very effective in eliminating the bacteria causing acne and also in unblocking congested pores. Take a proper consultation from the specialist before you apply any of the products.
Avoid Scratching
Compulsively, you may wish to pop or prick the pimples. But this will harm and cause inflammation. Never attempt to pop pimples.
Back Acne Treatment at Home
When you have bacne, ingredients in your kitchen and pantry can be used to manage it. Here are some of the most effective home bacne treatments:
Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil contains antibacterial properties that can control acne-causing bacteria. It can be applied topically but should be mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Its acidic content regulates the skin’s pH and minimises the actions of bacteria. Mix it with water and apply it with a cotton pad on the skin.
Salt baths: Epsom salts or sea salts cleanse the body, removing infections and inflammation. Bathe in warm water infused with salts for 15-20 minutes to cure and soothe the bacne.
Aloe Vera: The cooling, anti-inflammatory action of aloe vera gel will decrease the redness and swelling associated with acne. Apply a thin layer directly on the affected area.
Honey and Cinnamon Mask: Both honey and cinnamon have been found to possess antibiotics properties. When you combine the two and use them on the back it will reduce inflammation and kill all bacteria on the skin.
Oatmeal Baths: Oatmeal exfoliates the skin and calms irritation. Add ground oatmeal to a warm bath to soothe irritated skin and reduce back acne.
Professional Back Acne Treatment
When your bacne is severe, home remedies may not be sufficient. Here are some advanced options for bacne treatment that dermatologists may offer:
Prescription Drugs
Retinoids are substances that increase cell turnover, thus helping to cleanse pores and prevent acne from developing. With severe cases of bacne, the patient may require oral antibiotics to relieve the inflammation or infection from bacteria. In women, hormonal imbalances responsible for acne can be controlled using birth control pills.
Chemical Peels
The dermatologist may apply a chemical peel to the back to exfoliate dead skin cells and help clear up acne. Peels most commonly contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid.
Laser and Light Therapy
Laser therapies destroy bacteria and reduce oil; blue light kills bacteria that cause acne.
Corticosteroid Injections
Deciding for using corticosteroid injection may be done and this will significantly decrease inflammation thereby shrinking cysts especially when the cystic acne is aggressive.
Extraction
Sometimes, dermatologists manually extract large and painful cysts to relieve pressure and prevent further scarring.
5 Tips on How to Manage Back Acne Naturally
If you are in search of natural bacne treatment, here are a few simple yet effective tips to include in your daily routine:
- Always bathe after sweating or use a wipe containing the antibacterial component if you cannot bathe.
- Do this preferably daily with natural materials like sugar or a combination of raw oat and honey then wash away dead skin cells that cause blockages of the pores.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially during workouts, and opt for breathable clothes made of cotton instead.
- Take a lot of water to hydrate your body in order to wash out toxins within the body for that lovely face.
- Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises are useful for managing stress that can trigger acne.
Conclusion
Bacne can be managed if one pays attention to its root cause and mindfully plans the right skincare regimen. The solution, therefore, lies on washing and scrubbing the back with acne friendly products. These could have been used alongside home bacne treatments which include applying tea tree oil on the skin and taking an oatmeal bath to help the skin to unclog. However, before you pick any of the above ways to reduce bacne, consultation with a dermatologist is mandatory.
