Back acne causes and treatment (English)

Acne is one of the most annoying skin problems. When the unfortunate acne appears on the back, we don’t see it, but that doesn’t make it any easier. We suggest you fight.

Acne forms
Why acne appears on the back: reasons
Bacne in women and men
Prevention
Cosmetics review

Acne forms

For such a phenomenon as acne on the back, dermatologists in the West have already come up with a special term - “bacne”, from the English. back (“back”) and acne itself. In fact, the location of acne is not of fundamental importance. Acne is a single problem, a common disease, which is distinguished by the severity of its manifestation, that is, the intensity of the rash.

No matter where they are, pimples behave the same way. At the same time, blackheads (comedones) and red rashes appear. Internal pimples that develop under the skin are also often a concern. They can be quite painful to the touch as they put pressure on the nerve endings.

The most unpleasant thing is ripe pimples with a white head that you really want to squeeze out. But this cannot be done, so as not to worsen the situation.

You will most likely only think about the problem of acne on your back when you put on an open dress. © iStock

So, the main forms of acne:

non-inflammatory: closed and open comedones;
inflammatory: pustules, papules, spots, cysts.

Why acne appears on the back: reasons

The main cause of back acne in teenagers and adults is excess sebum production.

The pores through which this oil comes to the surface of the skin often become clogged.
In the clogged duct of the sebaceous gland, opportunistic propionbacteria acne actively develop. They are part of the skin microflora and do not cause harm as long as the natural cleansing processes of the skin are not disrupted. But in the absence of oxygen, these anaerobic bacteria begin to multiply intensively in the nutrient medium, which is sebum.
As a result, inflammation begins and a pimple forms.

Since there are most sebaceous glands on the face, shoulders and back, acne occurs in these areas.

What provokes malfunctions of the sebaceous glands? For treatment to be effective, it is important to understand the causes, which fall into two categories.

Domestic

Genetic predisposition to increased sebum production.

Hormonal surges. Normal for teenagers, in adulthood they signal problems in the body in both men and women.

Disorders in the digestive system. For example, an imbalance in the intestinal microflora leads to the activation of pathogens in general. Among the reasons may be poor absorption of certain substances, lack of vitamins, especially A, as well as groups B, C, D and E.

Stress and lack of sleep. It has been proven that stress hormones increase sebum production.

Acne on the back is more difficult to control than on the face. Because in addition to internal reasons, there are specific external ones.

UV rays damage the skin; as a result of excessive sunbathing, its local immunity is reduced. © iStock

External

Clothes and underwear

Dresses and shirts made of non-breathable synthetic fabrics (we are not talking about high-tech synthetics) create a favorable environment for the proliferation of harmful bacteria. After all, on the back, in addition to the sebaceous glands, a lot of sweat glands are concentrated.

The strap of a tight bra or top can also rub the skin unsuccessfully, thereby causing inflammation.

Ultraviolet

The sun is commonly believed to dry out acne. But this, unfortunately, is an illusory effect. UV rays damage the skin. Excessive sunbathing reduces local skin immunity. And after trying to fight acne with the help of the sun or - what is even worse and more dangerous - a solarium, acne returns in an expanded form.

Improper care

It turns out that even showering can be done incorrectly. If you first wash your body and then start washing your hair, dirty water with the remnants of shampoo and conditioner will flow down your shoulders and back, increasing the risk of inflammation.

It is also inappropriate to use body oils in this area.

Bacne in women and men

There are no fundamental gender differences in the formation of acne. Although there are some peculiarities.

In women, acne on the back, as a rule, indicates a fairly serious form of the disease. It is important to consult a dermatologist, undergo examination by a gynecologist, endocrinologist and gastroenterologist.

Acne in women is often associated with diets that lead to hormonal imbalance. Along with extra pounds, health and beauty go away.

In representatives of the stronger sex, acne is often more pronounced than in women, and in most cases is associated with surges in the level of male sex hormones.

In representatives of the stronger sex, acne is most often associated with surges in the level of male sex hormones. © iStock

Prevention

For cleansing, choose shower gels without perfumes, based on acids, enzymes or triclosan.

Use a body scrub several times a week, then apply a toner to your shoulders and back, followed by a treatment for problematic skin.

Disguising your bakne only makes sense if you are planning a formal appearance in a dress with an open back. For camouflage, a concealer with a dense texture is suitable.

To eliminate single pimples, you can use SOS products for local application, such as Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot.

Cosmetics review

Cleansing

As a complement to shower gels (or instead of them), it makes sense to use cleansers designed for problematic facial skin.

Ultra-cleansing gel with brush “Clean Skin Active Exfopro”, Garnier

The salicylic acid-based gel provides effective cleansing with the help of 170 elastic bristles and does not injure the skin.

Gel, scrub, mask “Clean skin 3-in-1”, Garnier

This universal product can be used for washing, exfoliating, intensive care as a mask (apply for 3 minutes, rinse with warm water).

Due to eucalyptus and zinc extract, it mattifies the skin, reduces excess sebum production, and cleanses pores.
Exfoliation is provided by pumice microparticles, which also help fight blackheads.
White clay deeply cleanses the skin, evens out the color and texture of the face.

Exfoliation

Since the skin on the back is dense, scrubs can be used daily. The exception is products with hard abrasives; they are best used 1-2 times a week.

Do not use scrubs under any circumstances if there are pustules on the skin or severe inflammatory processes.

7-in-1 deep cleansing scrub Pure Zone, L’Oréal Paris

Thanks to salicylic acid and exfoliating particles in the composition, it reduces the number of pimples and comedones and prevents their reappearance. It also helps tighten pores and eliminate oily shine. Suitable for daily use.

Exfoliating scrub “Clean Skin Active”, Garnier

Charcoal in the product absorbs impurities and excess sebum. Salicylic acid promotes skin renewal and cleanses pores. Use up to 2 times a week.

Additional care

Serum for correcting acne and age-related skin changes Blemish & Age Defense, SkinCeuticals

Copes with increased activity of the sebaceous glands, visibly cleanses pores, and reduces the likelihood of imperfections. Recommended, including before performing cosmetic procedures. Active ingredients include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid, which fights acne-causing bacteria. Apply 4-5 drops morning and evening to the face and problem areas of the body after cleansing the skin.

Spray oil control Serozinc, La Roche-Posay

Spray with zinc is universal and easy to use. It can be applied in the morning after cleansing and renewed throughout the day for a mattifying effect. Tightens pores and prevents breakouts.

Acne can appear in any part of your body. It can affect parts of the body without hair follicles and gland secretions, such as the face, back, shoulders and chest. Acne on the back is especially difficult to eliminate. This is not limited to the teenage years, but can happen at any age.

Causes of acne on the back

Here are some common causes of acne:

Diet:
Some studies show that the foods we eat are linked to acne. Research from the American Academy of Dermatology shows that certain types of carbohydrates that are known to raise blood sugar, such as potato chips and white bread, may cause acne.

Medicines:
Some medications used to treat other conditions may cause acne as a side effect, such as some antidepressants.

Genetics:
Acne can be a problem in some families.

Sweat:
In some cases, if sweat gets trapped under tight clothing, it can make your acne worse.

Hormones:
During adolescence, there are many hormonal changes in the body that can lead to acne in women who have gone through puberty. Acne can be associated with hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menstruation.

Stress:
This should not be a direct cause of acne, but it may speed up acne.

How to treat acne on the back?

Exfoliation
Using an exfoliating scrub and ingredients like salicylic acid, gently scrub your back to remove excess oils and dirt from the skin. This helps reduce dead skin that can clog skin pores.

Shower after work
After your workout, take a shower. It is also important to wash your clothes.

Avoid tight clothing
There are workout habits that can irritate your back acne. For example, tight clothing can trap sweat and dirt by rubbing it into your pores.

Choose loose-fitting clothing that will allow your skin to breathe and help wick away sweat.

Tea tree oil
This oil is made from the leaves of a certain tree in Australia. It has been used in Australia for many years to treat a variety of skin conditions.

Choose your sunscreen carefully
It is important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Make sure you choose products that are lightweight and oil-free.

Healthy eating

Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of:
whole grain
vegetables
lean proteins.

A well-known proverb says that trouble does not come alone, and as if it is not enough for an acne sufferer to suffer from acne on the face, they can also appear on the chest and back. According to research, most people with acne on their face also suffer from acne on their back. And because It contains some of the most active sebaceous glands and plus enlarged pores, then this combination can lead to even more severe cases of acne than on the face.

Acne on the back in men

Thanks to the overactive sebaceous glands on the back, combined with hair and a number of other factors, men are very susceptible to acne in this area of the body. Acne can make men feel embarrassed before taking off their shirt at the beach or pool. But don't be discouraged! The first thing to do is to find out what is causing acne so that proper treatment can begin.

Causes of acne

Body cosmetics. Many soaps, gels and shampoos contain ingredients that can clog pores and cause back acne. Try to give up regular gels and soaps, and try using natural-based soaps with the addition of essential oils and extracts of various herbs. Tar soap is considered especially effective for many skin diseases, including acne.

Hair cosmetics. If you apply various fixatives to your hair during the hot season, your gel/wax/spray/mousse may melt during the day and slowly run down your back and clog your pores. This can cause acne on the shoulders. Try to minimize the amount of product you use to set your hair and see if the amount of breakouts changes. At night, be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after using these products.

Hygiene. Perhaps for some there is nothing strange in the fact that our men ignore the rules of basic hygiene and then wonder why they suffer from acne. You should take a shower every day and always after sports training or heavy physical exertion; after taking a shower, put on fresh underwear and make sure that the towel you use is clean. This also applies to bed linen.

Physical exercise. If you are the kind of man who likes to work, then keep in mind that thick clothes made from synthetic fabrics will only aggravate the work of the sebaceous glands on the back, as they work in conditions of excessive heat and profuse sweating. Get rid of this opportunity to get acne. Wear clean cotton T-shirts to workouts and don't hesitate to take off your sweaty clothes! Many guys overdo it by sitting in their sweaty tank tops for hours after a workout, and this can also cause back acne.

Internal reasons. If you stopped using cosmetics that irritate your skin and took care of the cleanliness of your body and underwear, and your problem still persists, then you probably have acne caused by hormonal changes or perhaps you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusion! The causes of acne on the back listed above are more typical for the male population, but the same factors can influence the appearance of acne on the back in women.

Below we list other factors that affect acne:

Genetics: if someone in your family has suffered from acne, the likelihood that you will encounter it is quite high.
Diet: Some studies suggest that the foods you eat may be linked to back acne. According to the Academy of Dermatology, there is some evidence that certain carbohydrates (eg, white bread, chips), which are known to raise blood sugar, may also contribute to acne.
Medicines: Acne can develop as a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants.
Hormones: Hormonal changes during the teenage years are often the cause of acne. But for women who have gone through puberty, acne activity may be related to hormonal changes that occur during menstruation and pregnancy.
Sweat: Sweat, especially if it comes under closed synthetic clothing, can cause acne.
Stress can increase the level of skin rashes.

How to get rid of acne on your back

In most cases, you can get rid of acne with your own efforts. Here are some important things you should do to cure acne:

Regular shower. By allowing sweat and dirt to accumulate on your skin, you are a major contributor to acne. And don’t forget to keep your clothes and linen clean.

Practice exfoliating or peeling your skin. For example, use a salicylic peel, this procedure will get rid of excess dirt and oil on your skin. It will also cleanse the skin of dead skin cells that clog pores.

Wear comfortable clothes. Do not wear thick clothes made of synthetic fabrics, especially in the hot season. Such clothes retain sweat and the skin “cannot breathe.” Choose loose clothing made from natural fabrics that will absorb sweat.

Try tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree. This tree grows only in Australia, and it has long been used by Australians to treat various skin diseases. Tea tree oil has pronounced antifungal and antiviral properties. Today you can find many lotions and creams containing tea tree extract. But it is better to use pure oil undiluted.

Get your hair off your back. Long hair that flows freely down the back can cause profuse sweating on the neck and back, which can also cause acne. Wash your hair regularly and in the hot season, during training, it is better to tie your hair in a bun or ponytail. Also, when washing your hair, make sure that conditioner or shampoo does not get on your back. The ingredients in these products can clog your pores.

Choose the right sunscreen. Protecting your skin from sunburn is important, especially if you work with your back exposed. But greasy sunscreen can also clog your pores.

Eat healthy. An unhealthy diet can affect our body in a variety of ways. If you're acne-prone, certain products may be triggers. Research shows that foods with a high glycemic index (GI), which quickly raise blood sugar levels, may worsen acne. These are mainly flour products, rice, potatoes. In order to get rid of rashes you need to consume fish oil, lots of fruits and vegetables.

It is important to remember that if you cannot get rid of acne despite all your efforts, then you need to consult a dermatologist. He will prescribe treatment, not only with external means, but also with internal ones, in the form of antibiotics. Severe forms of acne are treated only with antibiotics; it is impossible to get rid of spherical, cystic acne on your own at home.

Folk remedies for acne treatment

In order to get rid of acne, it is recommended to drink draft brewer's yeast;
Take baths with the addition of potassium permanganate;
Cauterize acne on the back with regular iodine;
To treat acne, use soda-salt masks on areas of the body affected by acne.

Back acne causes and treatment