How to Get Rid of Bacne: Treatments for Back and Body Acne

While facial acne can be quite troubling in its way, body acne or back acne (bacne) can be just as bad. Bacne may generally appear on your back and can also pop up on your shoulders and chest. Clothes may help you cover it, however, it can be quite painful. So, if you’re looking up ‘treatment for bacne scars’, ‘how to get rid of bacne scars’ or ‘bacne scar removal’, it’s time to dive in.

Keynotes:

• Excessive sebum or oil, sweat, dead skin, clogged pores, tight clothing, and poor hygiene are some of the common bacne causes.
• To treat bacne and fade scars, use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide washes, and exfoliants like glycolic acid or retinoids.
• Professional options like chemical peels, laser therapy, or microneedling can help with stubborn marks.
• Prevent future breakouts with breathable fabrics, regular showers post-sweat, and non-comedogenic products.

Similar to facial acne, bacne occurs when the pores on your back get clogged. Be it excessive oil, sweat, dead skin cells, or sometimes even a bit of bacteria, these factors clog the pores on your back and cause inflammation.

Typically, the skin on your back is generally a bit thicker than on your face. It also has more sebaceous glands, which makes it more prone to acne. This is also why bacne may appear redder and inflamed compared to facial acne.

• Excessive oiliness: Your back and shoulders have a lot of oil glands, which can often go into overdrive because of your lifestyle or hormones. That excessive oil can mix with dead skin cells and block your hair follicles. This makes for the perfect breeding ground for those acne germs, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and red bacne bumps over your back and shoulders.

• Friction: Think about tight clothes, backpack straps, and even workout gear. Fabric constantly rubbing against your skin can trap heat, sweat, and oil. This phenomenon is called acne mechanica. Athletes or anyone who often wears tight or non-breathable clothing can experience it.

• Sweat accumulation: Sweat by itself isn't the enemy. But if it sits on your skin for a long time, it can block pores. Synthetic fabrics and poor hygiene can lead to bacne caused by sweat.

• Hormonal changes: Hormones can affect the skin on your back, just like they affect the skin on your face. Puberty, periods, menopause, and other hormonal shifts can trigger your skin to make more oil. More oil can mean more clogged pores, even on your back.

• Genetics: If you have a family history of bacne, you might be more likely to get it too. Genetics can dictate how much sebum your skin produces or how your skin reacts.

Bacne, or back acne, requires a consistent body care routine layered to unclog pores, minimize inflammation, and support the healing of acne scars. Since the skin on your back is thicker than your face, it can tolerate slightly more potent ingredients. This is why using the right products for your regular shower routine is crucial.

Use Cleansers, Exfoliants, and Body Washes

Just like your face, your body requires thorough and regular cleansing too. Look for dirt-removing, gentle, and pH-balanced products that help you regulate clogged pores and acne on your back.

• Salicylic Acid Body Wash: Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid exfoliant that penetrates the pores, dissolving sebum and dead skin cells. Using it consistently can significantly help reduce papules, pustules, and comedones.

• Benzoyl Peroxide Wash: Known for its antibacterial properties, benzoyl peroxide reduces Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria associated with breakouts. Leave it on your skin for 1 or 2 minutes before rinsing it off to enhance its efficiency.

• Glycolic or Lactic Acid Exfoliants: These alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) work on your skin’s surface to help smooth skin texture and fade post-acne marks. Use it 2-3 times a week to prevent irritation.

Tip: Try to avoid physical scrubs with walnut and apricot extract. Using scrubs with harsh physical exfoliants can aggravate acne lesions and worsen inflammation.

Clothing and Hygiene Habits for Bacne Treatment

• Wear Breathable Fabrics: Choose loose, cotton clothing that allows airflow and minimizes friction. Choose breathable fabrics, especially in summer or after intensive workouts.

• Shower After Sweating: Sweat, when left on the skin, can mix with oil and debris, leading to clogged pores.

• Avoid Irritants: Use gentle body care products and detergents. Fragranced body lotions, harsh detergents, and fabric softeners may trigger or worsen breakouts.

Once active bacne subsides, residual marks, whether post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring, can linger. Targeting these bacne scars early can improve skin clarity and tone.

Topical Treatments

• Exfoliants: Exfoliants like lactic acid and glycolic acid can help renew your skin’s surface by removing dead skin cells and boosting collagen.

• Retinoids: Retinoids like Adapalene or Tretinoin can boost cellular turnover, unclog pores, and gradually improve skin texture and pigmentation.

• Azelaic and Mandelic Acid: Gentler than many AHAs, these acids help reduce redness, pigmentation, and inflammation, especially beneficial for sensitive or darker skin tones.

• Niacinamide: Known for its brightening and anti-inflammatory benefits, it can complement other scar treatments effectively.

Do consult with your dermatologist before you start using any of these treatments for bacne scars.

Professional Treatments (Peels, Laser)

• Chemical Peels: Under clinical supervision, you can try salicylic, glycolic, or TCA peels to exfoliate deeper layers and fade stubborn marks.

• Laser Therapy: Dermatological practices like fractional lasers or pulsed dye lasers help stimulate collagen production and reduce pigmentation.

• Microneedling: By creating controlled micro-injuries, this treatment promotes skin regeneration and collagen synthesis.

• Use Non-Comedogenic Products: From sunscreens to moisturisers, choose formulations that won’t clog pores.

• Avoid Occlusive Oils: Skip heavy body butters, mineral oil, and petroleum jelly on breakout-prone areas.

• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can spike cortisol, increasing oil production and inflammation. Try exercising, yoga, and meditative techniques to manage stress.

• Don’t Pick: Picking or squeezing bacne increases the risk of scarring and infection. Use topical ointments and don’t scratch your bacne.

• Incorporate Probiotics: Both topical and oral probiotics may help support the skin’s microbiome and barrier function.

Now that you know bacne causes, the best bacne treatments, and how to get rid of bacne scars, put the knowledge into practice. Create a body care routine with dermatologically tested products and consult a professional before using active ingredients on your bacne. Turn to Eucerin for more clinical face care and body care solutions.

1. What causes acne on the back and body?

   Back and body acne, or bacne, is usually caused by excess sebum, dead skin buildup, and clogged pores. It can also be caused by sweat, especially when trapped under tight clothing.

2. How can I get rid of my bacne scars?

   You can use exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid to smooth over skin texture, and retinoids can help speed up cell turnover and fade dark spots. Consult a dermatologist before using actives on bacne.

3. What are the best products for treating bacne?

   Look for dermatologically tested body washes with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to target acne. Use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.

4. Does clothing or sweat contribute to body acne?

   Yes, tight or non-breathable fabrics can trap sweat and oil against the skin. This leads to clogged pores and friction, which triggers or worsens acne.