Whether you have a pimple on your face or have suffered from a back breakout, acne sucks. You can always use a dab of concealer for a zit that appears on your face, but when it comes to back acne, prevention is key because makeup isn’t an option. And now that temperatures are on the rise, dresses and swimsuits will soon take over your summer wardrobe, putting skin on center stage.
What Is Bacne?
Bacne is an embarrassing situation to deal with and is more common during the warmer months due to our bodies producing more oil and sweat that builds up and leads to back acne. These breakouts are also tougher to deal with and not just because of their hard-to-reach location. The skin on our body is thicker and has larger pores, which makes them more prone to becoming clogged. Unfortunately, you can’t stop your skin from producing oil or sweating altogether, so you’ll need to take measures to keep your entire body acne-free.
How to Get Rid of Back Acne
For the most part, however, this unsightly issue can be obliterated with some of the same acne treatments that treat facial acne. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner says, “Add salicylic acid to your regimen during warmer months. New formulations like sprays make salicylic acid easy to apply to your back.”
We look to Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub ($5.99) for a gentle daily exfoliation from head to toe. The anti-acne cleansing scrub contains 2 percent salicylic acid to fight breakouts and clean deep into skin’s pores. Another daily favorite is AcneFree Body Clearing Acne Spray ($10.99) — an easy-to-use clear, quick-dry spray that helps treat and prevent breakouts. It’s lightweight, oil-free and made with glycolic acid to help exfoliate the skin, 2 percent salicylic acid, and aloe to soothe skin.
Another tip is to think about your clothing choices at the gym, where you sweat the most, in addition to showering right after a workout. Zeichner says, “Wear the right workout clothes — breathable fabrics wick sweat away rather than trapping it against your skin. Shower or at least use a towelette after your workouts to remove excess dirt, sweat and oil.” If you’re pressed for time and can’t shower, Proactiv Clear Zone Body Pads ($22) are perfect to tote in your bag to freshen up.
Treating Severe Back Acne
If your bacne breakouts are severe, however, Zeichner advises seeking professional help: “If you are getting large, painful bumps, not improving with OTC treatments, then visit your derm. You may be a candidate for prescription topical or even oral treatments.”
