Back acne is not much different from other forms of body acne, or even from regular facial acne. Breakouts are most likely to occur on your face, and this is where most people who suffer from acne experience it. But blemishes are also fairly common on other areas of the body as well. The back and chest are most common, but people also can break out on their legs, arms, and buttocks. In fact, acne can occur anywhere you have pores. Fun trivia: the only places you don’t have pores are the bottoms of your feet and the palms of your hands. So even though you could get acne everywhere, it’s not uncommon to have it just on your face and back.
What causes back acne?
Just like facial acne, back acne is caused when your pores clog with built-up oil. The pores become irritated or even infected, which is what causes the reddish appearance, inflammation, and even raised ‘plug’ above the skin. Oil both clogs your pores and feeds the bacteria that causes infection.
Can I stop back acne from occurring?
There’s not much you can do to stop the oil from being produced: your skin is an organ, and oil is part of how it stays healthy and lubricated. Yes, you produce more oil when your hormones are in flux (such as during puberty), but there’s not much you can do about it.
Can I control my back acne?
You can certainly help reduce the symptoms, yes. As with facial acne, back acne benefits from washing with a body scrub that includes an acne-fighting agent. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are most common for over-the-counter purchases.
Back acne is also influenced by sweat, which can clog pores if left to sit for too long. After you exercise or play sports (or even sit outside in the sun and get hot enough to sweat), change out of your sweaty clothes into clean, dry garments. Or even better, take a quick shower. Wear “breathable” materials that don’t fit too tightly or roughly against your skin.
You can also see a dermatologist or consider a more intensive over-the-counter treatment regimen (Acnezine, etc.). Also, it’s important to protect your skin from sun damage. If your back is exposed to the sun (when swimming, etc.) wear high grade sunscreen! Sun damage not only leads to skin cancer, but can prevent your skin from being able to heal the blemishes you do have.
