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.

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Body acne afflicts people of all ages, but most sufferers are those going through hormonal changes; puberty is the most common of all. Like facial acne, body acne is often a hereditary occurrence, passed on from parent to child. The causes and treatment of body acne are often very similar to those of facial acne. Also, like facial acne, no one is able to pinpoint the exact cause and fully eliminate the condition.

However, there are some things you can do to decrease the severity of your body acne outbreaks, and to help control your appearance and keep your skin healthy and looking better.

Where Body Acne Occurs

Body acne can be found anywhere you have pores, or hair follicles. The only places it cannot form are the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. That said, body acne is most common on the back, neck, legs, buttocks, and arms.

What Causes Body Acne

Body acne, like facial acne, is the result of clogged pores in the skin. These pores are clogged by skin debris (dead skin cells) and a buildup of oil. This oil is controlled by the glands that regulate hormones, which is why times of hormonal shifting (such as puberty) make body acne so common.

Preventing Body Acne

Because buildup of oil on the skin can clog your pores, preventing buildup is the best way to prevent body acne. If you work out, make sure to shower and change your clothes soon after. This keeps sweat and dirty clothes off your skin, allowing your pores to breathe and stay clear.

Use a body wash that contains medicine designed to reduce or eliminate acne. Salicylic acid is probably the most common acne-fighting ingredient in over-the-counter body washes. However, make sure not to over-wash your skin. Too much scrubbing can irritate your pores, and too much medicine can dry out the skin, causing your body to produce more oil to compensate. This will only make acne worse.

Dealing With Body Acne

Like any acne, body acne can make people feel embarrassed. Keep in mind that many people experience body acne: you are not alone. Resist using makeup to cover your body acne; it will only clog your pores more. If a body wash is not making a difference, consider seeing a dermatologist for professional treatment.

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