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Let’s get real for a second—back acne (or “bacne” as we affectionately call it) can be a total bummer. Whether it’s peeking out under your favorite summer dress or making a surprise appearance on your next beach day, bacne seems to have the worst timing.
But before you start avoiding mirrors or canceling poolside plans, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and guess what? We’ve got some tried and true solutions coming your way to say goodbye to those pesky spots and hello to smoother skin!
But first, why are you getting these bacnes after all?
See, there can be one or many causes combined. And to find the solution to any problem, you need to cut its roots. So here are some of the most common reasons why you’re getting never-ending back acne –
- Sweaty workouts
- Hair products sneakily travel down your back during a wash
- Tight clothing
- Sleeping on dirty sheets
- Hormonal changes, increasing stress levels
- Excessive sugar & dairy in your diet
- Not exfoliating regularly
Ready to tackle back acne head-on and feel confident in your skin again? Let’s do this!
1. Shower Immediately After Exercise
The post workout glow is what I’m all about but the sweat? That can can mix with bacteria and dead skin cells to clog your pores? Ew, right?
So, if you hit the gym or go for a run, try to shower right after—don’t wait until you get home or until dinner is over! Don’t give the bacteria the ground to have a party on your back, lol.
2. Avoid Synthetic Clothes
We love our trendy activewear, but some fabrics just don’t play nice with our skin. Synthetic materials can trap sweat and bacteria, creating a perfect storm for bacne.
Whenever possible, opt for breathable, natural fabrics. Cotton and linen is your skin’s BFF—it lets your skin breathe and stay fresh. Think of it as giving your back a little air to chill out, literally.
Plus, working out in such fabrics is truly what you’re missing out on if you’ve not tried it yet!
3. Never Use Damp Towels After Bathing
Remember when your mom told you not to leave wet towels on the floor? Turns out she was onto something. Damp towels can harbor bacteria, and using them on your freshly cleaned skin is a no-go.
Always switch out your towels regularly or air dry them completely between uses. It’s a small change that could make a big difference!
4. Use AHA/BHA Body Wash
If you’re looking for a one stop solution for most of your body problems (I’m talking odour, KP, razor bumps, or even bacne), incorporating AHA/BHA bodywashes is ALL you’re looking for.
These exfoliating acids work to clear pores and prevent new blemishes from forming. My favorite exfoliating body wash is, of course, Chemist at Play’s lactic acid one, as it has also helped me get rid of strawberry legs.
But some other great bodywashes are
5. Try a Chemical Peel or Clay Mask
I’m sure you must’ve heard about these two whenever you’ve searched “how to clear out acne on your face) and no kidding, they work just as well, if not better, for your back and body as well.
They’re the simplest way to clear out pores and exfoliate the skin. If you’re just starting out and have no experience with chemical peels at all, you should try a clay mask first.
I highly recommend Aztec Indian healing clay mask mixed with apple cider vinegar for 7 days straight. If you think your body can handle it, go for 30% AHA and 2% BHA peels.
My hands down favorite chemical peels are
6. Apply Acne-Fighting Products
Ever heard the saying, “The right tools make all the difference”? Well, it couldn’t be truer when it comes to banishing bacne. Try using acne-fighting products like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid in your post shower routine.
Benzoyl peroxide is the strongest of them all, and the other two are AHA and BHA, respectively.
You can ask any pharmacist for a good cream/gel. If you’re starting with benzoyl peroxide, apply it thrice a week and slowly move your consistency up to everyday.
If you think your body can tolerate AHAs and BHAs quite well, you can start using them every day.
7. Wash Your Bedding Regularly
No one likes laundry day, but did you know that your bed sheets could secretly be sabotaging your skin? Washing your bedding regularly removes oils and bacteria that love to hang out on your skin while you sleep.
8. Spot Treat with Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is like the Swiss army knife of natural remedies, don’t you think? Known for its antibacterial properties, this essential oil can work wonders when dabbed onto those stubborn spots.
Just remember to dilute it with a carrier oil to avoid irritation.
9. Aggressive Exfoliation is Just Bad
Okay, I get it. Scrubbing away at your skin can feel like you’re tackling acne head-on, but don’t go overboard! Aggressive exfoliation can actually worsen the situation by irritating your skin. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliants once or twice a week.
I learned this the hard way after a little too much enthusiasm left my skin angrier than before. Lesson learned!
10. Consider Medications for Severe Cases
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, bacne just won’t budge. If you’re dealing with severe acne, it’s okay to call in reinforcements. Consider talking to a dermatologist about medications that can help. They might suggest topical treatments or even oral medications to tackle the issue from the inside out.
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