Back Acne: Everything You Need To Know About Them

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting about 50 million people in America alone. This means that around 15% of the population of the US suffers from acne. But is acne only limited to your face?

Research says that acne can appear on any part of your body that has hair follicles (oil-secreting glands). Back acne, also known as ‘bacne,’ is one of the primary concerns women face these days.

Let's take a look at everything you need to know about back acne!

What Is Back Acne?

Bacne appears as bumps, blackheads, or whiteheads on your back. Bacne is most likely to manifest on your upper back and shoulder. This is because most of the sebaceous glands (glands that produce oil) are located here.

In general, the cause of back acne is the same as that of facial acne. A combination of factors, including genetics and hormones, can influence your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This leads to the accumulation of excess oil, dirt, and bacteria on the surface of your back, which ultimately leads to bacne.

What Does Back Acne Look Like?

Back acne looks like your facial acne. The most common symptoms that are common in both bacne and facial acne are mentioned below:

Blackheads

These manifest in the form of open bumps on the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. This makes them appear black. 

Whiteheads

These are bumps on the skin that remain closed by oil and dead skin. 

Papules 

These are small red or pink bumps that become inflamed.

Pustules

Pustules are pimples containing pus. They look like whiteheads surrounded by red rings. They can cause scarring if picked or scratched. Back acne scars are hard to fade.

Fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis)

This type of acne occurs when an excess of yeast develops in the hair follicles. They can become itchy and inflamed.

Nodules

Nodules are solid pimples that are deep in your skin. They are large and painful.

Cysts

These are pus-filled pimples. They can cause scars on your face if picked. 

Back Acne Causes

There are many causes associated with back acne. Some of the key risk factors that may complicate your bacne include:

Hormones

For most women, hormonal changes are the prime reason for back acne. These changes in hormones are more noticeable during menstruation or pregnancy. Hormonal changes can also cause bacne in men.

Genetics

Acne troubles may run in your family. Genetics is one of the prime causes of acne in the back and shoulders. There have been no links between genetic codes and acne. However, scientists are still working on understanding it.

Tight Clothing

The friction generated due to heat and stress caused by tight clothing can lead to acne breakouts on your back. Athletes and people going to the gym are more prone to get bacne due to this reason.

Shaving Your Back

Both men and women have felt allergic reactions due to shaving their backs. These reactions could be short-term and resolve on their own, or they could manifest in the form of serious acne problems.

Sweat

Not changing out of your sweaty clothes makes you smell bad and can also cause the build-up of bacteria on your back. This will eventually lead to acne breakouts. You need to change your sweaty clothes as soon as you get back from the gym.

Medications

Certain antidepressants and birth control pills can cause side effects on your skin. This will manifest in the form of bacne. Allergic reactions from medications can cause acne to occur in any part of your body.

Types Of Acne On The Back

Acne Mechanica

This is a specific type of acne that is caused by rubbing or pressure on the skin. Tight clothes and gym workouts can increase the risk of skin irritation by increasing the friction on the body surface.

Malassezia

It is a type of yeast that can cause lesions to develop on your back that looks exactly like acne. This yeast seems to overgrow in humid, sweaty conditions. Since your back is always covered by clothing, it is an ideal environment for the growth of this microbe.

Skincare Products For Back Acne

There are many over-the-counter products and doctor-recommended medications that can help you resolve your backne problem. But if you are looking for a skincare product for bacne to add to your daily skincare routine, we have 2 of the best products listed down for you.

Himalayan Cedar Body Wash

It is the best back acne body wash. It gives you deep pore cleansing and contains the goodness of turmeric and cedarwood oil that lightens your pigmentation and detoxifies your skin to remove the bacterial buildup.

Key benefits of this body wash include:

• Cleanses dirt, impurities, and excess oil
• Purifies and nourishes skin pores
• Gives your body a refreshing feel
• Keeps your skin hydrated and youthful

Mystic Indian Rose Body Wash

This back acne wash is filled with the exotic richness of Indian rose and multiple healing herbs. It helps you remove germs, dead skin cells, and excess oil from your skin. It has black pepper oil which is antimicrobial in nature and helps you get rid of bacne bacteria.

 

Key benefits of this body wash include:

• Cleanses stubborn impurities and nourishes the skin pores
• Maintains skin’s natural moisture and youthfulness
• Gives your skin an instant blast of freshness

Why Choose Nourish Mantra?

At Nourish Mantra, we care about your holistic wellness. We combine the natural goodness of ancient Indian science and mix it with the modern scientific formulations to give you the best of both worlds. 

 

At Nourish Mantra, we don't just care about your exterior appearance but your inner beauty as well. Our products are made from ethically sourced plant-based ingredients to give your hair all the goodness of a hair care product, but without any harmful chemicals. 

 

Our products are "clean," meaning we do not use Parabens, SLS/SLES, Phthalates, Formaldehydes, Mineral Oil, Oxybenzone, Talc, and Phenoxyethanol. Our products are also 100% vegan and GMP certified.

 

Our range of back acne products is made to suit your sensitive skin. It has all the active ingredients that can help you get rid of acne and spots that are left behind. Your skin will become naturally healthy without the use of harsh chemicals. 

Skincare Tips For Back Acne

Most of the time, making small changes in your lifestyle can help you get rid of back acne. We have curated a list of tips and tricks that can help you in back acne treatment.

Wash And Shower

Always take a bath after a sweaty gym session. Do not re-wear your sweaty clothes before washing them properly. The sweat can give microbes an ideal condition to grow, leading to back acne.

Exfoliate Your Skin

Use a gentle exfoliating agent to remove excess oil and dead skin cells from your body. Ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil can help to remove acne-causing bacteria from your skin surface.

Avoid Very Tight Clothing

Use light fabrics like cotton during summers. Loose-fitting clothes can help your skin pores breathe. This helps the sweat to evaporate and not clog the skin pores. Good fabrics also absorb sweat off your back.

Use Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of a tree found in Australia. Researchers have found that tea tree oil may help kill acne-causing bacteria and inhibit their growth on the surface of your body. It is also good for back acne scar removal.

Eat A Balanced Diet

Research has found that food high in glycemic index (something that makes your blood glucose rise), may make your acne worse. It is better to consume more fruits and vegetables since they are high in antioxidants. 

To Conclude

Acne is a challenge to treat, no matter where they occur. If the problem gets serious, visit a dermatologist who can give you medications to treat your acne.

 

A good skincare routine and maintaining good body hygiene can help you sort out back acne in no time. However, don't shy away from taking help if your condition gets serious.