Dealing with blemishes on your back, often called “bacne,” can be frustrating. Fortunately, you don’t have to simply wait for it to disappear. With the right treatment and skincare routine, clearer skin is achievable. Many people can effectively manage back acne at home.
Who Can Treat Back Acne at Home?
Treating back acne at home can be successful if you experience:
- A small number of spots on your back (mild acne)
- Recent onset of back acne
- A combination of whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples without deep, painful lesions (moderate acne)
However, for individuals with severe back acne characterized by deep, painful breakouts, seeking professional help from a dermatologist is essential.
Effective Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments for Back Acne
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are readily available without a prescription and can be very effective for managing mild to moderate back acne, especially when combined with a consistent acne-friendly skincare regimen.
Benzoyl Peroxide (Foam Wash): Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ingredient that combats acne by killing the bacteria responsible for breakouts. Daily use of a benzoyl peroxide wash can significantly control back acne and reduce flare-ups.
Benzoyl Peroxide Needs Time to Work
For benzoyl peroxide to be most effective, it should be left on the back for two to five minutes before rinsing.
Letting the benzoyl peroxide sit on your skin allows for better penetration, as the skin on the back is thicker than on the face. Additionally, rinsing it off after a few minutes helps prevent bleaching of clothes, sheets, and towels, a known side effect of benzoyl peroxide.
OTC benzoyl peroxide foaming washes come in various strengths. A 5.3% benzoyl peroxide wash is generally well-tolerated and less likely to cause skin irritation, dryness, or peeling. If a stronger treatment is needed, a 10% benzoyl peroxide foaming wash, the highest concentration available without a prescription, can be considered.
Retinoid (Adapalene 0.1% Gel): Combining adapalene 0.1% gel with benzoyl peroxide can enhance treatment outcomes. This OTC retinoid helps to unclog pores, allowing benzoyl peroxide to work more effectively.
Dermatologists recommend applying adapalene gel daily, either after showering or before bedtime.
Proper Application of Back Acne Medication
To ensure effective treatment, medication must be applied to the affected areas of the back. Using a lotion applicator specifically designed for the back can greatly simplify this process, allowing for even and targeted application of creams and gels. These applicators can be easily found online by searching for “lotion applicator for the back.”
Essential Acne-Friendly Skincare for Back Acne
For the best results from back acne treatment, a consistent acne-friendly skincare routine is crucial. Without proper skincare, back acne can persist or worsen even with treatment. Dermatologists recommend the following skincare habits to help patients achieve clearer skin:
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Develop these habits when working out or getting sweaty.
- Opt for loose-fitting workout attire made from breathable cotton or sweat-wicking fabrics.
- Wash workout clothes after each and every use to remove sweat and bacteria.
- Shower and change out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible after workouts or any activity that causes sweating. If immediate showering isn’t possible, use oil-free cleansing wipes to gently cleanse sweaty skin and change into clean clothes.
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Cleanse your skin gently. Aggressively scrubbing acne-prone skin can actually worsen breakouts. Gentle cleansing is key when washing your back and applying acne treatments.
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Stop irritating your skin with harsh skin care products. Avoid antibacterial soaps, astringents, and abrasive scrubs, as these can irritate the skin and exacerbate acne. Loofahs, back brushes, and buff puffs should also be avoided due to their potential to irritate the skin. Choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare products for optimal results.
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Use oil-free skin care products and cosmetics. Select products labeled “non-comedogenic,” “non-acnegenic,” “won’t clog pores,” or “oil-free” to minimize pore blockage and prevent breakouts.
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Avoid anything that rubs against your back, such as a backpack. Friction from items like backpacks can irritate the skin and trigger back acne flare-ups. Consider using a handheld bag instead of a backpack. If carrying a shoulder bag, position the strap on your arm rather than across your back.
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Resist the temptation to pick and pop acne, even on your back. Picking or popping pimples, whether on the face or back, can worsen acne, leading to inflammation and potential scarring.
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Protect your skin from the sun. Despite the misconception that sun exposure clears acne, it can actually worsen breakouts. Sunlight can darken acne blemishes and prolong their duration. Protect your skin by consistently using oil-free sunscreen when outdoors.
Choose the right sunscreen
Opt for non-comedogenic, SPF 30, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant sunscreen to protect your skin without clogging pores.
When to Consult a Dermatologist for Back Acne
Patience is important, as it can take time to see noticeable improvements with back acne treatment. Typically, initial results may appear within six to eight weeks of consistent treatment, with complete clearing potentially taking three to four months.
If you do not observe any improvement after six to eight weeks of home treatment, seeking guidance from a dermatologist is recommended. With professional dermatological care, virtually all types of acne can be effectively managed.
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References
Bikowski J. “A review of the safety and efficacy of benzoyl peroxide (5.3%) emollient foam in the management of truncal acne vulgaris.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010;3(11):26-9.
Brand B, Gilbert R, et al. “Cumulative irritancy comparison of adapalene gel 0.1% versus other retinoid products when applied in combination with topical antimicrobial agents.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003;49(3 Suppl):S227-32.
Del Rosso JQ. “Management of truncal acne vulgaris: current perspectives on treatment.” Cutis. 2006 May;77(5):285-9.
Eichenfield LF, Andrew C. Krakowski AC, et al. “Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Acne.” Pediatrics. 2013;131 Suppl 3:S163-86.
Leyden JJ, Del Rosso JQ. “The effect of benzoyl peroxide 9.8% emollient foam on reduction of Propionibacterium acnes on the back using a short contact therapy approach.” J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(7):830-3.
Last updated: 9/12/23
