Back Acne: 5 Tips For Treating Them!

How do you get rid of back acne? The treatment depends on what caused the back acne in the first place, but fortunately, you have many options at your disposal. However, knowing which remedies to choose can be confusing, especially since so many of them are available over-the-counter or online. Here are five tips to help you treat your back acne from the comfort of your own home. They’re easy to follow and will ensure that you get rid of it as quickly as possible!

1) Get Rid of Back Hair

If you have back acne, it’s important to keep your skin clean and clear to avoid further problems. If you want to get rid of back hair, you can use a body scrub or another exfoliating product that removes hair without irritating your skin. Use circular motions when rubbing in small circles around your back, always making sure to avoid sensitive areas like your spine and any tattoos. Rinse thoroughly after exfoliating and pat dry with a towel; if you don’t let your skin air-dry properly after an exfoliation treatment, it can clog pores leading to further breakouts.

2) Keep Your Clothes On

Wear clothes that don’t rub up against your back. The pressure will keep breakouts from developing and prevent existing acne from getting worse. Sticking to loose-fitting T-shirts, comfortable pants, and avoiding tight sweaters can help you steer clear of back acne. Skip Your Sauna: Saunas are meant to be relaxing, but they can make sensitive skin even more irritated and prone to breakouts. After a long day at work or school, skip your sauna trip in favor of a relaxing bath or shower. Avoid Scrubbing: Although you want to scrub away those dead skin cells, avoid using harsh exfoliators on your back.

3) Moisturize Often

Though not as much skin is exposed on your back as other parts of your body, it’s still susceptible to back acne. To prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts on your back, moisturize frequently. The trick here is to apply moisturizer only where you need it. Rub a dime-sized amount of lotion into each hand and then smooth over any rough patches or splotches of dry skin. You can also use a gentle exfoliant on your lower back just before showering; using a loofah is another good option, though you’ll want to be sure to avoid getting too close to your spine with it. When applying either product, be sure to gently lather up all areas at least once per week or as needed.

4) Don’t Scratch!

The itching that results from back acne can sometimes feel uncontrollable. It’s a natural reaction to want to scratch, but stop! Scratching only worsens existing acne and causes new pimples. The next time you get an itch on your back, resist by taking deep breaths or distracting yourself with music. If you still need relief, use medicated lotion instead of your fingernails to soothe irritated skin. Avoid aggravating existing breakouts and future flare-ups by keeping your back moisturized regularly with a non-comedogenic body cream—we recommend using one in the morning and evening.

5) Use Ice Cubes

While you might be tempted to jump right into a hot shower or lukewarm bath, you should try using ice cubes first. Run an ice cube over your back acne after cleansing it thoroughly in order to reduce inflammation and fight off redness. In some cases, ice can also help kill bacteria. If that doesn’t work, you can try salicylic acid pads—available at most drugstores—as a replacement for retinol creams, which can often dry out your skin and further aggravate acne. Salicylic acid is great for removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores but should never be used around open sores.