We all love heavy creams and perfumed lotions, but they may be clogging the pores on your back. After all, your back can be just as sensitive as your face — so applying these types of lotions can cause product build-up and can lead to acne. If you struggle with bacne, look for oil- and fragrance-free lotions as well as products that are labeled non-comedogenic, like Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $8.39.
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Skipping the shower after a workout
Whenever you exercise, you tend to sweat — especially on your back. Simply toweling it off and changing into new clothes is not enough to get rid of the sweat and bacteria that ultimately causes pimples on your back. Make sure to take a shower — or give yourself a once-over with some shower sheets — after your workout to wash it all off.
Did you know that the friction caused by wearing a heavy backpack can actually cause bacne? This condition, acne mechanica, is triggered by excessive pressure. This is similar to the skin irritation you may feel if you're wearing a tight belt or sports gear. If you can, refrain from carrying heavy bags on your back and see if your acne clears up.
Image via Imaxtree
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Using shampoos and conditioners that contain potential irritants
Oddly enough, your hair products could also be to blame. You see, the shampoo and conditioner that we apply on our hair can actually drip down your back and if not washed off properly, it can cause irritation to the skin or clogged pores. Check your hair products to see if they contain pore-clogging ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and some oils. You may even want to consider switching to an ultra-gentle product such as Noughty Care Taker Scalp Soothing Shampoo, $9.99.
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Sleeping on old, unwashed sheets
If you're having trouble remembering the last time you changed your sheets, chances are it's been too long. Sweat, dirt and other nasty stuff can build up on your sheets — and just as dirty pillowcases are a known culprit for facial breakouts, so are dirty bedsheets when it comes to bacne flare-ups. Regularly changing your sheets can make a big difference.
