Back acne is probably a lot more common than you think. Tragically, pimples aren't restricted to the face alone; they can appear on any part of your body that has hair follicles and secretes sebum. Having bacne can be especially annoying due to the sheer amount of surface area at play — all the more room for bigger breakouts. Plus, the skin on our back also tends to be thicker, which can make acne become more embedded into the skin and even more difficult to treat — not to mention, difficult to reach.
The first step in treating your back acne is knowing the cause. Just like our facial acne, you need to learn your triggers. Check out these habits that may be causing your back acne.
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Using oil-based creams and lotions
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.
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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.
