Acne is a very common skin condition amongst teens worldwide, so you aren’t alone when confronted with the annoying problem of pimples popping up everywhere on your face. And what’s even more disturbing is the fact that pimples aren’t limited to just magically sprouting on your face, but on other parts of your body as well.
Your back and shoulders are not exempt from acne, hence the term “Bacne.” It is common and can be treated and prevented so you don’t have to spend your life hiding your back. Read more about the best acne medicine.
Acne on the back and shoulders comes in different types, inflammatory and non-inflammatory. It’s good to know what you have so you can identify the most suitable treatment and prevention plan.
Non-Inflammatory acne
Also called open comedones, blackheads occur when the pores on your skin become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum or the oil secreted by your skin. The black part of it is a reaction between the sebum and the air around you, not necessarily dirt that has filled the follicle.
These are the closed comedones that develop when a follicle gets plugged just beneath the top layer of your skin to form a white bump.
Inflammatory acne
These are the small, tender, and pink acne lesions caused by the inflammation of the walls of the skin around the pores.
These are the pimples that are filled with white or yellow pus that are red at the base.
These are the acne lesions that have formed below the skin’s surface which are hard and painful.
These are the ones that are deep-seated in your skin that form red or white bumps that are painful and have the tendency to scar.
Treating acne on your back and shoulders is slightly different than treating those on your face. Here are some of the best treatment options available:
Tea tree oil, lavender, clary sage, and many other essential oils have been proven to help treat acne and reduce skin inflammation. These essential oils have antibacterial properties that help cleanse the skin, treat acne, and help prevent them from coming back. Plus they are cheaper and safer for those with sensitive skin.
The difference between treating acne on your face and those on your back is the difficulty of those zits not easily accessible. With essential oils, you can have put them in a spray bottle which you can use for those hard-to-reach areas of your back.
Topical creams are the most common remedies for back acne because they’re easier to apply and you can see results quicker. Creams that have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in them work best especially for those with mild to moderate bacne. For severe cases, these should be applied to the affected area at least twice a day.
For severe cases of acne such as cysts and nodules, you can try taking doctor-prescribed pills. These can include antibiotics to kill bacteria or pills that target the hormones to reduce the amount of oil your skin produces. Isotretinoin is another strong option that has long-term effects of up to two years but may produce side effects.
Chemical peels, laser treatments, or light therapies are medical procedures that are available as acne remedies. Dermatologists can give you a list of other options so it’s best to consult with them to know what’s best for your skin.
Once you have chosen treatment for your back and shoulder acne, you should also know how to prevent them from coming back or getting worse. As they say, prevention is better than cure.
Eat Healthily to stop acne
A balanced diet provides many health benefits, and your back and shoulder will surely thank you for eating healthy. Skin-friendly food choices include fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C as it is known to help with rejuvenating and healing the skin. They are also the best at detoxifying your body from the inside out.
Exfoliate when you have acne
A good bath lily or loofah can help prevent acne as they can clear dead skin cells and remove dirt from your back and shoulders. You can also try using an exfoliating body scrub that is effective in removing excess oil from the skin which can cause acne.
Shower After a Workout to prevent breakouts of acne
Leaving sweat and dirt on your skin after working out or any similar instances can make your skin prone to acne. Always take a shower after getting sweaty and dirty to avoid aggravating the situation.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes to cut down acne breakouts
Tight clothing can trap dirt in your skin and rub them in even deeper which can be more difficult to remove. In addition, using backpacks that run tight on your shoulders can cause acne as these can rub the dirt and sweat in as well.
Change Bed Sheets Regularly to help acne
Regularly change and wash sheets to prevent dirt from getting into your skin while you sleep. Sheets can trap dirt and can be a breeding ground for bacteria so changing them every two weeks is highly recommended.
Choose Your Skin Care Products Carefully if you are acne prone
Your bath soap, shampoo, lotion, or any skin care product you use may contain ingredients that can irritate your skin and cause acne. Choose products that are specially made to help clear, there are a lot of body scrubs and washes that have ingredients that soothe inflammation and reduce swelling and redness.
Don’t Pop or Pick those pimples
As with facial acne, never ever pop or pick your bacne. Doing this can spread bacteria and make the situation worse than it is. Scarring from bacne can be prevented but once you pick them, they’re sure to result in some nasty marks.
There are many more treatments available to you for back and shoulder acne. Explore what works best for you even if it means a little trial and error. But before trying out any of these treatments, make sure you consult a healthcare professional or a dermatologist to avoid any further problems.
