Get rid of unsightly acne on your back
By: Carla Snuggs
If you have ever suffered from a case of body acne, you know how embarrassing it can be, especially when you’re wearing a low cut top or a backless dress. Don’t fret: We have several great skincare tips for you that will help prevent and get rid of body acne, or bacne, as many call it.
What Causes of Body Acne?
Body acne is caused by a variety of things including clogged pores, excess oil production, bacteria and hormonal alterations. Body acne can be aggravated by sweat and chemicals found in certain toiletries and household products. Over-washing of the skin with harsh soaps and cleansers can also aggravate the skin and cause breakouts, says Dr. Mitch Chasin, Cosmetic Physician and Laser Specialist /Medical Director of Reflections Center for Skin and Body. Dr. Joel Schlessinger, founder of LovelySkin.com finds that many patients are actually infected with staph aureus from a gym exposure. Others may have conditions that cause body acne, ranging from polycystic ovary syndrome (in women) to hidradentis suppurativa, a condition that is accompanied by boils and large cysts.
Prevent Body Acne
There are several measures that are effective in preventing body acne. Rinsing the sweat and toxins from the skin right after physical exertion will help prevent pores from getting clogged, so make sure to hit the shower right after your workout, says Dr. Chasin. Keep your clothes and bed sheets clean. Dirty clothes can irritate the skin, and sheets contain built up oil and dirt from your body that can cause acne, so be sure to wash your bed linens at least once a week. If you’re doing laundry, throw the sheets in as well – your skin will thank you!
If your hair is naturally oily, wash it daily and keep it off your back, shoulders and chest. The same goes for greasy hair products, which can also cause irritation and acne flare ups. And finally, avoid wearing backpacks or other accessories that constantly rub against the skin and prevent it from breathing properly, says Dr. Chasin. If you do have a patch of body acne, ask yourself if your handbag or rucksack might be the culprit.
How to Treat Body Acne
Lifestyle is always considered first when dermatologists develop a treatment plan for body acne. Little changes might make a big difference, like switching soaps or cutting out the perfume or cologne. Many times the patient has tried everything before they come to us, with no luck, says Dr. Chasin.
From there, dermatologists look to topical creams and ointments, and sometimes prescription drugs, depending on what the patient has tried in the past. Body acne can usually be treated with an antibiotic and a topical treatment such as Glytone Acne Back Spray. Often, Dr. Schlessinger will culture the back or body if there are pustular areas to reveal if there are any odd bacteria present. Dr. Chasin’s practice specializes in cosmetic laser medicine, and many of their patients are referred to the practice once other remedies have offered little success. You can look into laser treatments as they do a great job of reducing or eliminating body acne.
Body Acne Products
Alpha hydroxyl acid and benzoyl peroxide are the bread and butter of acne fighting topical agents, says Dr. Chasin. Products containing tea tree oil have antiseptic and antibacterial qualities and soothing lavender oil is beneficial in healing acne scars. Products with Coconut Oil and Jojoba Oil as a base are also recommended. In addition to the Acne Back Spray at LovelySkin.com, Dr. Schlessinger recommends the Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash which is a great addition to any regimen. However, if the products you are using are not working, a trip to your dermatologist makes sense.
Images Courtesy of Endless Beauty
