Back acne is as common as it is annoying. Adolescents and adults who suffer from this pathology know well that it is not possible to deal with it in the same way as that on the face. However, since back acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands, it shares some treatments with the more common acne. If you want to finally knock your acne out by claiming a clean, sculpted back, continue reading this article.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Put on a clean bra
If you're wearing a bra, make sure it's clean. Change it every day. The closures must adhere to the body so as to avoid rubbing the area (which would increase irritation). If you can, use one without straps; it will reduce irritation very quickly.
Step 2. Wear loose fitting clothing
Make sure the material in contact with your back is clean and, if possible, cotton. Cotton removes sweat from the skin.
- Try washing your laundry with a mild detergent, possibly without added fragrances. Too perfumed detergents can cause acne, or worsen the existing situation.
- If possible, bleach whites. Bleach kills any bacteria that may be in your clothes and prevents acne from growing. Make sure you rinse it thoroughly to prevent it from irritating your skin.
Step 3. Always remember to wash after sweating
After running or playing basketball, remember to take a shower. Exercise-induced sweat is comparable to a playground for acne-causing bacteria. In addition, sweat can clog pores, causing unwanted relapse.
Step 4. When you shower, be sure to remove all traces of conditioner from your hair
One potential cause of back acne is residual conditioner that has not been rinsed off properly. Conditioner is great for your hair, but it's not great for your back. There are many ways to prevent it from ending up on your back and causing annoying little pimples:
- Reduce the water temperature before rinsing your hair. Hot water widens pores, while cold water forces them to shrink. Having the pores in your back skin open as the conditioner runs down your hair is not a good recipe for getting rid of pimples.
- Wash your back as the last thing after applying shampoo and conditioner.
- Instead of applying conditioner in the shower, use a leave-in conditioner and apply it while covering your back with a towel.
Step 5. Change the laundry detergent
If you have sensitive skin, the cleanser may be causing the irritation worsening. Switch to a specific brand for sensitive skin.
Step 6. Wash your sheets regularly
Dead skin cells and dust build up quickly on the sheets. Having a pet sleeping on the bed also adds to the dirt. Change the bed and wash the sheets twice a week.
- If you have a way to bleach your sheets, this allows you to eliminate any bacteria that are still present through washing. Make sure you rinse thoroughly to avoid possible irritation.
- Make sure you also wash blankets, duvets, and so on regularly.
Part 2 of 3: Pharmacological Remedies
Step 1. Wash your body with a non-oil based medicinal shower gel
The basic active agent should be 2% salicylic acid. Again a Neutrogena bubble bath can be a good option. Focus on the area where the pimples appear, wait a minute before rinsing. Let the active agent penetrate the skin and do its job.
Step 2. Moisturize the area with a medicinal, non-oil-based lotion
Skin is an organ of your body, not figuratively, but literally: like the other organs in your body, it needs water and nutrients to look and feel its best. After washing your back, apply a moisturizing lotion daily.
Alternatively, use a non-medicinal lotion but make sure it is non-comedogenic. It is needed because salicylic acid dries the skin
Step 3. Use an acne cream
Since you're already using salicylic acid to keep your skin hydrated, use another medicine locally (for example 2.5% benzoyl peroxide). Do not use a 5% or 10% concentration of peroxide if you have particularly sensitive skin or you will increase irritation. If you are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, a 10% sulfur solution might be just as good.
Step 4. Use a retinol cream
Apply it to your back overnight. Helps exfoliate the skin and prevents pimples from forming.
Step 5. Use AHA and BHA exfoliants (alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids)
Alpha hydroxy acids are essentially exfoliants capable of removing dead cells that tend to clog pores causing acne. Beta-hydroxy acids fight acne bacteria from the inside. If possible, buy a body scrub that contains AHA and use it three times a week. After showering and after moisturizing your skin, clean it with medicinal wipes that contain BHA.
Step 6. Consult a dermatologist
It is possible that this is a case that requires taking acne lozenges or topical cream. Don't be afraid to go to a dermatologist for more safety.
Part 3 of 3: Natural Remedies
Step 1. Create an exfoliating action using an abrasive sponge
However, try not to scratch too hard or you will increase irritation.
Step 2. Try zinc
This is not a popular acne treatment, but it is certainly effective in some cases; in fact zinc is known as the enemy of acne. It is a metal that humans need in small doses in order to carry out their essential functions. In addition to being used for acne treatment, it is prescribed to strengthen the immune system. Zinc can be used to treat back acne in two different ways:
- Apply it directly to the skin. Go in search of a lotion that contains 1.2% zinc acetate and 4% erythromycin and rub it into your skin twice a day. Alternatively, punch a hole in a zinc gel tablet, squeeze a small amount of the gel onto your finger, or a Q-tip, and apply it directly to your back.
- You can also ask your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic ointment that contains zinc.
- Ingest zinc as part of your normal daily vitamin regimen. Try taking zinc picolinate daily, about 25-45 mg. DO NOT take more than 50 mg per day to avoid exposing yourself to the risk of a copper deficiency, large doses of zinc interfere with the absorption of copper.
Step 3. Make a natural exfoliant
It will help you remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and promote pimples. Extract the juice of one grapefruit and place it in a bowl with 1 1/2 cups of sugar or sea salt. Massage the acne affected area and pat dry (without scrubbing). Make sure you apply a mild moisturizer or lotion after each scrub.
A couple of tablespoons of honey make a great addition to this type of scrub. Regular honey and the more potent Manuka honey are both moisturizing and famous for their antibacterial properties
Step 4. Change the pH of the skin
PH is a measure of the alkalinity of your skin. Scientists have found that a pH below 5, ideally 4.7, is ideal for the overall health and well-being of the skin and its bacterial flora. Taking a shower and using soap, in particular, can raise the pH of the skin to above 5, making it dry, cracked and flaky.
- Consider replacing the shower head. Invest by buying one that removes chlorine from the water. Your skin will be grateful to you. Search the web and you'll find that some effective shower heads don't come at a premium. The impact on your skin will be substantial.
- Make a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar and one part filtered drinking water. Pour it into a plastic spray bottle. After a shower and before bed, spray it on your skin and let it dry. This process will naturally lower the pH of your skin.
Advice
- Treating the skin with lemon (cut it into slices and rub it on the skin) or fresh tomato can be of great help, as the acid they contain kills bacteria. This is a good remedy if you have delicate skin and can't stand chemical treatments.
- Do not use the Proactive. The results might look good, but as soon as you stop using it, acne returns and makes the situation worse.
- Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Proper hydration causes the body to reduce the release of oil and bacteria that turn into acne.
- If you use an abrasive sponge, wash it well after use as it can easily become contaminated with germs and bacteria.
- There are Neutrogena gel varieties specific for acne. Make sure they contain the active agent: 2% salicylic acid.
- Tea tree oil is an all-natural antibacterial treatment that can be used in place of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
- Dr. Bronner's tea tree oil soap can be an effective acne treatment. It also doesn't dry out the skin like other medicinal soaps tend to do.
- If you are intolerant to salicylic acid or do not notice results from using Neutrogena gel, try a medicinal powder. It normally works very well and does not overdry the skin.
- Head & Shoulders with zinc, when used daily, can help reduce the incidence of acne.
Warnings
- Don't squeeze pimples. This will only increase the risk of infection. If one of the pimples bursts, treat it with a 3% peroxide and 10% benzoyl solution to reduce the risk of infection.
- If you are taking Accutane, do not use Neutrogena cream or benzoyl peroxide. Accutane kills the glands that produce fat under the skin.
