Back Acne: Treatment, Causes and Symptoms

Back acne is very common, but nonetheless unpleasant. Thankfully, there are a number of natural back acne treatments out there that are proven to help.

What is Back Acne & How Does it Come About?

Back acne is caused, as with acne anywhere, by clogged pores. Pores on your back become clogged with sebum (oil), dead cells, dirt, excess oil and skin debris. Over time, your pores can become congested and produce more bacteria than is naturally required to tackle the infection. Clogged sebum and bacteria in the pores of your back form pimples, with either a whitehead or a blackhead, as a response. 

Back acne can be anywhere across the entire back, but is generally concentrated across the upper back and neck area. Back acne can also be painful in some more severe cases. 

The causes of back acne include regular exercise without showering after, genetics or hormones, and it occurs very commonly among adolescents. However, back acne can occur at any time. Thankfully, there are natural, home remedies that can help to treat back acne. 

1. Exfoliation

Exfoliating removes the dead skin on the surface of the skin. Not only will regular exfoliation unclog pores, it will also reduce the amount of dead skin on your back, and therefore limit the number of dead skin cells and oil that cause back acne in the first place. 

Natural, home exfoliation can be achieved using a homemade sugar scrub, or by gently sloughing off dead skin cells on your back using a dry brush.  

2. Aloe Vera Gel

Most moisturizers, body creams and body butters contain chemicals and oils that aggravate acne. Instead, opt for natural oils and gels like aloe vera gel to moisturize and soothe your skin. 

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it an excellent natural oil you can apply to your back acne as a gentle home remedy for back acne treatment. 

4. Shower After Exercise

Shower as soon as you can after exercise. This cleans your back of the sweat, oils and dirt left on your back after a workout and will reduce the build-up of dirt and oils in your pores. 

You should also clean workout clothes between sweat sessions.

5. Wear Loose Fitting Clothing

Tight clothing on your back can keep pores clogged. Choose loose-fitting clothing instead to allow the pores on your back to breathe. 

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

An unhealthy diet filled with greasy and sugary foods can contribute further to the development of back acne due to your blood sugar being raised. Examples of these high-glycemic foods and beverages are:

• white bread
• corn flakes
• potato chips
• fries
• pastries, including donuts
• sugary drinks, including milkshakes

A healthy, balanced diet filled with vegetables, lean proteins, fruits, and whole grains that release energy slowly is the best. Stay away from unhealthy, sugary and oily foods and dairy. 

Read more:

• How to Get Clear Skin Naturally with Our Top 12 Tips
• 6 DIY Peel-Off Face Masks for Healthy Skin
• Blind Pimples: How to Get Rid of Them (Forever)

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Tags: Guide Healthy Living Lifestyle Natural Remedies Personal Care Personal Hygiene