Ever experienced yourself avoiding backless dresses or hesitating to go to the beach because of those dark spots or pimples on your back? You're not alone.
Back acne just like acne on any other body part is a frustrating skin condition that affects many of us. These can’t be a big deal at the initial phases but over time they start to cause discomfort and insecurity.
We understand that it’s high time now to get rid of those pimples and flaunt your beautiful back so to help you we will cover the topic of back acne, going through its symptoms, causes and most importantly how you can get rid of them permanently using the simple yet effective home remedies that doesn't require a trip to the dermatologist.
So, just read this blog to the end and you will have a sexy back in no time!
What Is Back Acne?
If you are reading this blog, you must already be familiar with the problem of back acne but to help you understand it on a deeper level. Acne on your back is just like the acne you get on your face, it usually happens when the hair follicles on your back get clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
This can cause pimples, blackheads, and sometimes painful cysts to form. This skin condition is usually most common in teenagers and young adults because of hormonal changes, but people of all ages can suffer with the problem of back acne.
The skin on your back has bigger pores as compared to skin on your face, which can lead to more serious acne. Also, as your back is usually covered by clothing, sweat and bacteria can get trapped, making the acne worse.
Symptoms Of Back Acne
The first stage of treating any problem is recognizing it, So here are some of commonly seen symptoms of back acne:
1. Whiteheads or blackheads: As the names suggest, blackheads look like black dots on your skin and whiteheads look like white spots. While blackheads and whiteheads form differently, both respond to similar treatment approaches.
2. Red, inflamed bumps (pimples): Pimples are a small inflamed elevation of the skin. These can cause irritation on being touched and can be filled with pus or blood.
3. Larger, painful lumps under the skin (cysts): These deep, inflamed acne lesions can be particularly painful and may lead to scarring if not treated properly.
4. Scarring or dark spots after acne heals: This is probably the worst part about acne, even if you get rid of them they leave behind dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or scars which look awful just like pimples.
5. Itching or redness in the affected area: Before popping up of a pimple, you might suffer with itching or redness in a particular area of your back and if not taken care of will result in a pimple.
What Causes Back Acne?
Understanding the causes of back acne can help you prevent future breakouts. Some common culprits include:
1. Excess oil production: Your skin naturally produces oil (sebum) to keep it moisturized. However, overproduction can lead to clogged pores and acne.
2. Bacteria build-up: Acne bacteria thrive in the excess oil, leading to inflammation and acne.
3. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can trigger acne.
4. Sweating and tight clothing: Sweat and friction from tight clothing can trap bacteria and irritate skin, leading to acne.
5. Certain medications: Some medications, like corticosteroids or lithium, can contribute to acne as a side effect.
6. Genetics: If your parents had acne, you're more likely to develop it too.
7. Diet: Some studies suggest that dairy and high-glycemic foods may contribute to acne in some people.
Types Of Back Acne
Back acne can manifest in different forms:
1. Comedonal acne: These types of acne can have two types: one being whiteheads (those are closed comedones) and blackheads (open comedones). As a general rule, it’s like the most basic form of acne and is non-inflammatory in nature. White heads are when a pore is clogged with oil and dead skin cells but has not gone through the surface; in contrast, a blackhead is when a pore is clogged with oil and dead cells and has been opened up to the skin and air and therefore darkened.
2. Inflammatory Acne: These are red, inflamed, swollen, pus-filled lesions. This type of acne is more conspicuous than comedonal acne and can be very painful too. The redness and swelling are due to inflammation resulting from reaction by bacteria on pimply blocked pores.
3. Cystic Acne: This is a more severe type of acne that is led by big, painful bumps deep in the skin. These are pus-filled cysts which typically have a soft texture on palpation. Without proper cystic acne treatment, the condition can very easily become chronic and result in scars.
4. Nodular acne: Similar to cystic acne, nodular acne produces hard, large bumps that grow deep under the skin. These nodules are more solid than cysts and usually more painful. Nodular acne might last for a long time and could never come to a head, which makes it quite difficult to treat and very likely to cause scarring.
Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid from Back Acne
Now, on to the fun stuff – home remedies that can actually help you deal with back acne:
1. Tea Tree Oil: An antibacterial, it prevents the growth of bacteria that cause acne. NOT for INTERNAL use (few drops in a carrier oil like coconut and apply to the affected areas…) Always make sure to do a patch test.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: Acidic in nature, it balances pH of the skin and antimicrobial Mix vinegar with water 1:3 ratio; apply on your skin as toner by dabbing.
3. Honey and Cinnamon: Packed Mask: Mask loaded with Honey and Cinnamon: There are two most widely used antimicrobial substances, honey as well as cinnamon. Mix one half of a teaspoon each of raw honey and cinnamon to form a paste, allow it to remain on the skin for 15-20 minutes then rinse with warm water.
4. Aloe Vera: This herb has natural anti-inflammatory instances that reduce the swollen and inflamed—citrus Middle. Now, apply freshly cut aloe vera gel on the areas and leave it for 15-20 minutes before washing off.
5. Oatmeal Scrub : It helps in removing all the dead cell that tends to clogs pores. Mix ground oatmeal with a little bit of water until it reaches a thick paste consistency. Help you scrub your back and clean it with water.
6. Green Tea : Green tea is an antioxidant powerhouse and may work wonders at reducing inflammation. Brew a pot of green tea, let it cool off and spray onto your back with a spritzer or cotton pad.
7. Turmeric Paste: Just mix turmeric powder water (or plain yogurt) to form a paste, that is anti-inflammatory. Apply on acne areas for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Tips To Prevent Back Acne
Because prevention is much better than cure, right? Tried-and-true strategies for staving off dreaded back acne include keeping your sweatshirt and bra laundered, showering post-gym class or yoga session, cutting down on the number of skin care products you use (they can make matters worse), avoid using tight clothing that traps debris against the skin.
1. After sweat sessions: This way your skin gets rid of the extra bacteria and obviously, that disgusting smell!
2. Well-fitting, breathable clothes: This helps prevent chafing and allows your skin to breathe during a workout.
3. Sheets: Change sheets once a week to avoid bacteria catching on.
4. It is best not to pick or poke at your acne because you can only push more bacteria into these breakouts and lead to scarring.
5. Apply non-comedogenic sunscreens: Sun and oil are two worst enemies to your acne-prone skin - look for the words on "oil-free" with Water-based ingredients will reduce pore-clogging effect.
6. Prevent hair care products from getting on your back: The chemicals and grease may not have an immediate reaction, but over time they can impede pores and irritate skin.
7. Try a body wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide: These ingredients are believed to help prevent and treat acne.
Diet Tips For Back Acne
There have been no precise diet plans that were directly associated with acne ever, but few changes in your food habit might be helpful. These include:
1. High dairy consumption: Dairy consumption may be linked to acne in some studies.
2. Consume less of high-glycemic food: Such foods are white flour as well as sweet snacks which make have a sharp increase in blood sugar levels, thereby making acne worse.
3. More omega-3 fatty acids: these are anti-inflammatory and can be found in fish, flax seeds, walnuts.
4. Drinking Enough Water: Drinking lots of water helps flush out the toxins and keeps your skin hydrated.
5. Eat a Diet High in Fruits and Veggies: These are loaded with antioxidants as well vitamins essential to skin.
6. Probiotics: Probiotic supplements can maintain a healthy gut, which may cleanse and feed the skin from inside.
Over-the-Counter Medications To Treat Back Acne
If all the home remedies are not working, there is no need to worry as these OTC options can help treat your back acne:
1. Benzoyl peroxide: It works to kill bacteria that contributes to acne Begin with a minimal concentration to prevent irritations in the skin.
2. Beta-Hydroxy Acid: Salicylic acid: It is a BHA, so it exfoliates the surface of skin and unclogs pores while also providing some anti-inflammatory benefits.
3. Alpha Hydroxy Acids: The removal of dull and dead skin cells which brightens the complexion, as well as a smoothing effect.
4. Sulfur: To exfoliate and maintain oil control while targeting bacteria.
Skin is different on everyone, and treatments should be too. Baxter also suggests this: "Be patient with your chosen treatment, but don't be afraid to get professional help if you need it." Clear up back acne with the right tips and methods.
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