Zits be gone: How to get rid of back acne (and keep it from coming back!)

Summer is here, and so is the dreaded back acne—also known as bacne. Or yeah, even buttne (acne on your butt—yep, it happens often enough to get its own moniker).

Because while back acne can happen throughout the year, summer brings it out in droves.

Which makes this a good time to ask the question: How to get rid of back acne? And how to stop it from coming back?

What causes back acne?

To understand how to treat back acne, we first need to know why it happens. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, back acne is caused by a buildup of oils and dead cells in our pores — just like its facial counterpart. The P.Acnes bacteria thrives in clogged pores, leading to cystic acne, which shows up as those red, painful, and sometimes pus-filled pimples on your body.

While back acne can appear at any time of the year due to various factors like genetics, hormonal imbalance, stress, and using the wrong skin or hair products, it tends to spring up more frequently in the summer, thanks to excessive sweat, greasiness, and grime.

Just in time, it seems, for floaty, skin-baring summer dresses, swimsuits, and camisoles.

How to get rid of back acne

So, what’s the solution? How to get rid of back acne? And then ensure that it stays away?

Thankfully, help is at hand with this easy, effective, and expert-approved plan that will keep those under-the-neck-zone spots at bay—butt, back, and chest included.

1. Shower after sweat-inducing activities

After any activity that makes you sweat—whether it’s a workout, a run, or just a hot day—it’s crucial to shower as soon as possible.

Sweat can mix with oils and dead skin cells, clogging pores and leading to acne. A quick rinse can help wash away these impurities before they clog your pores.

2. Switch up your body wash

Not all body washes are created equal. And that luxe, creamy cleanser is not doing your back acne any favors. Neither is your facial acne wash—face-grade products are often too gentle for the body, which needs more potent ingredients.

So, what ingredients should you look for in your acne body wash? Salicylic acid, which can cut through oil and reach deep into pores to unclog them; benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria; and a non-comedogenic label, which means the product is specifically formulated not to clog pores. 

The best body washes to get rid of acne: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash with Glycerin & 2% Salicylic Acid, CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin with Salicylic Acid, Nécessaire The Body Acne Wash with 2% Salicylic Acid, Zinc + Niacinamide, Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap, OUI the People Clean Slate Lactic Acid Smoothing Body Wash

3. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate

Exfoliating once a week is the best way to bust pore-clogging dead cells and allow fresh, unblemished cells to come to the surface for visibly smoother skin.

Look for a manual scrub with small, rounded particles that won’t tear your skin or a chemical exfoliator with glycolic or lactic acid. The latter are alpha-hydroxy acids (A.H.A.s) that gently dissolve the upper layer of dead skin cells to prevent pimples from cropping up in the first place.

The best exfoliators to get rid of back acne: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub with Salicylic Acid, Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel, Soft Services Buffing Body Bar, Aesop Redemption Body Scrub, Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub with AHA, BHA & Caffeine, Isle of Paradise Confidently Clear Body Polish Scrub with Glycolic & Hyaluronic Acids

4. Put on a body mask! 

Clay masks are superb for oily and congested skin. Look for bentonite clay—it attracts impurities and draws them out of the skin. Mix equal amounts of clay powder and water, then apply it to the problem areas. Leave the mask on until it’s completely dry, and then rinse it off with cool water.

The National Library of Medicine recommends adding an aloe vera mask, which soothes inflammation, fights infection, and promotes healing without clogging the pores. Simply apply aloe vera gel to the skin, leave it on for half an hour, and then wash off in the shower.

5. Bring out the spot treatments

Over-the-counter spot treatments can go a long way in shrinking existing pimples. Benzoyl peroxide is the top choice among skin experts, including the American Academy of Dermatology.

It works by killing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and helping to clear blocked pores. It also helps to shed dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, which can otherwise clog pores and lead to acne. And it reduces inflammation around the acne lesions, helping to calm and heal the skin!

Benzoyl peroxide products are available in various concentrations, typically 2.5% to 10%. A higher concentration (5% to 10%) may be more effective for back acne due to the thicker skin in this area.

The best spot treatments to get rid of back acne: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel (10% Benzoyl Peroxide), La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment (5.5%), Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief (6%)

6. Moisturizer musts!

You don’t need to avoid body lotions or creams if you have acne-prone skin. In fact, using a lightweight lotion is a good thing, as it helps keep the skin’s natural barrier intact, which in turn protects against the invasion of acne-causing bacteria.

Just make sure to switch to one that’s oil-free and non-comedogenic. And for added acne-fighting cred, look for a body lotion that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or a research-vetted blemish-buster like tea tree oil.

Pro tip: How to apply products to your back

Of course, applying anything to the back is not the easiest thing for those of us who are not double-jointed. The answer? A product applicator for the back that can help you get to those hard-to-reach places. 

And they don’t even cost a ton! The Toem Lotion Applicator For Back clocks in at just $11.99, while the Bearback Lotion Applicator for Back & Body will set you back by $24.97, and the Smooth Reach Lotion Applicator For Back is equally light on the wallet at $20.36.

Or you can use a body spray to reach those elusive spots and provide even coverage!

The best body lotions to get rid of bacne: Murad Clarifying Body Spray, Paula’s Choice CLEAR Back & Body Exfoliating Acne Spray, Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion, Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray, Shani Darden Skin Care Body Reform Treatment Serum with 2% Granactive Retinoid

7. Consult a Dermatologist

If your back acne is persistent and over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, it’s time to seek professional help.

A board-certified dermatologist can recommend clinical treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or extractions. Depending on the severity of your bacne, they may also prescribe oral antibiotics to speed up the healing.

How to stop back acne from coming back!

As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure. This is particularly true in the case of chronic back acne!

So, along with the cornerstones of washing away sweat and grime, exfoliating regularly, and using non-comedogenic products, incorporate these practices into your body care routine.

Trust us, your skin will thank you!

1. Choose the right fabrics

According to the Dermatology Online journal, your clothing can play a significant role in preventing back acne. For instance, tight clothes can trap dirt, oils, and bacteria that can cause blemishes.

Instead, stick to looser, more comfortable fits for your skin’s sake. Also, change out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible to avoid trapping bacteria against your skin.

Similarly, certain non-breathable fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and spandex, can irritate existing blemishes and lead to new ones by causing excessive friction with the skin. Switch them out for natural fabrics, like linen, cotton, or silk.

2. Mind your hair products

Believe it or not, hair products are a leading cause of back acne. The reason? Ingredients like silicones and oils can clog pores on your back. 

Tilt your head forward when washing or conditioning your hair to prevent the products from running down your back. This simple adjustment can help keep hair product residue off your skin. 

Similarly, apply styling products such as gels, sprays, and mousses while leaning forward or flipping your hair over. This helps prevent these products from coming into contact with your back.

Finally, avoid letting your hair rest on your back if it’s laden with heavy styling products. Consider styles that keep your hair up and off your back, especially during hot weather or workouts.

3. Look at your diet!

A healthy diet can go a long way in your quest to get rid of back acne, so add skin-friendly fatty acids from fish, flaxseed oil, and avocados to your meal plan.

Vitamin A from egg yolks, green and yellow fruits, and vegetables will also help keep skin clear from the inside out.

Plus, zinc is very healing — get it from liver, seafood, green vegetables, brown rice, and wholegrain bread. And don’t forget bioflavonoids, found in oranges, red capsicum, and other red foods.

Fun fact: Studies have shown that foods with a high glycemic index can increase insulin levels, which in turn can stimulate oil production and lead to acne

If you have any favorite tips or treatments on how to get rid of bacne, share them in the comments below!