How to get rid of back acne?

According to Skin MD Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology (2017), around 17 million Filipinos suffer from acne. As a result, acne makes it the most prevalent skin condition in the country. Moreover, the Philippine Medical Association (2017) states that approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 have acne vulgaris. Therefore, PMA (2017) asserts that it has a major effect on the social, psychological, and emotional functioning of those affected.

Most people experience facial acne at some point in their lives. However, acne can also arise in other parts of your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can affect any portion of your body that has oil-secreting glands or hair follicles. This includes your back, chest, and shoulders.

Back acne, sometimes known as bacne, happens to many people.

Here’s what you need to know about bacne:

What causes bacne?

The human body generates an oil called Sebum oil. It is produced in glands located near your hair follicles. In order to offer moisture to your skin and hair, sebum goes up the hair follicles.

Additionally, the mixes up of dead skin cells and excess sebum cause pimples. This mix-up clogs bacteria and skin pores. Therefore, this occurrence produces the rise of whiteheads and blackhead pimples. When the wall of the hair follicle swells out, whitehead pimples appear. Meanwhile, blackhead pimples develop when the clogged pore gets exposed to the air.

Some typical root causes of acne include:

• Sweat.  Sweat can exacerbate acne, especially if it’s hidden by tight clothing.
• Hormones. Hormonal changes frequently bring on acne during the teenage years. However, acne outbreaks in women who have beyond puberty may be related to hormonal changes that occur during menstruation.
• Genetics. Acne issues may run in the family.

• Medications. Some drugs might cause acne as a side effect.
• Food. Acne can also be exacerbated by some carbs that are known to raise blood sugar levels. This includes white bread and potato chips. Additionally, dairy products could potentially be a trigger for some people.

Treatments to get rid the bacne:

1. Avoid tight clothing.

Wearing tight clothing might trap perspiration and dirt which will be clogged into your pores. Therefore, wearing loose-fitting clothing wicks sweat away from your body and lets your skin breathe. Moreover, problems might also arise when exercising without cloth. Leaning into sweaty gym machines or on a dirty floor might cause acne in the affected body parts. 

2. Take a shower after a workout.

After working out, letting sweat and dirt stay on your skin can greatly increase your risk of developing back acne. Therefore, take a shower as soon as you can. Additionally, make sure to wash your sweaty workout gear.

3. Clean your linens.

Make it a practice to wash or change your linens once or twice a week, particularly if you sleep on your back. As a result, you can get rid of germs and skin cells from your bedding.

4. Keep your hair away from your back. 

Your back’s skin may be getting oilier and dirtier from long hair. Therefore, make it a habit of washing your hair regularly. Additionally, avoid letting shampoo or conditioner flow on your back. These items’ ingredients may cause blocked pores.

Moreover, make sure to wear a ponytail when working out.

5. Exfoliate

To remove excess dirt and oils from your skin, use a light exfoliating scrub containing chemicals like salicylic acid. Consequently, the quantity of dead skin that could obstruct pores might be decreased.

6. Pick your sunscreen wisely.

It’s crucial to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. However, oily sunscreen can also cause pores to clog. Therefore, make sure to select products that are suitable for your skin type and free of oil.

7. See a Dermatologist.

If self-care approaches fail to reduce back acne, make sure to ask professionals for help. Begin to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. They will examine your back to identify any lesions and establish whether you have acne or another skin issue.

A reminder to all:

Some consider acne as a devastating occurrence that might happen to them. However, I want to remind you that your skin does not define who you are. And most probably, your acne cannot define you as a person. 

However, our skin problems also come with our responsibility. Remember that acne is curable and there are tons of ways to get rid of it. Some involve recalibrating our habits and trying ways that can be used at home. Additionally, do not hesitate to ask for help. You may consult with professionals for help and advice. 

Above all, it’s about time to redefine beauty. A beauty that goes beyond physical appearance and a beauty that transcends any day. Always remember that you are beautiful. You are more than your skin; thus acne does not define you.