Back acne is not as common as facial acne. However, whenever they break out, it takes will, dedication and the right back acne cream to effectively wipe them out.
There’s a bacterium called propionibacterium acne (P.acnes) which lives on everyone’s skin. It is usually harmless until skin experiences build-up of oil hence, exposing skin to outbreaks of acne.
This oil build-up mostly occurs to those prone to acne, creating the perfect environment for the bacteria to multiply. This hence leads to inflammation and the formation of pus-filled bumpy areas on the back skin.
A back acne cream is formulated to relieve all pain and inflammation caused by acne. A good one gets rid of all acne leaving skin soft, smooth and moisturized. It helps treat large cystic breakouts on the back and nodules causing significant scarring.
The pores on the back are larger than those on the face which makes back more prone to pimple formation. The only place you can’t get acne is the palm of your hands and feet (they lack sebaceous glands).
Without curing, acne can cause permanent scarring, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. A back acne cream provides one of the most effective ways of totally getting rid of back acne.
Table of Contents
Factors that May Lead to an Outbreak of Acne
Excess Oil on the Skin
Acne is one of the major challenges faced by those with oily skin types. Though the origin is similar to those found on the face, the methods employed for treating them differ. Back acne is most times, harder to get rid of than that on the face. This is because the blemishes that occur on the back are usually more inflamed.
Like the facial skin, the back has a lot of sebaceous glands and hair follicles that secrete sebum. When excess sebum combines with bacteria and dead skin cells, it clogs pores and causes an outbreak of acne.
Sweat & Dirt
Ignore the sweat that breaks out from your skin while you exercise and get ready for back acne. Back acne is also triggered when heat and sweat are trapped against the body. Thick materials like cotton, when worn during exercises, cause clogged pores. When oil and sweat have no way of escaping, they stay and dry against the skin, causing acne.
Bed sheets are also breeding grounds for bacteria. Oil and dirt, together with skin cells that are dead, stick to your exposed back while you are asleep. Sheets in soft cotton fabric are the best way to go.
Stress
If you overstress your body (skin), you may experience serious outbreaks. This is due to hormonal imbalances that may occur when the body is experiencing a different routine. Mostly, it comes on the face but depending on how oily your back can get, acne may appear there also.
Conditioner & Shampoos
Most ingredients in shampoos are deleterious to the skin on the back. The ingredients contained are fashioned to cling to the hair. If left long, they may irritate the skin so much it may lead to acne.
While conditioning, flip your hair to the front and rinse forward to avoid leaving shampoo residue on your back. Put a towel on your back before washing hair. Always avoid shampoos containing sulfates.
Sunscreen
When you have back acne, the last thing you want to do is expose your back to the sun. Your back skin is already sensitive hence any mistreatment could be lethal. In as much as sunscreen products come in handy when one experiences back acne, it may as well cause acne.
In order to avoid this, use sunscreen products tagged ‘ultra-light’ or quick-dry. Such products would effectively block the sun away if you must be in it without much consequence. You can also prevent your back acne from leaving scars by applying sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection every day.
Moisturizing Lotions
If you use the wrong moisturizing lotion on your skin, you may experience an outbreak. The ingredients your moisturizing lotion contain may give you back acne. Check ingredients properly to be sure you’re not allergic to any one of them.
Food
You may have or be consuming foods which are capable of causing acne. Unless you completely stop it or find a way to regulate it, your acne won’t stop. Here are some of such foods;
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Sugar
Don’t freak out, but sugar can lead to outbreaks of acne on the back. White sugar has inflammatory properties capable of aggravating skin. Foods high in glycemic loads [raise blood sugar quickly] trigger acne more than anything else.
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Dairy Foods
Scientists have found hormones in dairy products capable of stimulating the sebum-producing glands. This enhances higher sebum production in oily areas such as the face and back. This leads to clogging of pores when the excess oil interacts with dirt particles hence, causing acne.
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Fast Food
It may be faster to consume, however, it may also be a means to outbreaks of acne. Try as much as you can to avoid any processed foods.
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Peanut Butter
When it’s not peanut butter, some of us won’t use it. However, peanut butter contains hydrogenated oil and added sugar which cause inflammation and fuel outbreaks.
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Spicy Foods
Foods which make the tongue hot trigger sweat glands. This then makes the face oily and further aggravates the skin leading to outbreaks. To avoid this, always eat a well-balanced diet.
Check out these interesting acne product reviews/articles:
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Oil-Eliminating Foaming Acne Facial Cleanser – In-depth Review
AcneFree 24 Hour Severe Acne Clearing System – Detailed Review
Bioré Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser – Detailed Review
Neutrogena Naturals Acne Foaming Facial Scrub – In-depth Review
Clean and Clear® Oil-free Pore Cleanser Daily Acne Face Wash – In-depth Review
Neutrogena Oil-free Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Wash – In-depth Review
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Back Acne Cream
The severity of back acne varies. Some may consist of a few blemishes and may include whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. On the other hand, some may be so severe it is characterized by many spots or cysts. The skin on the back is thicker than that on the face. Hence, acne formed there would be more resistant compared to those found on the face.
Before choosing a Back acne cream, there are some crucial points to consider ensuring you land the right products. Here are some of them;
Ingredients
This may be the most important factor you must consider before choosing a Back acne cream as far as we’re concerned. One ingredient may be the reason your acne will disappear or multiply. More is elaborated on this later in the article.
Budget
The prices vary and so does the efficiency. The more expensive Back acne creams tend to be more efficient compared to the less expensive ones. However, this is not always true; a good product will always be a good product not minding the price.
Product Reviews
Always ensure you read the product reviews of any Back acne cream you’re about to purchase. In a product review, you may learn something totally different from what the manufacturer has mentioned. This helps you decide whether to purchase a product or not.
You may also learn useful ways on how to get the best from your product. Reading product reviews is never a waste of time!
Popular Company
We’re not about to spoil anyone’s business. However, purchasing a back acne cream from a well-known company is way safer. The famous companies already have a reputation they’ll always want to uphold. Also, they are less likely to be trying out experiments on your skin.
Ingredients to Look Out for When Choosing a Back Acne Cream
There are some ingredients to look out before choosing your Back acne cream. You’ve to be very picky with your choices since your acne may react dangerously to certain ingredients. It may not contain all but it should definitely contain some. Here is the list;
Allantoin and Licorice Root
Soothes irritation and inflammation caused by acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Thwarts bacteria that help acne develop. It as well wipes away oil present on the skin. It also helps remove several dead layers of skin to reveal brighter and healthier-looking skin. The percentage of Benzoyl peroxide present in your product should range 5-10% and not more than to avoid irritation.
Organic Tea Tree Oil
This oil has antibacterial properties useful in fighting pimples. It is also an essential oil which hence, lists your product as hypoallergenic. Tea tree oil also helps for a moisturized acne-free skin and also diminish acne scars.
Alpha-hydroxy and Beta-hydroxy Acids
These acids are excellent exfoliating agents. The former is great for dry skin while the latter is better for oily skin type.
Salicyclic Acid
This acid is extremely useful as an astringent. It completely destroys bacteria that aids the growth of pimple and acne. This acid also causes skin cells that are dead or weak to be shed quickly, causing new skin to grow. Did we mention it is also great for exfoliation?
Sulfur
Yes, it may dry out the oils on your skin but maybe that’s just what you need. Sulfur is used to disinfect and the naturally occurring ones can unclog pores. Some compounds of sulfur such as Zinc sulfate helps soothe inflammation.
Calamine
Works greatly in preventing irritation on the skin.
Aloe Vera (gel)
Helps reduce acne spread and clear the skin in the long run. It also keeps skin smooth and nourished while yielding positive results in a short span of time.
Glycolic Acid
This is also a great exfoliating agent. It helps loosen pre-clogged particles on the skin freeing it from all junk. It enhances skin cells turnover. Glycolic acid contains a skin conditioner that helps skin hydrated.
Vitamin C
Helps to quicken, brighten and clarify the skin.
Retinol
Present as an ingredient to help promote peeling of dead skin and prevent scarring.
Charcoal
This may not sound plausible to you but charcoal is a great detoxifying agent. It frees the skin from harmful bacteria that may further lead to an outbreak of pimples.
Zinc
Heals cracked inflamed pores. Helps purge blemishes on contact.
Niacinamide
Loosens and tightens pores of the skin.
Lipohydroxy Acid
This acid gently exfoliates skin keeping pores clear without causing irritation.
Dimethicone and Squalene
Present in your product, they help improve moisturizing properties.
Lavender Oil
Helps manage oily skin and prevent severe acne scars.
Hyaluronic acid
Helps diminish acne scars
Ginseng
Promotes skin rejuvenation.
Oat Protein
Soothes sensitive skin areas and prevents irritation.
Your back acne cream must be free of the following: vegan, gluten, gilt, dairy, cruelty, paraben etc.
Ways You Can Get the Best from Your Back Acne Cream
Clean Skin Thoroughly
To get the best from your Back acne Cream, wash your skin at least twice a day; morning and evening. Do these with mild acne wash and rinse off with warm water.
This simple process assists greatly in fighting existing pimples and preventing future breakouts. After then, rub on your Back acne Cream on affected areas.
Shower Always
If there’s too much oil on your skin, you may feel sweaty most times. Also, if you’ve just concluded an exercise, never let the sweats dry out on your skin. An outbreak will most definitely occur whenever friction and sweat meets.
Wear workout clothes that have sweat whisking capabilities such as spandex or nylon materials. Never wear cotton bras to work out. Shower immediately you’re sweaty or change into clothes to air your body.
Deeply Exfoliate
Almost nothing will work on your skin without you first exfoliating the skin. While facial skin is sensitive and easily damaged, back skin is tougher hence harder to treat. Products containing a good exfoliating ingredient can help slough off dead skin cells and leave your pores clean and clear.
Skincare Routine
Follow a thorough skincare routine that works well for you and adhere to it. Use lotions in the summer rather than creams. Lotions have less oil content and rely more on water to hydrate the skin. This thus makes lotions less clogging compared to creams.
Get a Good Cleanser
A cleanser packed with fresh fruit extracts like papaya or grapefruit help breakdown dead skin cells for clearer skin. Since they are made of natural ingredients, they are less likely to cause your skin harm.
Multipurpose Products
For safer reasons, buy back acne cream products that can work for all skin types.
How to Overcome Back Acne
- Know the causes of your back acne. There are factors like sports activities, clothing choices, genetics, and learn to combat it.
- Wash affected areas daily with a good body wash or mildly exfoliating cleansers before applying back acne cream.
- Most acne clearing creams dry out the skin. Hence, moisturize regularly with non-comedogenic moisturizing lotions.
- Shower immediately after doing anything that makes you sweat.
- Get an uninterrupted 7-9 hours of sleep decrease stress levels in your body.
- Avoid occlusive petrolatum-based products or heavy oils when treating back acne. The texture of the products is capable of further aggravating acne.
We bet this buying guide helped greatly in guiding you to the best back acne cream. Kindly share your thoughts in the comments section below.
