No matter how little you might want to talk about it, getting back pimples, arm acne, chest acne, or breakouts anywhere besides your face is fairly common. According to dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee, nearly 60% of people with acne on their face struggle with body acne as well. There are a few different things that can cause back acne and other problem areas, but luckily, there are also many common-sense solutions you can try to get clearer skin overall.
Acne on Back? What Is It Really?
The first thing you should know is that the pimples on your back may be different from those on your face. If you see clusters of whiteheads on your back, you may be spotting folliculitis instead of traditional acne. Sometimes called fungal acne, these angry red spots are caused by a buildup of yeast within hair follicles. This is unlike your standard, run-of-the-mill inflammatory acne, which is usually caused by increased oil production, bacteria, or hormonal changes.
While both kinds of acne are clogged pores, the yeast that causes folliculitis can be contagious, so you’ll want to take extra care to wash your workout clothes, towels, and sheets in hot water when you’re looking for how to get rid of back acne of this type.
Body and Back Acne Causes
No matter what type of acne you’re dealing with, there are a few things that can be causing acne. Sometimes, a few simple changes in your habits may help you address body breakouts at the source.
Sweaty Clothes
Searches for “pimples on back” trend in the summertime because of the hotter temperatures. Staying in sweaty clothes for more extended periods leads to an uptick in the skin’s bacteria levels. In warm weather, bacteria multiply more quickly, so a breakout is more likely. But be aware that even in colder weather, you could damage your skin if you hang out in exercise gear or wait to shower after the gym.
Comedogenic Products
Your shampoo and conditioner may be to blame just as much as your body wash when it comes to learning how to get rid of bacne. Not rinsing all the product off your back after washing your hair can be a big risk factor for bacne, particularly if you use a harsh or comedogenic product.
Dirty Sheets
Blackheads on the back can be caused by having dirty sheets, pillowcases, or towels. Especially if you sweat during the night, cotton sheets catch and hold excess sebum production that can clog your pores and cause breakouts.
Stress
Going through stressful periods is usually accompanied by increased cortisol production, which binds to oil glands and can clog pores. Prolonged stress can contribute to all kinds of endocrine problems, including chronic acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Hormones
While changes in hormones (like pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and menstruation) are common culprits that cause all kinds of breakouts, there are some steps you can take to try to address hormonal bacne. For instance, foods that contain dairy and sugar have been linked to hormonal acne and can cause increased inflammation. Eating hormone-treated foods can tamper with your homeostasis, throwing your skin out of whack.
Cell Turnover
In addition to the buildup of sweat, bacteria, yeast, and oil in your skin, your skin is also battling to slough off dead skin cells during a process called “cell turnover.” The body is continually producing new skin cells and shedding old ones. Body acne may signify that your body is having trouble clearing off its excess dead skin cells.
How to Get Rid of Body Acne
If you’re struggling with back, chest, or arm acne, don’t despair. There are lots of things you can do to start clearing up body breakouts right away.
Revive MD Citrus Scrub
Using an exfoliating scrub in the shower like Revive MD Citrus Scrub can help clear breakouts all over your body. The comprehensive formula is crafted for athletes, so it’s strong enough to penetrate sweat-clogged pores while also gentle enough to avoid over-drying skin. Natural ingredients like sesame oil, saw palmetto extracts, and argan oil protect the skin from inflammation and redness so that you can deep-cleanse without causing irritation, dryness, or damage.
Eat Less Dairy
There’s growing evidence that acne can be irritated by dairy, particularly drinking milk. Dairy cows are often treated with hormones passed on through their milk, affecting milk-drinkers who struggle with hormonal acne. Opting for organic milk is one option to reduce bacne, as is cutting back on overall dairy consumption.
Shower More Often and More Thoroughly
Keeping your skin free of pore-clogging products is a simple back acne treatment. Try to always shower right after working out (particularly if you were wearing tight-knit, non-breathable fabrics), and always make sure to thoroughly rinse off any leftover shampoo.
Wash Your Sheets
According to the National Sleep Foundation, 91% of people change their sheets every other week. If you’re struggling with body acne, try washing your bedding once a week to fight bacteria buildup.
Essential Oils
At least 90 essential oils are recommended for dermatological use because of their potent anti-microbial properties. Incorporating essential oils into your skincare routine, like in a moisturizer, can be a good way to reap the benefits.
Takeaway
Struggling with how to get rid of chest acne, bacne, or body breakouts can be embarrassing and frustrating. Luckily, the best body acne treatment often boils down to keeping skin clean and clear of pore-clogging agents like sweat, oil, dirt, shampoos, and harsh soaps without overdrying the skin. A balanced exfoliating agent like Revive MD Citrus Scrub can help promote cell turnover while clearing out sweat and hormonal-based acne wherever it pops up.
Other steps like keeping bedding extra-clean, changing out of sweaty clothes, managing stress, and eating a dairy-light diet can also help you keep breakouts under control. Put bacne behind you once and for all by trying out these practical solutions today.
The information being presented in this blog is intended to be used as educational or resource information only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your healthcare provider. This content should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider. You should call 911 for all medical emergencies. Revive MD is not liable for any advice or information provided on this blog, which advice or information is provided on an “as-is” basis, and assumes no liability for diagnosis, treatment, decisions, or actions made in reliance upon any advice or information contained on this blog. No warranties, express or implied, are made on the information that is provided.