How to Get Rid of Bacne With 5 Tips Recommended by Dermatologists
If you've been scouring the internet for tips on how to get rid of bacne, you've stumbled upon the right article. Acne breakouts don't just happen on your face — they can also pop up all over your body, most commonly on your back and chest. But if you're stressing about a breakout across your shoulders, you're genuinely not alone, so there's no need to frantically Google how to get rid of bacne scars or how to get rid of back pimples anymore.
Back acne — commonly referred to as bacne — is very common. Though it's especially frequent in teenagers, a lot of adults also deal with bacne, as it is particularly easy to trigger. You can get it from wearing tight, sweaty sports bras or uniforms after a workout or basketball game. It can be genetic or hormonal, or even exacerbated by what you eat.
Like facial acne, bacne doesn't have to be a forever thing. With a few targeted products and some lifestyle changes, you can get started on a path to clearer skin no matter your age. To help you on your journey to get rid of bacne, we have tapped dermatologists to share their top tips and answer your most pressing questions about bacne. Let's get right into it!
Meet the expertsBacne FAQs“Back acne is caused by many of the same factors that lead to acne on the face,” explains Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Indiana. This could be hormones, bacteria, excess oil production, clogged pores, or a combination of the above. It can also be exacerbated by your workout routine or the products you use. “Since sweat and hair products can clog pores, you want to make sure you’re showering and rinsing off well,” she says.
Why do some people get bacne and others don’t?
Like facial acne, this can be a mix of genetics, hormones, and lifestyle, says Dr. Spearman. You might be more oily by nature, or dealing with the hormones that come with puberty, which can increase oil production. If you're sweating a lot and not showering properly, this can also trigger bacne.
Dr. Spearman notes that teens are especially prone to bacne because of the aforementioned hormones, as well as athletic activities. “Sports with tight uniforms and backpacks can trap sweat and bacteria,” she says. Stress is also a factor; it can elevate cortisol, a hormone that can worsen acne.
Ahead, we tapped dermatologists for their best advice in treating bacne, including the best body washes for bacne and easy-to-use topical treatments to help fight bacteria on the go.
Tip 1: Don't skip the cleanser.It all starts in the shower. “The best, first-line treatment for early bacne is a medicated wash that helps remove the top layer of pore-clogging skin cells, control the oil, and kill the acne-causing bacteria,” says Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco.
Dr. Spearman recommends showering ASAP after a workout or a long day of sweating. Use a cleanser formulated with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and make sure you're really cleaning your skin with a washcloth, not your hands. Dr. Spearman also recommends washing and conditioning your hair first, then washing your back last to make sure there's no leftover product to clog pores.
Dr. Campbell also likes sulfur-based washes to help treat body and facial acne. “It can be smelly, but it's a gentle way to treat acne on the face, chest, and back," she says.
Good Enough
Calm and Clear 5% Sulfur WashHas your towel or washcloth been hanging out in the bathroom for a few days? Time for a refresh! Damp towels can harbor bacteria, so be sure you're using a clean, dry towel whenever possible.
If you're using a benzoyl peroxide-based product, you may want to reach for white or light-colored towels and washcloths, as benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric. Wash your towels on hot to make sure they're as clean as possible for your next shower session.
Tip 3: Exfoliate a few times per week.Dr. Spearman recommends exfoliating your skin two to three times per week to help increase cell turnover and clean out clogged pores. A salicylic acid-based serum like this one from the Ordinary is a good place to start. If you're using a body scrub, be gentle and don't overdo it by scrubbing too hard, which can further stress out your skin.
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body SerumCan't make it to the shower to wash away that post-run sweat? Try an acne-fighting spray formula. “Hypochlorous acid is a great option for an on-the-go treatment anywhere you typically break out and when you can't get to a shower right away,” says Dr. Spearman. They're easy to keep in your locker or backpack and will help fight bacteria even when you're away from home.
Tip 5: Know when to call in the pros.If your acne isn't responding to in-shower washes or post-shower treatments, Dr. Campbell advises getting in touch with your dermatologist, who can prescribe a topical to help clear things up.
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