back acne usually appears during the adolescent stage wherein the body prepares itself for its transition into adulthood. This stage in one’s life is accompanied by unstable levels of different hormones such as testosterone. Men and women both secrete this hormone although testosterone levels in men are much higher. This hormone, along with androgen, triggers the sebaceous glands to produce excessive amounts of oil.
The sebaceous glands are contained in the hair follicles, or that part in the skin where hair grows out. The cell lining of the hair follicles is shed every now and then and once this combines with oil, comedones appear. Comedones are the dermatological terms for what we commonly know as whiteheads and blackheads. Adding bacteria into this combination would result to the formation of the inflamed facial and back acne.
Acne is very unsightly and although back acne can be hidden by wearing clothes that do not expose the back they can still cause low self-esteem especially in teenagers. In worst cases, severe facial and back acne can drive a person to be depressed and commit suicide. Hence, addressing acne immediately would prevent these things from happening. For those who have problems banishing back acne, some valuable tips are listed below.
Cleanse regularly and thoroughly.
As mentioned, bacteria cause blackheads and whiteheads to become inflamed, causing facial and back acne and there is no perfect breeding ground for bacteria than dirty skin. With all our daily activities, dust and dirt accumulate on our skin so regular and thorough cleansing is a must. Always remember to take a shower after doing any strenuous physical activity because perspiration can invite bacteria.
The skin on the back is less delicate compared to the skin on the face so more aggressive measures can be done to get rid of back acne. Use an anti-bacterial soap and gently scrub your back with a clean cloth or loofah. Be careful not to over cleanse, though, because this can aggravate oil production and make your skin oilier and produce more back acne.
Live a healthy lifestyle.
The health of the body is reflected on the skin; a radiant and glowing skin indicates a healthy body whereas a dull and dry skin indicates otherwise. A balanced diet supplies the skin with the necessary nutrients for it to function well. Also, vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables allow the skin cells to regenerate and help the skin fight against disorders such as back acne.
Exercise keeps the body fit and ensures proper blood flow. It also strengthens the immune system to prevent diseases and infections. However, remember to clean up and change clothes after exercising to prevent the accumulation of perspiration that can cause back acne.
Stress can contribute to the production of facial and back acne so adequate rest and relaxation are also essential in maintaining a clear skin and a healthy body. Adequate sleep allows the skin to repair itself from the damage it has incurred during the day so follow what the experts say, sleep for at least 8 hours a day.
Be careful in choosing the products you use to fight against back acne.
back acne can be treated using a myriad of products ranging from topical gels to oral medicines. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the most commonly prescribed medications for back acne. The former clears the dead skin cells while the latter kills pimple-causing bacteria. However, in some severe cases, back acne does not clear up, making people resort to more aggressive drugs such as isotretinoin but this should be used under the supervision of a physician as there have been studies that this drug causes fetal abnormalities in pregnant women.
Additionally, use products that are labeled as ‘non-comedogenic’, which means that they do not block pores and cannot cause facial or back acne. It would also be beneficial to check the label of the products avoid any allergic reactions that can trigger the production of more back acne.
There are high chances that back acne can be banished by following these simple tips religiously. However, if your case of back acne is severe, having an appointment with the dermatologist can alleviate your case. Stronger medications may be prescribed to fight back acne and other types of acne that you may have.