What helps with body acne?

Why does body acne happen?

Acne starts when hair follicles become blocked by sebum, the oil that keeps skin from drying out, and dead skin cells. Bacteria normally present on skin can grow inside the blocked follicle and cause inflammation, meaning swelling, heat, redness and pain. Treatment therefore needs to address blocked pores or bacteria, rather than just wash the surface harder.3

Whiteheads are blocked follicles that stay beneath the surface. Blackheads are open blocked follicles whose contents darken in the air, not dirt that needs scrubbing away. Inflamed spots can become tender bumps or pimples containing pus. Nodules are large, painful lumps lodged deep in the skin; deep pus filled lesions are sometimes called cystic acne.3

Hormonal changes, family history and some medicines increase the likelihood of acne. Stress, pressure from tight clothing or sports equipment, picking and hard scrubbing can make existing acne worse. Some foods also appear to worsen acne, but the role of diet is still being studied. A restrictive diet is not the first step in the routine below.3

Which treatments help?

For back acne, a benzoyl peroxide emollient foam wash containing 5.3% is less likely to cause irritation, dryness or peeling than a stronger wash. Adapalene 0.1% gel can improve results when used alongside benzoyl peroxide. Availability without a prescription depends on where you live; a pharmacist can help you choose an available treatment.14

How do you treat back acne at home?

1. 1Cleanse gently. Avoid abrasive scrubs, loofahs and back brushes, and choose gentle, fragrance free skin care.
2. 2Use a benzoyl peroxide foam wash daily. Leave it on the back for two to five minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Contact time helps it penetrate the thicker skin on the back.
3. 3Rinse the wash off before getting dressed. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach clothes, towels and sheets.
4. 4If using adapalene 0.1%, apply it daily after showering or before bed. A lotion applicator can help reach your back.
5. 5Protect exposed skin outdoors with an oil free, noncomedogenic sunscreen offering broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance.

An applicator helps get medicine onto hard to reach areas.1

What if your skin is sensitive?

The strongest acne product on the shelf is not automatically the best starting point, particularly for older skin that becomes dry more easily. A gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid is another option for adult acne. A cleanser should clean gently, not audition as sandpaper.6

Retinoids can irritate skin. Tell your dermatologist if that has happened before: irritation does not usually mean you are allergic. Your dermatologist can adjust the amount, recommend less frequent use or suggest applying moisturizer first. Make those changes with their help if the treatment is prescribed. Combination acne medicines can cause dryness, peeling, burning or worsening acne. Use them exactly as directed; applying extra medicine does not clear acne faster.5

What helps after exercise?

Sweat trapped beneath a shirt or sports equipment, combined with clothing rubbing against skin, can worsen back acne. Shower and change into clean clothes after exercise. Wear loose cotton or sweat wicking shirts, and reduce pressure from heavy backpacks or equipment where possible. Cleansing does not cancel out hours of rubbing from the same sweaty shirt.2

Wash sheets and towels at least once a week and use clean pillowcases. Clean towels and sheets belong in the routine too, which gives laundry a rare supporting role in skincare. Avoid squeezing spots: picking can damage skin, cause scars and lead to infection.2

Choose body washes and skin products labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Some lotions and creams can contribute to breakouts. Greasy hair products can also block follicles, so consider products reaching your shoulders and back as well as products applied directly there.46

How long does body acne take to clear?

With effective back acne treatment, improvement can begin in six to eight weeks. Complete clearing can take three or four months. If there is no difference after six to eight weeks, see a dermatologist rather than continuing the same approach indefinitely.1

Could hormones or medicines be contributing?

Pregnancy and menopause can trigger acne through hormonal changes. Breakouts can also follow stopping estrogen containing birth control. Testosterone treatments can increase sebum production, and corticosteroids, lithium and some seizure medicines can contribute to acne. If body acne starts after a medication change, discuss that timing with your doctor. During pregnancy, acne treatment needs a separate review rather than automatically carrying on with the same products.67

When should you see a doctor?

• Get medical help for deep or painful lumps, numerous spots, scars, or acne that keeps returning.
• Seek medical assessment for severe pain or inflammation, fever, or hot, swollen skin. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.
• Ask for help if acne is affecting your mental health, even if the number of spots seems small.
• Have persistent breakouts checked rather than assuming every bump is acne. Folliculitis, an infection involving hair follicles, can look similar and needs an accurate diagnosis.

Prescription options include skin creams or gels, antibiotics, hormonal treatment and isotretinoin for appropriate cases. These address different causes: antibiotics act on bacteria and inflammation, hormonal medicines address contributing hormone levels, and retinoids reduce blocked pores. A clinician chooses the combination based on the type and severity of your acne.4