Bacne 101: How to Deal with Those Pesky Back Breakouts
Let’s face it—acne is annoying enough when it pops up on your face, but when it invades your back (aka bacne), it can feel like a whole new level of frustration.
Whether it’s stopping you from wearing that strappy top or making you self-conscious at the beach, bacne is something many of us deal with. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back (literally) with some easy tips and product picks to help you clear it up!
What Causes Bacne?
Before we dive into solutions, let’s get to the root of the problem. Bacne is essentially acne on your back, and it happens for similar reasons as facial acne—clogged pores, excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells getting trapped. Your back is a prime spot for breakouts because it has a high concentration of sebaceous (oil) glands. Combine that with sweat from working out or your daily routine, and you’ve got the perfect storm for breakouts.
How to Treat Bacne
Treating bacne might feel different from treating facial acne, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple routine to help you tackle those back breakouts.
1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser
The first step is to keep your back clean and free from sweat and oil buildup. A great product to start with is the CeraVe SA (Salicylic Acid) Cleanser. This cleanser is gentle enough for everyday use but powerful enough to clear out clogged pores. The salicylic acid works to exfoliate the skin and prevent future breakouts, while ceramides help to maintain the skin’s barrier. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores further—major win!
2. Spray It Down
If you’re looking for an easy, hands-free option to target those hard-to-reach spots, the Clear Start Clarifying Body Spray is a game-changer. This spray contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and treat existing breakouts, plus a blend of soothing botanicals to calm any irritation. Just spritz it on after you shower and let it work its magic. The best part? It dries quickly and doesn’t leave any sticky residue, so you can spray and go.
3. Exfoliate (Gently!)
Regular exfoliation can help keep your skin smooth and prevent dead skin cells from clogging your pores. Try using an exfoliating scrub once or twice a week, but be careful not to overdo it—too much scrubbing can irritate your skin and make bacne worse. Look for a scrub that contains gentle exfoliants like glycolic acid or lactic acid.
4. Keep It Clean
One of the easiest things you can do to help prevent bacne is to keep your workout gear and bed sheets clean. Sweat and bacteria can build up on your clothes and sheets, so make sure you’re washing them regularly. Also, try to shower as soon as possible after working out to wash away sweat and bacteria before they have a chance to clog your pores.
Other Tips to Keep in Mind
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Tight clothes can trap sweat and bacteria against your skin, making bacne worse. Opt for loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton when you can.
- Don’t Pick or Pop: As tempting as it might be, picking at bacne can lead to scarring and make things worse. Let the products do the work instead!
- Be Patient: Like all good things, clear skin takes time. Stick to your routine and give the products a few weeks to show results.
Bacne might be annoying, but it’s totally treatable with the right routine and products. The key is to be consistent and gentle with your skin. Remember, everyone gets breakouts—it’s just a part of life. So, keep calm, follow these tips, and you’ll be backless-dress-ready in no time!
Got any other skincare questions or need some product recs? Drop us a DM—we’re here to help!