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Strategies dermatologists recommend for eradicating persistent back acne

Treating back acne, often referred to as bacne, can be challenging due to its hard-to-reach spot. Dermatologists reveal methods to eliminate it utilizing items from Neutrogena, CeraVe, and other brands.

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4 min read
Dealing with back acne, often referred to as "bacne", proves challenging due to its...
Dealing with back acne, often referred to as "bacne", proves challenging due to its difficult-to-reach position. Dermatologists provide guidance on eradicating it using products from Neutrogena, CeraVe, and other respected brands.

Strategies dermatologists recommend for eradicating persistent back acne

Back acne, or as some may call it, "bacne," isn't just a rite of passage for the face - it rears its uninvited head on your back too. This unwelcome guest can be particularly frustrating during warm weather, especially when you're rocking a bathing suit or strutting around in a tank top. But have no fear, we've got you covered. We tapped some dermatologists to help you tackle those pesky breakouts and keep bacne at bay.

What is bacne?

Simply put, bacne refers to the dreaded acne that graces your back. Both guys and gals can fall victim to this hairy situation, with individuals who are prone to facial acne more likely to experience it. Teenagers aren't the only victims here, as those with oily skin or who perspire excessively might also find themselves infested with blemishes.

Certain lifestyle habits can exacerbate the issue, with people who frequently don tight, non-breathable clothes or lug around heavy backpacks being at a higher risk due to increased friction and sweat on the back region. Not cleansing the skin on your back regularly can also lead to breakouts. On a brighter note, bacne can be treated effectively with a well-chosen skincare regimen and the right products.

How we picked the best bacne treatments

To help you conquer your bacne woes, we enlisted the help of our skincare gurus, asking them to pinpoint key factors to watch out for when selecting acne-fighting products. Here's what they recommended:

  • Product Type: A medicated body wash is great for reducing bacteria in the area, while a topical treatment (or spot treatment) can help target specific blemishes.
  • Ingredients: Focus on products containing ingredients that exfoliate the skin, regulate oil production, and possess antibacterial properties. Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or tea tree oil are all excellent choices.
  • Intended Use: Opt for products specifically formulated for bacne or your body (especially for cleansers), as face washes for acne-prone skin may be milder and more suited for facial skin.

The best bacne treatments of 2024

In the spirit of easing your bacne misery, we've compiled a list of recommended body washes and treatments to help you annihilate those unwanted visitors. These products were either endorsed by our experts, lauded by NBC Select staffers, or highly rated by delighted customers.

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

This powerful cleanser, which made our list of best body washes, contains salicylic acid, an ingredient that can exfoliate and unclog pores. It also has glycerin to keep your skin hydrated, preventing your oil glands from going into overdrive.

Cetaphil Acne Relief Body Wash

This hydrating body wash contains 2% salicylic acid, effectively removing bacteria and unclogging pores. It also boasts soothing ingredients like shea butter and glycerin, keeping your skin soft and moisturized.

Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

With a 4.5-star average rating on Amazon, this body wash contains encapsulated salicylic acid, ensuring a gentle release that penetrates your skin slowly. The formula is also fragrance-free and gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

CeraVe SA Body Wash

This acne-fighting body wash contains salicylic acid, which unclogs pores, and ceramides to restore hydration. It even features hyaluronic acid for extra moisture. Simply massage it gently onto your skin using a washcloth or shower loofah.

Dove Body Wash Acne Clear

This acne-fighting body wash from Dove contains salicylic acid to fight acne and glycerin for hydration. The formula lathers up nicely for easy application over large body areas, and it has a crisp, herbal scent that’s a hit among customers.

Paula's Choice CLEAR Back & Body Exfoliating Acne Spray

If you're dealing with a mass of pimples on your back, this exfoliating spray may be your life-saver. The mist delivers a salicylic acid solution that targets hard-to-reach areas, helping reduce inflammation and unclog pores. The exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use.

Pacifica Bacne Warrior

This acne treatment comes in an aerosol can, making it simple to mist onto your back for easy application. The solution boasts salicylic acid to unclog pores, aloe to soothe inflammation, and niacinamide to treat redness and inflammation.

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

This topical treatment, which comes highly recommended by our experts, contains 0.1% adapalene, a powerful retinoid that regulates cell turnover, preventing pores from getting clogged. It’s an excellent spot treatment for hormonal and cystic acne.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel

This affordable spot treatment contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, which effectively stops the growth of the bacteria causing acne and reducing redness quickly. It dries clear, making it perfect for hiding under clothes if you need to head out during treatment.

How to prevent bacne

Now that you've got your bacne under control, it's time to focus on keeping it at bay. Here are some habits to incorporate into your routine:

  • Continue using a medicated body wash: Even after your bacne has cleared, keeping up with an acne body wash will help keep pores unclogged and prevent future breakouts.
  • Let your back breathe: Opt for loose-fitting clothing, which allows your skin to breathe, especially during warmer months.
  • Shower after your workout: Sweating can clog pores, so rinse off as soon as you can after exercising.
  • Wash sheets frequently: Accumulated bacteria and dead skin cells on your sheets can intensify your bacne issue. Aim for washing your sheets once a week.
  • Skip dirty towels: Damp towels are susceptible to bacterial growth, so make sure yours dry out completely in a well-ventilated area after each shower.
  1. Regular skin care is crucial in managing bacne, and incorporating products with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree oil, or benzoyl peroxide into your health-and-wellness routine can help reduce breakouts on your back.
  2. As part of a preventive measure against developing bacne, consider adopting science-based practices such as using a medicated body wash, opting for breathable clothing, showering post-workout, washing sheets frequently, and drying towels properly to maintain a clean and healthy skin environment.

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