Back Acne 101: What Causes It and How to Treat It
Summer should mean tank tops, days at the beach and cute sundresses right? Somehow wearing a long sleeve t-shirt isn’t quite right in 80 degree weather. Unfortunately, a lot of us are a bit reluctant to expose some areas, such as our backs. Lately it seems that breakouts are an epidemic among my friends! What advice do dermatologists have for preventing, and treating, flare ups? With these tips you should be back in tank tops in no time!Image: Helga Weber via Flickr The first step in treating acne is knowing how it forms and what you can target with your treatments.1. You'll see that there's a small oil gland off to the side. Under normal conditions, the skin cells cycle themselves with new cells being created as old cells slough off.2. On occasion, those cells will start to accumulate in the pore rather than sloughing off completely. As oil is produced, the cells stick together more and inflammation starts in the walls of the pore. The whole process starts to cycle, more cells accumulate, more oil is produced and the skin will become more inflammed.3. Now that you have white cells in the mix, bacteria will also start to get into the mix. Typically this is p. This allows everything to infiltrate into the surrounding skin.Image: Adapted from 15 Minute Beauty, Acne 101 The skin on your back is definitely different from that on your face, but the basics of blemish formation are the same. "Back acne is often androgenetic, hereditary and hormonal, but may be worsened by stress, poor diet, sweat and irritating clothing," adds dermatologist Dr. Image: Helga Weber via Flickr Most of us just start lathering up in the shower, trying to get everything clean before we run out of hot water. But when you're dealing with an issue like back acne, you need to be mindful of what you're rinsing off and where that water is traveling. The same can be true for your back. Stolman. Luckily, many acne cleansers will exfoliate for you. "First exfoliate with an over-the-counter cleanser containing salicylic acid or another fruit acid like mandelic or glycolic. Let the cleanser sit on your back for an extra few minutes to be effective," says Dr. Stolman.Dr. Debra Jaliman also recommends using a deep cleansing brush to help clean out pores. Frey.To protect your skin when you are in the sun, look for broad spectrum sunscreens that are labelled non-comedogenic. Wearing UPF clothing is another great way to avoid sun damage.Try:Marmot Women's Lola Shirt $48Aveeno Natural Protection Sunscreen SPF 50 $10.99 "Try managing stress with good sleep, exercise, and wear breathable clothing when hot or exercising," advises Dr. A high glycemic diet has been linked to worse acne on both face and body.""Avoid certain medications that are known to increase the incidence of acne like androgens (male hormones), lithium, and prednisone," says Dr. Frey.Image: Kris Krug via Flickr "When OTC treatments are not effective, or if the back acne becomes moderate to severe, seek medical attention. Frey.Image: Charles Williams via Flickr Read more from Christine on Babble and her blog, 15 Minute Beauty. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
