All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
This learning curve is particularly important when combatting back acne because it can be more stubborn to treat.
Bob Thomas / Getty Images
Back acne, or bacne, refers to acne that, spoiler alert, develops on the back.
For some individuals, the breakouts may appear deeper or cystic and can lead to different types of scarring.
These are the same triggers that cause breakouts on the face, Dr. Garshick says.
(More on that later.)
What triggers back acne?
Meanwhile, fluctuating hormone levels can be a contributing factor to bacne flare-ups.
This is because theres a mid-cycle rise in progesterone that stimulates the production of sebum.
Androgens (typically referred to as male hormones) like testosterone also stimulate sebum production during this time.
Oily skin, clogged pores and a new round of bacne10.
Excessive sweatingis another common bacne precursorsay, from work or living in a warm climate.
How many types of acne are there?
There are several types of acne that can become a series regular on your back.
And its helpful to understand what punch in you have so you could better treat your acne.
Read on to learn how to recognize each throw in of bacne you might experience.
Blackheads
Like whiteheads,blackheads(or open comedones) are a result of clogged pores.
Papules
This bang out of acne is what most people refer to as pimples.
They manifest as small, firm bumps13.
Depending on your skin color, papules can be red, brown, or other hues.
Pustules typically appear as a bump that may have a central pus bump, Dr. Garshick says.
They tend to be larger than papules and pustules and require treatment by a dermatologist to prevent longterm scarring13.
Cysts
Cystic acne involves larger, more painful lumps underneath the skin resulting from deep-seated inflammation.
They may drain or have an overlying crust and can cause scars when they heal.
I commonly seenodular and cystic acneon patients backs, Dr. Robinson says.
It can be painful and swollen and range from 1-2 lesions to more widespread clusters.
Because theyre deeper within the skin, they typically require a prescription-strength back acne treatment, especially toavoid scarring13.
Ditto wearing sweaty gym clothes for too long or not washing them before wearing them again.
Fungal acne usually presents as clusters of pimples that are itchy.
What back acne treatments and medications are available?
Below are some common over-the-counter and prescription treatments:
How can you prevent back acne?
Trapped sweat can further clog pores and breed more of the acne-causing bacteria, Dr. Robinson says.
Try Arm & Hammer Invisible Spray Powder for Odor Defense ($7,Walmart).
Wash your hair first thing.Your in-shower regimen can influence whether or not you experience back breakouts.
Hair products containing oil can lead to excess oil being transferred to the back and lead to clogged pores.
Dont forget to moisturize.Many acne-fighting products can lead to dry skin.
Bonus: Diligentuse of moisturizercan help you tolerate your acne medications better so theyre more effective, Dr.
The moisturizer you slather on should say some rendition ofoil-free, non-comedogenic or wont clog pores on the label.
They should be applied directly to moist skin after washing for optimal absorption, Dr.
Wear sunscreen.The sun can lead to the darkening of blemishes, causing them to last longer, Dr. (Versed Guards Up is one popular option.Versed Skin, $25.)
If you have a deep, painful breakout, get in touch with your dermatologist, Dr. Robinson says.
Use a clean towel to wipe off any sweat during your workout, Dr. Pat rather than rub your skin to remove sweat and avoid further irritation.
Finding the right backacne treatmentcan take trial and error.
