Bacne! (Back-acne Causes and Treatments)

Bacne (or back acne) is defined as blackheads, pustules, papules, or any other breakout located on the back.  The skin on your back is made up of the same pores and sebaceous glands that secrete sebum (oil) as the skin on your face.  As it is harder to see and reach, and a substantially larger area, it is no wonder so many people suffer from back acne.  It can be embarrassing to the sufferer, leave scars, and affect their self-esteem.  An estimated 60 percent of people will suffer from this condition at some point in their lives. 

        The causes can vary, but is usually due to allergies, poor hygiene, genetics, diet, and hormonal changes.  If the onset is sudden, and you have not had any recent hormonal or hygiene changes, then you may be having a reaction to a new soap, lotion, body spray or detergent.  Commercial laundry detergents contain many harmful, irritating chemicals.  If you notice that you are only breaking out on skin that maintains constant contact with laundered clothing, you may need to switch to a more natural brand that will not cause skin irritation.

        Hormonal changes can often be the culprit in bacne.  Your menstrual cycle, puberty, pregnancy, birth control, menopause and hormone therapies can all cause hormonal fluctuations to the skin and produce breakouts.  If you notice that you are also breaking out in the lower jaw, chest and throat, the cause of your bacne is more than likely hormonal.

 Poor diet can limit the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good skin health.  Drinking plenty of water, eating healthy well-balanced meals, and exercising will increase skin health.

Wearing tight clothing or a bookbag can keep the skin from breathing and cause irritation.  Poor hygiene can cause breakouts to the back.  Not properly cleansing the skin after excessive sweating as from working out or a being out on a hot day can cause the pores to be clogged.  The skin on the back comes in contact with many pore-clogging substances.  Sweaty gym clothes, dirty sheets, sweat, oil, sunscreens, lotions, body sprays, detergent, and dead skin cells will all clog your pores if not properly cleansed and exfoliated.   

A gentle back-brush with natural bristles is a good way to keep the skin on the back smooth and clean. Make sure that you are changing your back brush out every few months as they will collect mildew and bacteria if left sitting in the warm and damp conditions of the shower.   Using a cleanser with salicylic acid will kill the bacteria causing the breakout and purify the pores of your skin.  Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer with antibacterial and antifungal properties.  Coconut oil is a very clean and nutritious oil, and generally the molecules are too large to fit into the pores to clog it.

If you are currently experiencing a significant breakout, you may want to consider booking a “back facial” treatment.  The back facial includes a deep cleaning, exfoliation, extractions, and a masque to aid in clearing up persistent breakouts. 

Tips to rid yourself of back breakouts –

• Bathe regularly to cleanse the skin of dirt, oil, bacteria, sweat and products.
• Use back brush to exfoliate 2-3 times per week.
• Do not wear too-tight of clothing as skin needs to breathe.
• Get a back facial as needed to have skin professionally exfoliated, extractions performed, and masque applied.
• Identify any specific allergies to detergents, products and/or ingredients and discontinue use accordingly. 
• Drink water and maintain a healthy diet.

Take your back breakout as a signal from your body telling you that something is off-balance.  Apply the above information to your daily life and habits to help you determine the root cause of the breakout.  Once you identify the cause, you will find the solution and be able to achieve healthy, holistic skin through mind, body, spirit wellness. 

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