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Home > Skin & Beauty > Acne > How to Get Rid of Back Acne at Home

How to Get Rid of Back Acne at Home

June 23, 2021 - Updated on August 30, 2021
6 min read
By Akanksha Shah Sanghvi, MD, Clinical Dermatology

In this article:

  • Home Remedies for Back Acne
  • Over-the-Counter Products to Manage Back Acne
  • Self-Care Measures
  • Final Word

When speaking of acne, people often picture red, inflamed pimples on the face. However, acne can also develop on the back, as this body part has a high number of oil glands and sweat glands that can easily get clogged.

get rid of back acne

In fact, back acne is a very common skin condition affecting a high number of people in the United States.

Home Remedies for Back Acne

Several natural ingredients and at-home remedies can help you manage mild to moderate back acne. For severe acne, consult your doctor.

Caution: Make sure to conduct a patch test before using any remedy to check for allergic or sensitivity reactions.

home remedies for back acne

1. Apply turmeric

Turmeric contains antibacterial compounds known as curcumin. (1)

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How to use:

  • Simply prepare a paste of yogurt and turmeric, and apply the paste to the affected areas.
  • You can also use turmeric-based natural face masks.

2. Try green tea

Green tea is rich in polyphenols known as epigallocatechins, which help treat non-inflammatory acne lesions, such as blackheads and whiteheads. (2)

How to use:

  • Brew a cup of green tea and mix it with a cup of water. Apply the solution to the affected areas using a cotton ball, and wash it off with cold water after 10 minutes.
  • Alternatively, you can use 2% green tea extract containing lotions, two times a day, to help control the acne.

Over-the-Counter Products to Manage Back Acne

otc products to manage back acne

The following OTCs can help manage back acne.

Caution: Make sure that you use OTCs only if you have a small number of acne lesions that mostly are not any more painful than pus-filled pimples.

  1. Benzoyl peroxide foam cleansers: It is recommended to use 5% concentration benzoyl peroxide cleansers to wash your back to manage acne flares. Make sure to rinse the product off properly as otherwise, it can bleach your clothes.
  2. Body washes or shower gels: The use of body cleansers containing salicylic acid, resorcinol, and sulfur can help in the management of acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. You can also use acne cleansers containing neem oil, tea tree oil, menthol, grapefruit seed extracts, licorice root extracts, alpha-lipoic acid, (3)(4) alpha hydroxy acids, and 2% glycolic acid. Similarly, you can use medicated body sprays in place of body washes.
  3. Cleansing wipes or pads: Cleansing wipes or pads are similar to medicated body washes and can be used for a localized area or for a quick cleanse.
  4. Medicated pimple patches: You can find hydrocolloid stickers that contain salicylic acid, which, when applied over the pimples, can treat them effectively.
  5. Lotion applicator for the back: Since it can be difficult to reach your back to apply products, you can invest in a lotion applicator. This long device with a curved handle helps apply sunscreens, moisturizers, and DIY products to the hard-to-reach areas on your back without putting a strain on your muscles. It is recommended to use applicators that are waterproof to prevent mold growth.

Self-Care Measures

In addition to treating your acne, it is vital to take proper care of your skin to promote skin healing and prevent acne flare-ups in the future. Here are some self-care measures to improve your skin health:

1. Maintain good hygiene

maintain good personal hygiene regularly

Make sure to shower after exercising to prevent bacterial growth. Rinse your back properly after you shampoo or condition your hair as the residue can clog your skin pores.

2. Avoid harsh soaps

Harsh soaps can disturb the skin pH and worsen the acne. Instead, use soaps with a 5.5 pH. In addition, refrain from using astringents, antibacterial soaps, abrasive scrubs, back brushes, loofahs, and buff puffs on your acne-affected skin.

3. Wear loose clothes and avoid friction

Use loose-fitting clothes made of cotton, especially when working out. It is also vital to avoid friction on your back from backpacks, shoulder pads, or gears as the irritation can flare up the acne.

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4. Do not pick at your acne

Popping, squeezing, or picking at your acne not only irritates the skin but also promotes the spread of infection.

5. Wash your clothes properly

Always wear clean clothes to help manage your acne and prevent it from worsening. Make sure to change and wash your pillowcases and bedsheets at least twice a week to remove the bacteria and dead skin cells. Use fragrance-free detergents to wash your clothes and bedding.  

6. Improve your diet

eat a healthy diet

Consuming immunity-boosting foods such as those high in vitamin C (such as lemon and kiwi), omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, avocado, black cod, and walnuts), and vitamin A (such as apricots and sweet potatoes) can help fight acne-causing bacteria.

In addition, eat foods such as spinach, wheat germ, whole grain, and pumpkin seeds, which are rich in zinc. However, avoid sugary, oily foods that can cause inflammation and acne flare-ups. (5)

7. Stay hydrated

Consume plenty of water and water-rich foods throughout the day to prevent skin dryness and therefore acne flare-ups.

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8. Manage stress

An increase in stress levels can worsen acne breakouts. (6) Therefore, stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and exercise can help in acne management.

Final Word

Take proper care of your skin and religiously follow your treatment regimen to treat your acne. The quicker the acne is treated, the better. You can use home remedies as adjuncts to the medical treatment.

If your acne becomes severe and painful, it is best to consult your doctor for proper medical treatment.

Continue Reading Continue ReadingBack Acne: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
References
  1. HY; LCHH. In vitro anti-propionibacterium activity by curcumin containing vesicle system. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23546001/. Published 2013.
  2. Kim S; Park TH; Kim WI; Park S; Kim JH; Cho MK; The effects of green tea on acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytotherapy research : PTR. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32812270/. Published 2021.
  3. Fabbrocini G; Staibano S; De Rosa G; Battimiello V; Fardella N; Ilardi G; La Rotonda MI; Longobardi A; Mazzella M; Siano M; Pastore F; De Vita V; Vecchione ML; Ayala F; Resveratrol-containing gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a single-blind, vehicle-controlled, pilot study. American journal of clinical dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21348544/. Published 2011.
  4. Docherty JJ; McEwen HA; Sweet TJ; Bailey E; Booth TD; Resveratrol inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes. The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17449884/. Published 2007.
  5. Juhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, Jemec GBE, Kanters JK, Ellervik C. Dairy Intake and Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 78,529 Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6115795/. Published August 9, 2018.
  6. Yosipovitch G; Tang M; Dawn AG; Chen M; Goh CL; Huak Y; Seng LF; Study of psychological stress, sebum production and acne vulgaris in adolescents. Acta dermato-venereologica. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17340019/. Published 2007.
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