A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing & Treating Back Acne - MensXP.com

Do you remember your teenage years? Pimples were quite common among us.

However, contrary to popular belief, pimples are not restricted to pubescent boys and girls; you can get acne even in your thirties.

And if you thought pimples could only attack your face, brace yourself! You can get pimples anywhere on your body.

Pimples cause a lot of discomforts and can be very difficult to eliminate. When treating acne, it is essential to understand what is causing your back to break out. Insufficiencies in hygiene, diet, lifestyle, or other deficiencies can trigger acne.

The skin's surface is covered in pores or tiny openings around sweat glands and hair follicles that help in the secretion and absorption of substances. The buildup of sweat, dust, oil, and bacteria can often clog pores, resulting in acne.

Table of Contents

Types of Acne

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Acne can be of various types. Let's go through them in detail.

• Blackheads: These are acne bumps with a back tip. Blackheads are caused when a plugged follicle on the skin surface opens up and oxidises when it comes in contact with air.
• Whiteheads: A plugged follicle underneath the skin appears to have a white tip. This is called a whitehead.
• Papules: These are lesions filled with pus. The pus can appear to be white or yellow. An inflammation causes papules in a clogged skin pore.
• Cysts: These are much larger acne lesions often filled with pus. Cysts occur when bacteria is formed inside a clogged pore or hair follicle. Cysts are formed deeper in the skin, creating a painful lump. Cysts can also leave permanent scars.

What Causes Back Acne?

Here are a few things that might be responsible for your back acne.

Lack of Personal Hygiene

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As we live in a fast-paced world, the need for speed is real! However, the hustle-bustle of your days also comes with a lot of sweat, grime, and dust. If you skip a good shower post-workout, you have earned the zits on your back.

Sweat and dust give birth to a lot of bacteria that can cause inflammation and pimples.

Wearing Tight Clothes

Nothing speaks class like well-fitted clothes. Fitted shirts and body-hugging tees might flex those long gym hours but can also cause back acne.

Tight clothes or heavy fabrics don't allow the skin to breathe, causing you to sweat much faster. This can cause pimples and lead to skin darkening and rashes.

Hormonal Imbalance

Fluctuations in hormone levels can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, underlying medical conditions, and dietary inadequacies. Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of acne.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Acne can also be a side-effect of an illness or medication prescribed. If you experience severe breakouts after starting a new medication, it could also be an indication of a potential allergy.

Always consult a doctor if you get acne following an illness or after starting any medication.

An Unhealthy Lifestyle

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We often ignore our lifestyle choices, making excuses about our unhealthy habits and blaming the lack of concern on a fast-paced life. Not getting enough sleep, not drinking enough water, eating a nutrient-deficit meal, and lack of physical activity in daily routine are characteristics of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Food is one of the strongest determinants of our physical well-being. Junk food containing high levels of saturated fats and sugar can trigger acne and promote other illnesses.

Water helps flush out toxins, thereby maintaining clear skin. Acne can also be an indication of insufficient water consumption.

Genetics

Acne-related problems are sometimes passed on genetically. However, with the right treatment, you can significantly reduce breakouts.

Once you have understood the underlying cause of your acne, it becomes much easier to combat them. In mild breakouts, reining in a few changes in your food habits and lifestyle can do the trick.

If your acne is severe, it is wise to consult a dermatologist.

Tips for Preventing Back Acne

Watch Your Meals!

The food you eat does more than sustain you. Unhealthy dietary habits can cause several health problems. Eating refined sugar and flour-based foods can lead to acne.

Instead, switch to a more balanced diet. While the occasional pastry or fried chicken won't harm you, consider this change a Christmas gift to your skin. Include enough vegetables and fruits in your meals, and opt for healthy carbs and lean protein (try chicken, paneer, and tofu!).

Food rich in vitamins B, C, and E, omega-3 Fatty Acids, iron, and zinc can work wonders on your skin!

Cleanse and Exfoliate

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Cleansers and exfoliation masks containing salicylic acid work best on acne-prone skin and help eliminate dead skin and oils that might be clogging your pores. Switch to a mild exfoliating scrub and gently exfoliate your skin weekly.

Shower Regularly

We are well aware of the male affinity for the primordial ways of life, where showering was a seasonal ritual.

However, it might be best to shower after your workout. Heat and sweat are the magic ingredients for bacterial growth, and skipping a shower after a sweaty run can trigger your acne.

Also, if you already have acne on your back, be very gentle with your skin. Avoid using harsh cleansers and exfoliators. Loofas are also a big no-no! They can damage the protective layer of the skin and worsen acne.

Choose Your Products Wisely

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Skin products containing chemicals like sulfates and parabens can strip the skin of its natural oils and trigger acne. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne, it is important to check for these on the label before using any product.

You can consult a dermatologist and get a skin assessment done; this will help you choose products that work best for your skin.

Your sunscreen can also cause acne. Certain oil-based sunscreens often become greasy on application. These can clog your pores. If you have acne-related problems, opt for oil-free sunscreens.

Loose is the Hottest Fit!

If you have ongoing acne, wearing extremely tight or fitted clothes can aggravate the situation. Tight clothes restrict your skin from breathing, causing it to sweat faster. This sweat can clog your pores and cause inflammation when trapped under the clothing for long hours.

Wear loose-fit tees and shirts that allow your skin to breathe. Also, opt for natural fabrics like cotton and linen, as fabrics like nylon or polyester can be harsh on acne-affected skin.

Dump your dirty gym wear in the laundry. Dirty clothes can have bacterial growths responsible for the zits on your back. Therefore, it is always important to wear clean clothes.

Tea-Tree Oil

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Tea tree oil has great anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help avoid bacterial growth and reduce acne. You can use products (body wash, lotions, etc.) that contain up to 5% tea tree oil.

Consult Your Dermatologist

If you are concerned about your back acne and do not see any changes despite adopting preventive measures, you might require topical or oral medications.

However, it is best to consult a skin specialist or dermatologist before using any medication. For mild acne breakouts, topical creams and gels containing benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, sulfur, or salicylic acid might be effective.

However, if your acne is much more severe, you might also require oral medication. Do not take medications without proper consultation with a doctor.

Don't Pop Your Pimples

Popping pimples can be one of the worst things you can do to your skin. Popping pimples can inflame the area around the zit and cause infection. Furthermore, popped pimples can leave blackened scars.

Avoid Friction On Your Back

Sometimes, any friction can disturb your skin. Continuous pressure or friction on your back caused by a backpack, sports gear, or a rough fabric can make you sweat faster. While sweating is normal, friction caused by these gears can lead to back acne. Therefore, take regular breaks while working out and switch to a lighter backpack. Always use a mild cleansing soap and avoid products like exfoliating gloves.

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