Back acne: causes, care and prevention
Acne is caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells, bacteria and sebum that clog the hair follicles causing inflammation that manifests itself in blackheads and pimples. Acne appears mainly on the face, but it can also be present on the back and chest.
Back acne can be unsightly, even embarrassing, and is present in both teenagers and adults. It has practically the same causes as facial acne, i.e. the development of the propionibacterium acnes bacteria due to the excess of sebum and dirt accumulated on the skin. It should be noted that this bacterium is what is called anaerobic, which means that it prefers to live in an environment deprived of air.
There are also other factors that can favour the appearance of back acne, here are some good gestures to prevent it:
- Do not break out your comedones or touch them.
- Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight. Choose loose-fitting natural fiber clothing. Tight-fitting synthetic clothes encourage sweating and friction, which helps impurities and bacteria to penetrate the pores.
- Shower after every workout or when you’ve been sweating. Rinse with lukewarm water and make sure you rinse your back thoroughly. Greasy residue from soap, shampoo or conditioner can further clog the pores on your back.
- Adopt back exfoliation as your shower routine. You can exfoliate up to 3 times a week, as the pores on the back are much larger than those on the face, so it is necessary to deep clean them regularly. It is best to use an exfoliating strip to remove all dead skin.
- Wash sheets and blankets regularly to reduce contact with bacteria. During sleep, dead body cells are deposited on sheets and blankets. Soft, unscented laundry detergent is preferred.
- Local use of AHAs can help reduce blackheads. For example, Matis Pure-Serum is a skin perfecting serum and with its trio of naturally derived exfoliating acids, it helps remove dead skin cells and prevent the formation of clogged pores and acne. As a result, your skin is brighter and healthier.
As you can see, there are no miracles with back acne, but healthy habits can be a valuable ally.