How Do You Treat Back Acne At Home

While prescription-grade treatments are available, you can get a lot of relief from back acne with some simple home remedies. Applying tea tree oil, witch hazel, or apple cider vinegar can help limit the appearance and help prevent scarring.

What causes acne?

Acne is the result of bacteria, dirt, and grime becoming trapped in your pores. There are various factors that can increase oil production or make you more prone to getting acne.

• Genetics - You may just be more prone to getting acne. This skin condition tends to run in families.

• Stress - When you're stressed out, your body creates more cortisol. This hormone makes your skin produce more oil, which could trap more substances in your pores.

• Sweat - The act of sweating is actually good for your skin. But you should always bathe after an intense workout or trip to the sauna. When left on your skin, sweat can trap bacteria in your pores.

Acne is commonly found on the back—here's why

In addition to the face and shoulders, acne is particularly common on the back. The reason for this comes down to the primary factors contributing to acne: bacteria, dead skin cells, and overactive oil glands. The upper half of your body has more oil glands per square inch than the lower half, so your back is definitely more susceptible to acne than your legs.

Additionally, the skin on your back is incredibly thick. This increases the potential to end up with blocked pores. People also tend to sweat a lot on their backs, but when it comes time to shower, they don't adequately wash that area as it's sometimes difficult to reach.

Natural remedies to treat back acne at home

Knowing how to treat back acne at home can save you a lot of hassle. While you should see a professional dermatologist if it becomes severe, the following household items can work wonders in clearing up your skin.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is great for fighting bacteria and inflammation. Both of these play a role in your acne levels. You should mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water to dilute it. Apply the solution onto a cotton swab and gently dab it onto the affected area. You always want to dilute tea tree oil because it can cause excessive dryness if used on its own.

2. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel helps with inflammation, which is why it's recommended for acne, eczema, and dandruff. Apply 1 tablespoon of witch hazel with 1 cup of water and then bring the solution to a boil. Let it rest until it's room temperature, and then you can apply it to your skin with a cotton ball. It can help reduce the appearance of any redness.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains lactic acid, which helps improve the appearance of acne scars. You should mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water. You may need more water if you have particularly sensitive skin. Apply it with a cotton ball, and it should dry up any excess oil.

4. Baking Soda

You can use baking soda and a little water to target any pimples that show up on your back. Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda with just a bit of water to create a paste. Apply this paste to your skin and let it sit there for 20 minutes. It helps reduce any pain and limits inflammation.

5. Green Tea

Green tea contains ample antioxidants. And you can actually apply it to your skin to see the benefits. Applying 2 to 3 percent green tea extract to your skin can severely decrease sebum production. You just need to boil the tea first and then let it cool. Use a spray bottle or cotton ball to apply to the inflamed area.

Tips to preventing your back acne from worsening

If you're prone to back acne, then you need to be aware of lifestyle habits that could worsen the condition. The following steps could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

• Eat a healthy diet - Dairy and sugar can exacerbate acne. Instead, you want to make sure you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, especially when you crave a snack.

• Wear loose clothing - The amount of sweat you have on your back can impact acne significantly. You want to wear loose fitting clothing so that sweat doesn't become trapped back there. And make sure to wash immediately after a workout.

• Don't pop pimples - You may think you're doing a lot of good by popping those pesky pimples. But actually, you're increasing your chances of scarring. See a professional dermatologist if you're worried your back acne is worsening.

Best prescription-strength options to treat your acne

While acne breakouts and pimples are inevitable at some point in your life, it's not something you have to live with forever. There's a wide range of treatment options that have shown to combat those pesky red bumps for good.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Typically a main ingredient in many acne facial cleansers and lotions, benzoyl peroxide goes into your pores to lift and remove excess oil, dirt and debris (acne-causing agents).

• Glycolic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid, this ingredient exfoliates dead skin cells and removes surface impurities. This stops your pores from clogging; preventing future breakouts.

• Retinoids: Arguably the most effective acne treatment, retinoids expertly diminish sebum (excess oil), dirt, bacteria, and any other acne-causing agents on your skin's surface to prevent future breakouts. This powerful drug has also been proven to stop acne scars from forming, leaving behind only smooth, radiant skin.

Treat your acne fast! Get a prescription retinoid, today!

We understand how annoying and bothersome acne breakouts can be. Whether it's picture day at school, or you've got a job interview, acne is not a welcome friend. Fortunately, it's a treatable condition. Our licensed physicians make it easy and more comfortable to have a discussion about your skin and the best treatment options available for you.

Talk to one of our reputable online physicians to get your prescription Retinoid, today!