What’s The Cause of Back Acne and How to Treat It?

Is back acne holding you back? While you have perfected your AM and PM skincare routine to keep facial breakouts away, have you given your body the same care and attention?

As the weather warms up, you might naturally reach for open-back or sleeveless tops and lighter closing. But if back acne has you feeling self-conscious, you are not alone. With the right approach, you can prevent and treat it effectively.

What Causes Back Acne?

Back acne forms when dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and bacteria clog pores, leading to inflammation. A common culprit is Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. 

Another leading cause is Malassezia, a naturally occurring yeast. When it overgrows, it can trigger fungal acne, appearing as small, itchy whiteheads on the back and shoulders.

There are other factors that can contribute to breakouts, such as:

• Sweat & Friction – Tight clothing, backpacks, and sweaty workout gear can trap bacteria and oil, creating the perfect environment for breakouts.
  
• Hair & Body Products – Thick lotions, oils, or hair products can clog pores, causing "pomade acne."
  
• Diet & Lifestyle – Dairy, high-sugar foods, and stress can trigger inflammation and breakouts.
  
• Genetics – Some people are just more prone to acne due to their skin type and family history.
• Hormonal Changes – Fluctuations in hormones (especially androgens) can cause the skin to produce more oil.
  

How to Effectively Get Rid of Back Acne?

To effectively treat back acne, it’s essential to target the root causes while preventing future flare-ups. For instance: 

1. Switch to non-comedogenic hair products to avoid products clogging the pores.
2. Wash your face & back after applying hair products to remove residue that may transfer to your skin.
3. Wash your bed sheets and duvet cover weekly to prevent the buildup of bacteria, yeast and sweat. 
4. Avoid wearing clothes made of materials such as polyester or nylon as they are more prone to causing acne on the body. Instead, choose organic cotton or linen clothing.
5. Always take a shower after a workout and change clothes to remove irritants and sweat from the skin, which helps prevent bacteria and fungal infections.

Our Recommended Body Care Routine for Back Acne

The right body care routine should focus on cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating. Here is the step-by-step guide to help you achieve clear skin, even on your back.

1. Use a gentle, acne-fighting cleanser or body wash. Avoid overly harsh soaps or drying cleansers.
2. Exfoliate twice a week with gentle exfoliants such as our Refining Body Scrub to remove dead skin cells while deeply hydrating the skin and refining its texture.
3. Always rinse your back after shampooing and conditioning to remove residue from hair care products.
4. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturiser such as our Defining Body Cream to lock in moisture, alleviate irritation and protect the skin. 

The Bottom Line

Having back acne can be frustrating, but with the right body care routine, you can achieve clearer, healthier skin all year round. 

Are you looking for the perfect products to address your skin concerns? Explore our body care collection, formulated with natural Dead Sea minerals to restore balance and clarity. Do you need personalised advice? Contact us, and our Dream Team will be happy to help you.