Back Acne - Relief Through A Holistic Approach

Back Acne - Relief Through A Holistic Approach

Have you discovered pimples or pus-filled blackheads on areas of your body, such as your back? This is more common than you think. You are not alone with this problem.

Although the most common form of acne occurs on the face, it can also occur on other parts of the body. Acne occurs on most parts of your body where oil-producing glands are present, including your back. There are many opinions about treating common facial acne, but you may be concerned if you have acne on other parts of your body.

One of the first things you need to remember when dealing with acne on your back is that it is a normal phenomenon. The NHS notes that about half of people who are acne prone are affected by this condition. While the symptoms of acne on the face and back are the same, the treatment methods are largely different. To make treatment more effective and reduce the risk of aggravation, you'll find a holistic approach here.

In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about pimples on the back, what causes them, the best skin care products to use for prevention and treatment, and the habits you should adopt to prevent recurrence.

What are the causes of pimples on the back?

Acne on the back, also known as bacne, is a normal skin condition caused by overactive sebaceous glands, excess dead skin cells and acne-causing bacteria. Acne can easily form in areas where oil glands are located. This explains why your face, chest and back are the main targets of these pimples.

The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes is found on all skin and does not seem to be a problem for some people. However, some people have a higher tendency to develop skin-related complications such as acne. When these people have an excess of oil (sebum) and dead skin cells on their skin, this creates the perfect environment for the bacteria to thrive. This can lead to inflammation and the formation of pimples and bumps. Acne can also be caused by:

• Side effects of certain medications
• Hormonal changes
• Genetic predisposition
• Stress
• Sweat
• Impaired skin protection barrier
• Body and hair products

Some studies have also shown that certain foods can trigger acne. Therefore, it's important to make sure you eat a whole food diet for healthy skin. For example, the American Academy of Dermatologists has found that certain carbohydrates, such as white bread and potato chips, raise blood sugar levels, which in turn can trigger acne.

Types of back acne

Back acne usually occurs in two forms: inflammatory and non-inflammatory.

Inflammatory acne is manifested by the following symptoms, among others:

1. Pustules

Pustules are a type of blister that are filled with pus and are very painful. They are also called pus pimples or inflamed pimples. Visually, a small red bump forms in the center of a small pus blister. The difference with a whitehead (open blackhead), is that a pustule is inflamed and full of pus, and a whitehead is "just" a clogged hair follicle. Pustules usually appear when one suffers from "common" acne.

Squeezing pustules on your own is absolutely not recommended, as it can worsen the inflammation. Please be sure to consult a doctor (dermatologist).

2. Papules

A papule is an "underground" pimple that looks more like a small bump, and is reddish and slightly swollen due to inflammation. Papules are also called encapsulated pimples and do not contain pus, but are still very painful. Papules often do not come to the surface, but heal on their own over a long period of time. They can also form a type of tissue lump that causes a small elevation of the skin in the long term. These are also called nodules and are long-term consequences of papules. In most cases, these are nodules of varying sizes that no longer present redness, but are more palpable than visible.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to squeeze out a papule or nodule, as there is no "line" to the skin surface. Attempting to squeeze a papule can severely inflame the papule and also the surrounding tissue. Please be sure to consult a physician (dermatologist).

3. Cysts

Cysts are larger, reddened pimples filled with pus. The infection penetrates deeper into the skin, causing pain and often leaving permanent scars. They are caused by clogged pores and hair follicles, usually caused by the accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells. Inflammation develops and consequently a painful cyst may form. Cysts also absolutely belong in the hands of a dermatologist and should not be squeezed out by yourself.

Non-inflammatory acne occurs in two ways, including:

1. Whiteheads

Are also called comedones. They form when a clogged follicle, caused by the accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells, remains closed under the skin surface.

2. Blackheads

Arises similar to open blackheads. However, this clogged follicle opens on the surface of the skin, which leads to oxidation and gives rise to the black color.

The way to the dermatologist

It is generally advisable to consult a dermatologist (skin doctor). He can advise you individually to bring your acne under control. All of the measures mentioned here can be taken into account in conjunction with medical treatment and can significantly support a therapy and prevent further outbreaks even after the end of treatment.

Could skin products be the problem?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, substances in hair and body care products can also trigger acne. Overdoing skin care routines is not the best way to ensure healthy skin, as many skin care products also have side effects. The skin's protective barrier can be weakened by excessive skin care, and the skin's own defense system goes haywire. Bacteria, dirt and sebum thus trigger inflammation much more easily. Or, for example, if you let your conditioner run down your back when you wash your hair, pore-clogging substances can get into your skin. Products that clog pores can aggravate breakouts and trigger inflammatory acne on your back.

Comedogenic products

In dermatological terminology, a blackhead is a comedo. The plural is comedones. If a product is described as "comedogenic" (adjective of comedo), it is a product that can potentially trigger the formation of blackheads, pimples or acne. Products are also often divided into degrees of comedogenicity. A degree of 0 or 1 is rather non-comedogenic, a degree of 3-5 is more likely. Products that are described as non-comedogenic are therefore more suitable for skin types that are prone to pimples and acne.

ATTENTION - Skin reacts individually

Comedogenicity, i.e. the tendency to form pimples or acne caused by comedogenic products, is individual. This means that symptoms do not necessarily occur when using highly classified products. There are some individuals who are prone to acne but enjoy using products that are actually considered highly comedogenic. Likewise, it should be noted that non-comedogenic products do not automatically help against pimples and acne. Non-comedogenic simply means that they do not contribute significantly to the development of pimples and acne.

Examples of comedogenic products

Products with a strong comedogenic effect include, for example, the industrially produced variants made from mineral oil: petrolatum, kerosene and silicones. Animal fats, such as lanolin, the wool fat of sheep, can also have a comedogenic effect. Within plant-derived oils, the following are classified as comedogenic: Palm oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, peanut oil. But as mentioned above, the skin reacts individually to all potentially comedogenic ingredients.

Before using skincare products, read labels thoroughly. Products labeled "does not clog pores", "non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic" are best for your skin care routine. The LIPID GLORY day oil, is a light skincare oil, rich in organic jojoba oil, is suitable for the face and can of course be used on other parts of the body for example. It is important to avoid comedogenic products, as they are risky for sensitive skin. If you want to use cosmetics, you should go for non-comedogenic products.

Prevention of back acne

According to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, the high density of sweat and oil glands on the back is a major trigger for bacne. Since the back is almost always covered, there is usually no air to reduce the appearance of clogged pores. Other important factors that cause bacne, such as hormonal fluctuations and genetic predisposition, are beyond our control and therefore make it difficult to prevent. However, there are certain steps that can be taken to prevent the appearance of pimples. Some of these steps are the following:

Rubbing and friction can cause a type of acne on the back called acne mechanica. This means that anything that increases sweating and friction on our backs, such as backpacks, sports equipment, and back supports, can lead to back acne. If you must wear a backpack, choose a lightweight backpack that fits well and reduces friction.

To prevent acne on your back, you should try to use the right skin care products for your back. You should look for non-comedogenic products. Washing with an acne-specific clay cleanser will help reduce acne.

Dirty clothes can accumulate oil, sweat and dirt, which irritates the skin and triggers acne on the back. It is best to wear loose clothing, especially when working out. Immediately after your workout, remove any sweaty clothing to prevent heat and sweat from building up in the pores of your back. Also, wear breathable cotton clothing instead of poly-blend fabrics.

Although it can be tempting to push at acne symptoms with your own fingers, especially if it's in reachable areas, skin care experts advise against it. It's best to treat acne with the appropriate skin care regimen rather than trying to force the process. Patience is a good advisor here, as well as trusting the skin's ability to regenerate. A dermatologist should be consulted to have specific acne pimples expressed or treated.

Even though it may seem smarter to cover up the acne on your back with sunbathing, this does not help treat or prevent further acne. It only increases the redness and pigment left by the acne, leaving permanent scars that are slow to subside. In addition, UV radiation damages the skin excessively.

How to treat back acne holistically

Was passiert, wenn du bereits Rückenakne hast? Hier sind ein paar bewährte Tipps, mit denen du deine Rückenakne behandeln kannst:

Over-the-counter active ingredient products

To treat mild and moderate back acne, over-the-counter creams containing benzoyl peroxide can help treat acne and control breakouts. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends cleansing products (wash gels or lotions) with benzoyl peroxide, which kill bacteria and are more effective when used daily.

To make things easier, you can use a body wash with acne-fighting ingredients. It's best to start with a wash that contains 5.3% benzoyl peroxide. This will make the skin less irritated, and if it doesn't work, you can up it to 10%. The retinoid adapalene also acts as an exfoliant to unclog pores, making it an effective treatment for back acne.

Use a cleaning agent with a suitable pH value

The pH refers to the amount of acid in a cleanser on a scale of one to 14. Using a cleanser with the appropriate potential hydrogen content (pH) for your skin should help you treat your back acne. We recommend a pH of about 5.5%, which is the natural pH of healthy skin.

Skin friendly diet

Foods rich in vitamin A can help your pores rid themselves of dead skin cells. These foods ideally contain beneficial oils that prevent your skin from breaking out. Fruits and vegetables also contain many vitamins and anti-inflammatory nutrients that would be very good for your skin.

Trying to treat your back acne? Why don't you try changing your diet? Avoid acne-causing foods like dairy and refined carbohydrates. Make sure you stay hydrated, as this will give your skin a healthy glow. Find a way to intuitively eat a healthy and wholesome diet.

Pay attention to proper hygiene

Proper hygiene is key when treating bacne. Wash your towels frequently or switch to an antimicrobial fabric. After exercising, shower immediately to reduce the effects of sweat irritation. Since bacteria are responsible for acne thriving on sweaty skin, you should remove your workout clothes and shower immediately. You can also use pillow sprays to kill the bacteria on your pillows and prevent them from getting on your skin.

Relaxation against elevated inflammation levels

It has been scientifically proven that regular meditation lowers inflammation levels in the body. This is essential to initiate a healing process. The reduced release of the "inflammatory hormones" adrenaline and cortisol through relaxation helps to break out of the vicious circle of ever new inflammations and relapses. You can easily integrate meditation into your holistic treatment of back acne.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for back acne to form?

It depends on certain factors. A new acne lesion takes about 1-2 weeks to fully develop and form. Even though it may seem like it develops overnight, it is actually a long process.

How long does the acne last?

Acne can form during puberty. In most people, it begins between the ages of 10-13 and lasts for 5 to 10 years. Many teenagers have acne into their 20s and adult years.

What is the fastest way to get rid of bacne?

Make sure that you follow the detailed and holistic steps that we have described above. Basically, you should visit your dermatologist.

Recommended care products for back acne

LIPID GLORY

LIPID GLORY is mild and effective cosmetics from CRAFT & CARE. The various organic skin care products of this brand have been formulated with the utmost care and contain all the nutrients you need for healthy and radiant skin. The products are made of natural oils and active ingredients and offer suitable care for every skin type.

The above products are formulated with mild ingredients to avoid side effects on your skin. They are suitable for all skin types and are a welcome addition to your skincare routine. If you have any other questions about acne on your back or other topics, send us an email! we'll be happy to help.