Body acne is a persistent concern for many, less often discussed than its facial counterpart, but widely experienced and just as debilitating, especially during the warmer months when our skin comes into view.
For some it appears suddenly and fleetingly, while for others it lingers, often in areas of the body most exposed to or affected by friction, heat, or hormonal fluctuations. Whatever the circumstances, those who have experienced bacne, spots and irritated skin on the body will know that it can be tricky and time-consuming to treat and turn around.
Luckily, skincare conversations continue to evolve at a rapid pace and while - unsurprisingly - much of the focus remains on our faces, body care is no longer the afterthought that it once was. Consumers may now reap the benefits of a small but well-formed roster of products available to address such concerns.
I spoke to the experts to discover exactly what to do when bacne strikes.
Why is the back prone to spots?
The number of sebaceous (oil) glands varies across our bodies, with most located on the scalp, chin, forehead and back, making breakouts and acne more common in these areas.
“With their high concentration of sebaceous glands which may easily become occluded by clothing, sweat, or friction, the back can be the perfect environment for clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation to thrive,” explains dermatologist Alexis Granite (dralexisgranite.com). “Moreover, while the underlying causes of acne - excess oil, bacteria, congestion and inflammation are the same, whether on the face or body, the skin on the body is thicker, which means body breakouts can be more stubborn and slower to heal.”
Aesthetician and skincare expert Katharine Mackenzie Paterson (kmpskin.com) agrees, adding, “you don’t really need to have a certain skin ‘type’ to suffer with acne on the body - it can affect anyone. As well as being the result of excessive sweating or heat, it can also be hormonally caused, and sometimes be solely active in one particular area of the body.”
What to consider when body acne or spots strike
If your back breakouts are cystic and causing pain, it is best to seek medical advice, since taking a prescription medicine might be the best course of action in this instance.
If however, the breakouts tend to be smaller pustules or papules, or are unexpected and unlikely for you personally, this may be more to do with slight irritation and sweat. As such Mackenzie Paterson recommends that sufferers may, first and foremost, consider any recent changes in products like body wash, shampoos, conditioners or laundry detergents that could have irritated the skin.
Moreover, Alexis Granite advises that while everyday habits like using occlusive hair products, or wearing sweaty workout clothes, tight activewear or synthetic fabrics for extended periods of time, are rarely the sole cause of body acne, they can all contribute to and exacerbate it. As such it is always advisable to shower immediately following these activities or - at the least - to wipe down your body with fragrance-free cleansing or exfoliating wipes.
How to get rid of body and back acne?
When it comes to treatment consistency is key, and there is rarely such a thing as a quick miracle fix. Granite recommends seeking out body washes or lotions with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid or retinol to help unclog pores, smooth and refine the skin. Formulated with AHA, shikimic acid and azelaic acid, her much-loved Joonbyrd Kaleidoscope Smoothing Serum, (£78, joonbyrd.com), can be effective for treating body breakouts as well as minimising the dark marks that can occur once blemishes have gone. “Always avoid very heavy creams and emollients if you are prone to body acne, too,” she adds.
For Mackenzie Paterson, salicylic acid is a great all-rounder when it comes to working on the body. Her recommendations? “Naturium makes a great line of body washes and creams containing active acids such as salicylic and glycolic to target different body concerns like breakouts, or keratosis pilaris. Murad’s Clarifying Body Spray and Retexturing Body Pads (£48 and £49, murad.co.uk), target both breakouts and uneven texture, and I’m a fan of Clinisept (15.95, victoriahealth.com) and Epionce Purifying Body Wash (£41, epionce.co.uk) too. Both can be used on areas of the body actively suffering from acne and spots.”
Katharine’s in-clinic “Back Facial” (£275 for 60 minutes, kmpskin.com) is also hugely popular, not just with those wanting to ensure this area is looking its best for summer or a social occasion, but also those wanting to target active breakouts, post-inflammatory pigmentation and scarring.
