When we hear acne, memories of high school and puberty come to the forefront of our minds. While many people’s faces clear up past this phase, it isn’t uncommon to experience acne—and even bacne—in our adult lives. Dealing with zits on your face is one thing, but blemishes on your back can be tougher and in hard to reach places. With swimsuit season here, you are probably ready to learn how to manage your bacne once and for all! 

Acne vs. Bacne: 

Many people think that the only difference between acne and bacne is the location it appears on your body. With the back being hard to reach, it is often difficult to clean and exfoliate the problem areas completely. Also, serums used to treat the face often don’t respond as well on the back because the skin there is much thicker and resilient. The skin on the face receives more blood supply that lets acne heal faster and reduce scarring.  

Causes of Bance:  

Although some people are just more prone to bacne than others, there are conditions that will make it worse. Acne happens when our pores become clogged and can’t excrete the oily-sebum that keeps our skin healthy. Men are more prone to bacne thanks to their over-active sebaceous glands and the amount of hair on their backs. Personal products like hair products and body soaps may be blocking your pores and even causing bacne. Scented products use ingredients that will clog your pores, so try using a plain wash made for sensitive skin. Excessive sweating due to exercise can also be a cause. Daily showers, wearing clean clothes and keeping your skin dry are basic hygiene skills and factors to keep in mind.  

Bacne Treatments:  

With tougher skin on the back than the face, products used to treat bacne need a stronger formula, but typically contain the same ingredients. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) work to exfoliate the top layer of the skin to smooth and clear the back of any dead skin cells that will clog pores. Using a loofah or a scrub with beads in it will irritate the acne and spread the bacteria across the back. Beta Hydroxy Acides (BHAs) are the most effective acne treatments and are designed to clean out dirt from your pores. Applying these to clean, dry skin on a regular basis can significantly improve your skin.  

Want to manage your bacne? Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 to set up a consultation!