Back Acne Treatments

Back acne can seem completely different from face acne. In reality, though, both types of acne are usually caused by the same factors. This means that you can treat back acne with many of the same products that you use on your face to prevent pimples. Knowing which types of over-the-counter products work best for you will help you choose options that will eliminate your acne for good.

What Causes Back Acne?

Back acne most often occurs when sebaceous glands produce too much oil. This oil mixes with dead skin cells, which clogs pores. If bacteria invade the clogged pore, then it can turn into a pimple. There are, of course, different types of pimples. If you have blackheads or whiteheads, you can treat them with the same products.

Can Heat Cause Back Acne?

Many people, especially men, find that they get more back acne during the summer months. Athletes might also find that they get more back acne during their sport’s season. The obvious culprit seems to be intense heat.

It turns out, though, that heat does not usually cause acne. It does, however, cause irritation. When back acne gets irritated, it often becomes inflamed and painful. You can’t see your back without a mirror, so you only know that the bacne exists when you feel it. Sweat and heat make the back acne much more noticeable, so you think that you have seasonal acne caused by the heat.

Treating Back Acne

Regular washing will help keep your skin clean, but most people need some extra help to prevent back acne outbreaks. Soap and water simply can’t eliminate the problem as well as medicated treatments. In fact, the problem is often exacerbated by excessive scrubbing, which causes more irritation.

When choosing an OTC back acne product, look for treatments that will eliminate pimples while keeping your skin healthy. Proactiv, for instance, often combines powerful benzoyl peroxide with oil-free moisturizers. This helps keep skin clear and healthy without causing irritation.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the best ways to eliminate acne because it kills bacteria and breaks apart oil. It can, however, cause side effects such as dry skin, flaking, itching, and even swelling. As long as you a product that contains a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide, you’re less likely to experience side effects. If you find that the benzoyl peroxide causes side effects that bother you, then you can often mitigate the negative results by applying an oil-free moisturizer that will help your skin heal quickly.

Prescription Medication for Back Acne

If OTC treatments do not help prevent back acne, then you may need to see a dermatologist who can prescribe medications to you. The medication and doctor’s visit, however, often cost quite a bit of money, especially if you don’t have insurance that will cover most of the costs. Many people, therefore, try several OTC acne products before going to a dermatologist. The OTC back acne treatments are affordable, and they usually produce the results that you need to control your acne.