Around 70-85% of the world’s population has had bacne at least once in their lives. However, many people avoid discussing bacne since it has a negative impact on self-esteem, making a person self-conscious. Bacne is the term used to describe acne on the back. Acne causes scars on the back, making it difficult for affected persons to wear certain clothing. However, there is still hope for a clean and healthy back. Let’s take a look at how to control your bacne.
Understanding Bacne
The same factors that cause facial acne also cause back acne. Oil production on the skin, known as sebum, can become excessive. Hormonal fluctuations and elevated stress levels can also contribute to excessive secretion.
This extra oil can block the pores on the back, allowing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes and dead skin cells to settle within the pores. Clogged pores provide an excellent habitat for bacteria to grow, resulting in swelling and inflammation which leads to the production of acne lesions.
At-home Recommendations for Bacne
Prioritize cleanliness: When you engage in sweaty activities, shower right away to avoid accumulation on your skin, which can block pores and create bacne. When showering, opt for for oil-free and non-comedogenic body washes. Be on the lookout for benzoyl peroxide-containing products. This component is known for its antibacterial properties, which reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface.
Exfoliation: Incorporate exfoliants into your bath routine, particularly those containing salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores by dissolving excess oil and dead skin cells. However, some exfoliants can be abrasive on the skin, increasing the amount of bacne, so take caution. You can visit a skin expert to figure out which products are ideal for you.
Clothing matters: Wearing breathable clothing is just as vital as taking a shower after stressful activities. Breathable clothing, such as cotton and natural fibers, promotes greater air circulation and reduces the risk of sweat and oil buildup. Avoid wearing tight clothes that generate friction on the skin, which can aggravate acne.
Hair care: Wearing really long hair might cause oil and debris to move from the hair to the back. Also, shampooing your hair in the shower with various hair products dripping onto your back can allow dirt to clog the skin pores, causing inflammation and swelling and eventually leading to bacne.
Towels and bedsheets: Believe it or not, towels and bedsheets contain a lot of bacteria. Towels are used to wipe the body, hence they are usually damp. This provides the optimum conditions for these bacteria to thrive. Similarly, excessive sweat from really hot nights can allow germs to grow and thrive on bedsheets. As a result, it is important to air bedsheets and replace towels on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Bacne is the term used to describe acne on the back. Acne causes scars on the back, making it difficult for affected persons to wear certain clothing. However, there is still hope for a clean and healthy back like practicing habits such as regular bathing, consistent changing of towels and bedsheets, using exfoliant etc.
It’s not always the case, though, that self care practices are the solution. If you’d like a more individualized treatment plan, you can also consider seeing a dermatologist, getting prescription medicine, or trying out light therapy. It all depends on how severe your case of bacne is.
