While we often think of acne as being a condition that affects the face, the back can be another common area for severe breakouts. Back acne can be inflammatory and extremely painful and can take away from the aesthetics of this area of the body. Back acne can often require some unique approaches since the causes and triggers of this type of acne may be different than other types.
We treat back acne with the same personalized attention as we do all of our other services at Rejuvené MD. We don’t move forward with treatment until we understand the intricacies of your situation. We can help you determine what might be causing your back acne and then find solutions that can help heal and clarify your skin.
How Is Back Acne Different From Face Acne?
Back acne can be more challenging to treat than facial acne due to the thicker skin and stronger sebaceous glands on the back. The location also makes it harder to apply topical treatments effectively by yourself. Unique factors like the presence of clothing can exacerbate the condition, making management and treatment strategies slightly different from those used for facial acne.
What Causes Back Acne?
Excess Oil Production
One of the primary back acne causes is the overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands. This excess oil can clog pores, leading to the formation of acne on the back. Managing oil production with targeted treatments can help reduce outbreaks.
Dead Skin Cell Accumulation
Accumulation of dead skin cells contributes to back acne by blocking pores and trapping oil beneath the skin’s surface. Regular exfoliation can help remove these dead cells so that blockages aren’t as likely to happen.
Bacteria Growth
The growth of bacteria is a factor in the development of back acne. These bacteria thrive in oily, blocked pores, leading to inflammation and sore, red acne lesions. For this type of acne, treatments that have antibacterial properties may be the most helpful for speeding the healing of lesions and preventing scarring.
Why Do I Have Back Acne?
Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or as a result of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can increase oil production, leading to back acne. These hormonal changes can prompt the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum in the area, which can block the pores.
Friction and Pressure
Clothing, backpacks, and tight-fitting gear create friction and pressure on the back, trapping sweat and oil against the skin. This environment is conducive to acne development, as it can irritate the skin and clog pores.
Sweat and Humidity
Exposure to high levels of sweat and humidity can worsen back acne by creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and pores to become clogged. It’s important to shower after sweating and wear breathable fabrics to minimize these effects.
Medications
Certain medications, including steroids, hormonal treatments, and some psychiatric drugs, can lead to the development of back acne as a side effect. These medications can alter hormonal balances or oil production, contributing to acne outbreaks.
Changes in Skincare
Switching skincare products or using products that can dry the skin out or clog the pores can lead to increased back acne. It’s important to use gentle, acne-friendly skincare products on the back to avoid exacerbating the condition.
High Levels of Stress
Stress can trigger an increase in oil production through hormonal changes, contributing to back acne. Finding effective stress management techniques can help in reducing acne outbreaks by minimizing the body’s stress-related hormonal fluctuations.
How to Get Rid of Back Acne
AviClear® Laser Treatments
The AviClear laser is a back acne treatment that targets the sebaceous glands directly, reducing their oil production. The unique 1726-nanometer laser works by shrinking the sebaceous glands while leaving the rest of your skin untouched. This FDA-approved treatment is non-invasive and can be one of the most effective treatments for decreasing the severity and frequency of acne breakouts.
Back Facials
Back facials are a special type of acne treatment designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and extract impurities from the skin on the back. This process not only helps in clearing existing acne but also prevents future breakouts by maintaining the health and cleanliness of the skin. Tailored to the needs of the individual, back facials may include the use of salicylic acid or other special ingredients to further target acne.
IPL Treatments
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments use light energy to target and reduce the bacteria that cause acne to become red and sore, decreasing inflammation and preventing future inflammatory breakouts. IPL treatments can also help reduce the appearance of redness and scars associated with acne, providing multiple benefits in one treatment.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a solution applied to the skin to remove the top layers, promoting new, healthier skin growth. This process can be particularly effective for back acne scars, as it helps to prevent clogged pores while also improving skin texture. Peels range in intensity and can be customized to match the specific skin type of the patient, making them a flexible scar treatment option.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthy skin. It’s particularly beneficial for minimizing the appearance of back acne scars by smoothing the skin’s surface and reducing the visibility of scarring. This treatment encourages collagen production, aiding in the skin’s natural healing process.
Take Control of Your Back Acne Today With Rejuvené MD
At Rejuvené MD in El Paso, TX, we offer a variety of treatments to effectively manage and reduce back acne, from advanced laser therapies to exfoliating facials and chemical peels. Each treatment is designed to address the unique needs of your skin so you can receive the most effective care. To discover which back acne solution is right for you, contact us through our online form or call us directly at (915) 745-5888.
