What You Need to Know in Choosing a Back Acne Remedy
Although the name might sound comical, bacne (medically termed acne vulgaris of the back), is not so funny or fun to have. If you are serious about a back acne remedy, it is important to understand the causes of acne, the best prevention methods and the types of back acne treatments that are available.
Causes of Back Acne
Acne vulgaris, or simply acne, is an inflammatory response concentrated in the pilosebaceous units, or PSUs. PSUs consist of the hair and the hair follicle, a sebaceous gland and the corresponding sebum it manufactures and the skin pore. Sebum is a natural oil that lubricates and protects the skin. When the skin pore, the opening to the surface of the skin, is clogged, sebum is forced to collect within the hair follicle. The strength of sebum output, in addition to this collection, causes damage to the cells lining the canal. The body’s immune reaction to this injury is what turns the skin red and makes it swell (causing the common pimple).
Contrary to traditional thought, the main cause of acne is not bacteria but the injury caused to the follicular canals by sebum. Hormone imbalance is the main reason for increased production of sebum and, therefore, the damaging force of sebum flow to the skin surface.
Bacteria play a role in acne formation but are not the principle cause. The acne-causing bacterium, P. acnes, is found naturally occurring within the skin. When the hair follicle breaks, this bacterium, sebum and excess skin cells flow into the dermis, causing infection.
Other lesser contributing factors are those that cause the clogging of pores. Sebum, especially hardened sebum due to a lack of essential fatty acids in the body, and excess dead skin cells are the main culprits.
Other contributors, especially for acne on the back, are the use of tight clothing and not bathing after exercising. Both cause an environment on the skin that is conducive to bacteria growth and force oil to buildup.
Back Acne Prevention
Now that you are aware of the causes of acne, you can better prevent back acne.
You can’t control your genetics and puberty but there are ways to get sebum production under control. Stress causes hormone imbalances which indirectly signal the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Stress reduction methods include exercise, deep breathing or meditation, getting a full night’s sleep and better time management.
To thwart the hardening of sebum (that so easily blocks pores), try increasing your daily consumption of essential fatty acids. This is most easily done by eating Omega-3 rich foods or supplements of fish, cod liver or flax seed. You can also decrease the chance of clogging pores by exfoliating the back with light scrubs or a loofah sponge.
Additionally, you can manage the amount of P. acnes bacteria inhabiting your skin with proper cleansing. Always follow exercise with a shower and invest in a wardrobe of loose clothing that breathes well.
Back Acne Treatment
To clear up back acne, you can follow a treatment regimen similar to that used against acne of the face:
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the most common over-the-counter products recommended to get rid of back acne. Both dry the skin to reduce superficial oil and can cause more severe irritation. Unfortunately, benzoyl peroxide has been shown by research to cause skin-damaging free radicals.
Doctor prescribed retinoids activate the retinoid receptors, which in turn can minimize the appearance of fine lines, shrink pore size and decrease sebaceous gland activity and size. These prescriptions are known to cause excessive drying of the skin and sensitivity to the sun’s rays. Accutane, or the retinoid Isotretinoin, can be prescribed for sever acne on the back if all other methods go unsuccessful.
Prescription antibiotics, oral or topical, can be prescribed by doctors to control the population of bacteria in the skin. Additionally, they reduce the amount of irritating chemicals produced by white blood cells in the immune response. Side effects include sun sensitivity, skin discoloration, nausea and candida vaginal yeast infections in women, among others.
To clear back acne, especially severe cases, you should see a dermatologist. Even though you are better equipped to choose a bacne treatment after reading this article, we have only provided a general overview on the types of treatment available; by visiting your dermatologist, he or she will carefully review your symptoms, family history, skin type, etc. to best recommend a treatment for you.
If you suffer from unsightly bacne, acne of the face, or acne scars, look no further. Biocutis offers a line of acne treatment products for each of your acne strength needs. The line of acne products contain the skin rejuvenating base of snail serum extract that also consume dead skin cells and moderate the body’s immune response. Whether you need a back acne treatment, a microdermabrasion cream for acne scars, or strong cure for cystic acne, Biocutis has a product for you. For especially stubborn bacne, try BIOSKINFORTE, an acne product specially formulated to address the foremost causes of severe acne breakouts and acne cysts.
- Martha Fitzharris



