Spots: everybody gets them. They’re annoying and sometimes they just. Won't. Go. Away. Most treatments are targeted at facial blemishes, but what’s a gal (or guy) to do when they’re cropping up elsewhere? Bacne, as it’s most commonly called, is the term to describe breakouts occurring on your back and shoulders.
Though some people would probably argue that it’s not as stressful as having acne on your face, it can still make you feel incredibly self-conscious – especially in summer, when we’re more likely to have our backs exposed.
Interestingly, you can have bacne without any facial acne. I for one can confirm this statement. I’m generally very lucky with my skin, rarely getting breakouts, but as soon as summer strikes, I find myself at war with pesky pimples on the top of my back. Granted, they’re never particularly bad, and it could be a lot worse, but sometimes it’s still enough to stop me wearing off-the-shoulder tops.
So, I reached out to leading dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto and consultant Dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall, to get the low down on the causes and cures of bacne, including the best products to keep in your arsenal.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
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So, what causes bacne?
Noticed that your spots flare up on holiday, or when you’re working out? Sweat and heat are often the biggest culprits, as Dr Mahto explains.
“First and foremost, back acne is caused by the same factors as normal acne: hormones and genetics. However, the skin on our back is particularly thick, and just like our face, has a high density of oil-producing glands, which can easily cause blocked pores and breakouts. It is also commonly triggered by heat, sweat and tight clothing.”
How to get rid of bacne
Thankfully there are steps you can take to help stop the reoccurrences of blemishes and break the frustrating cycle.
Wear loose clothing
Natural fabrics and loose clothing are much better than tight synthetic fabrics as these can make you sweat more and can trap and spread bacteria. “Choose clothing carefully that reduces heat and sweating and make sure gym gear is regularly changed and washed,” advises Dr Hextall.
Think about your diet
We hate to break it to you, but those sweet-treats won’t be helping. “A healthy diet that is balanced with plenty of fruit and vegetables and fibre will help to prevent back acne,” says Dr Hextall. “Avoid highly processed foods, especially sugary foods and drinks, and avoid smoking and limit alcohol,” she adds.
Shower after the gym
Lazy girls, listen up. Staying in your gear post-spin class is one of the worst things you can do. Getting any sweat off your bod ASAP should be your main priority. “Post-gym session, make sure you shower as quickly as possible,” stresses Mahto. “Doing this will definitely reduce the number of spots you get on your chest and back. If you're in a rush and don't have time to shower straight away, wipe down the skin with cleaning pads, preferably ones containing salicylic acid.”
Stop picking!
I know it’s tempting, but those wandering fingers won’t help your bacne at all! Picking and squeezing, as satisfying as it is, can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin which can encourage a spot to come back bigger and more painful than before. Scarring can also occur if the spot scabs, so you’re better off using the right skincare products to gently shrink the bacne away.
Nip + Fab Salicylic Fix Pads
Murad Smooth & Soothe Retexturizing Body Pads
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“Switch to shower gels and body washes containing salicylic acid (BHA), glycolic acid (AHA) and tea tree oil. I also recommend using a clay mask once a week, as masks are extremely effective when it comes to drawing impurities out of the skin and reducing oil production,” says Dr Mahto.
“I recommend using products that combine both AHAs and BHAs as this will help to reduce blocked pores. You can also look for products containing niacinamide as this will reduce inflammation, while ceramides will boost a healthy skin barrier,” adds Dr Hextall.
As Mahto mentioned, products containing AHAs are key: “The Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap, is a great product to start with.”
It’s also important to incorporate gentle cleansing products so that you don’t disrupt your skin barrier in the quest for clear skin. “I am a fan of the Effaclar range from La Roche Posay. The wash is gentle but effective and the Effaclar Duo +M contains both salicylic acid to unblock pores, niacinamide to reduce inflammation and minimise post acne marks and is now enriched with phylobioma to support the delicate skin microbiome,” says Dr Hextall.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
Byoma Smoothing Body Polish
Gaby is the Senior Beauty Writer here at Cosmopolitan.com/UK. Her favourite hobbies include sleeping, eating cake till she can't move and uncontrollably hoarding beauty products.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
