Having acne can really ruin one’s confidence and having them on your back is no less embarrassing. Consultant dermatologist Dr Ch’ng Chin Chwen debunks some common myths about back acne or ‘bacne’ and shares helpful dermatologist-approved tips on how to get rid of them the right way.
WORDS HANNAH MAY-LEE WONG
 FEATURED EXPERTDR CH’NG CHIN CHWEN Consultant Dermatologist Subang Jaya Medical Centre |
WHAT CAUSES BACNE?
Dr Ch’ng Chin Chwen:
Acne, no matter which part of the body it appears in, is mostly triggered by genetic and hormonal factors.
There is some recent evidence pointing to foods high in sugar and milk/dairy products as key contributing factors to acne breakouts as well.
A variety of medications are known to be associated with acne breakouts. These include:
- Oral corticosteroids
- Hormones or hormone-like substances (analogues) such as anabolic steroids, certain contraceptive pills, and testosterone
- Certain anti-epileptic medications, antibiotics or antidepressants
- Some chemotherapeutic medications
WHY IS THE SKIN ON OUR BACK PARTICULARLY PRONE TO ACNE BREAKOUT?
Dr Ch’ng:
The back has more sebaceous glands.
- Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and protects the skin.
- When there’s excess sebum production, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores.
- This clogged pore creates an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes to multiply, leading to inflammation, pimples, and cysts.
This is also why areas without sebaceous glands, such as our palms, don’t develop acne!
WHAT CAN MAKE BACK ACNE WORSE?
Dr Ch’ng:
- Use of harsh skin care items
- Examples are antibacterial soaps, astringents and abrasive scrubs
- These items can disrupt the skin’s natural protection layer, irritate the skin, and worsen acne.
- Excessive washing, scrubbing or using skincare products that dry out the skin
- Use of oily/thick-textured skin care products
- These products can clog the skin pores and worsen back acne.
- For people with acne-prone skin, it’s best to stick to oil-free or non-comedogenic skin care products.
- Temperature and environment
- Sweating, wearing thick or tight clothing, or working in an oil-laden environment can clog pores and worsen back acne.
- Stress has long been known to be a contributing factor to acne breakouts.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO GET CLEAR SKIN ON OUR BACKS?
Dr Ch’ng:
Avoid trigger factors
Avoid the trigger factors as mentioned above.
Practice good skin care habits
- No excessive washing or cleansing of the skin
- Diligently use sun protection
- Shower immediately after sweating
- Wear loose and airy clothing made of cotton
- Regularly moisturize your skin
Use topical acne medicines
- These are similar to those that treat facial acne.
- Available in most pharmacies.
- Look for products that can cover large surface areas easily, such as products specifically formulated for body acne or spray-on products.
- Some products come in a spray form for difficult-to-reach areas.
ARE THOSE ‘SPECIAL ACNE BODY WASH’ THE BEST OPTION FOR THOSE WITH BACK ACNE?
Dr Ch’ng:
Yes. Body washes that contain AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), BHA (beta hydroxy acid), or salicylic acid may help with back acne.
Note that salicylic acid is stronger than the other two and may not be suitable for regular use by people with dry skin.
SHOULD ONE USE A LOOFAH OR BACK SCRUBBER WHEN THEY HAVE ACNE?
Dr Ch’ng:
If you want to use loofah, use it gently.
Remember to wash and dry the loofah properly after each use for hygiene reasons.
WHEN SHOULD WE SEE A DERMATOLOGIST?
Dr Ch’ng:
If you have tried changing your diet, lifestyle, skin care products, and have regularly used over-the-counter acne gels but still have uncontrolled acne, you should see your dermatologist.
The dermatologist may prescribe oral medicines to treat your acne.
Light and laser treatments may also help treat back acne.
| This article is part of a series that shines the spotlight on skin health. |
