Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Back Acne

Acne on the back is unsightly in your bathing suit, and may be a cause for great embarrassment on your part. According to KidsHealth.org, acne vulgaris on the back is common, and is caused by excess oil and clogged pores. The best ways to get rid of back acne are those that comprise an entire routine of skin care, working together to give you the smooth, clean back that you've always wanted.

Cleansing

Cleansing is the single most important thing that you can do to keep your back acne-free. MSN.com's beauty advisor, Dolly, recommends using a gel cleanser with gentle ingredients so that your back doesn't peel or flake. Daily cleansing in the shower is a must, as you go throughout the day inviting sweat and dirt to clog the pores on your body.

Exfoliating

Exfoliating should be done at least twice a week. Your skin sheds dead skin cells, but sometimes they get stuck in the pores. Exfoliating helps clear away pore-clogging dead skin cells, leaving behind healthier, smoother skin. You can use an exfoliating cleanser and a loofah, or make your own by mixing brown sugar and olive oil and rubbing it onto your skin with a wash cloth.

Treatment

An acne treatment can help get rid of existing back acne and stop new breakouts from forming. Look for an acne treatment cream that you would typically use on your face, with at least 2 percent benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient effective in fighting the bacteria that cause acne. Smooth the cream on your back one or two times per day, and allow it to dry before you get dressed.

Sunscreen

Apply a sunscreen every time you go out into the sun with your back unprotected by clothes. KidsHealth.org notes that after being in the sun, your skin produces more oil to make up for the dry, peeling skin that occurs with sunburn. A sunscreen of SPF 15 or above can help tame your after-sun oil so that your back stays clearer.

Loose Clothing

Instead of your usual skin-tight duds, choose looser clothing when your back is healing from an acne outbreak. Tight clothes can rub the acne, making it more red, irritated and noticeable. It can also breed sweat and germs, and trap them on your skin so that you are more likely to suffer from acne. Choose loose clothing in a breathable fabric like cotton.