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Why Are You Getting Acne on Your Back?

3 mins

Radhika Bhatia

Your face is not the only place where you can get acne. The second most common spot for acne to appear is on the back. Also known as bacne, here's how to deal with acne on the back.

Are you getting acne on your back and don't know what to do about it? Getting acne on the back is uncomfortable, leaving aside the confidence issues that it can cause. Today we will go through the reasons behind this and how you can get rid of acne on your back.

Table of Contents:

  • What Is Bacne or Back Acne?
  • Why Are You Getting Acne on Your Back?
  • Reasons Behind Overproduction of Sebum
  • Heat
  • Sweat
  • Wrong Skin Care Products
  • Ultraviolet Radiation
  • How to Get Rid of Bacne
  • Use an Anti-acne Body Wash
  • Moisturize Your Back
  • Wear Breathable Clothes
  • Don't Use Backpacks
  • Drink Enough Water
  • Use Topical Treatments

      What Is Bacne or Back Acne?

      Most of us are familiar with acne. However, we can get a little scared when it starts appearing on your back instead of your face.

      Often referred to as bacne, getting acne on your back is not uncommon at all. Bacne is similar to acne in every way except that it appears on your back. While the upper back is generally affected by bacne, it can also occur in the lower back.

      If you are suddenly developing acne on your back, there's nothing to worry about. It's a common condition and does not pose any significant health risk.

      Now, let's find out why you may be getting acne on your back in the first place.

      Why Are You Getting Acne on Your Back?

      You get acne on your back for the same reasons you get acne on your face. It's always a result of sebum overproduction.

      acne on the back, how to get rid of bacne

      Sebum is naturally produced in human bodies by the sebaceous glands. It's essential to prevent dryness and keep your body and face naturally moisturized. However, overproduction of sebum can lead to many problems, including acne on the back.

      Reasons Behind Overproduction of Sebum

      Skin can start producing more sebum than necessary for many reasons. For example, overproduction of sebum during puberty can often be triggered by hormones alone. If acne runs in your family, there's a high chance of you getting it during and after puberty.

      However, other factors also contribute to the overproduction of sebum. One of the primary causes behind sebum overproduction is blocked pores. If dirt and grime block your pores, sebum cannot be released to the surface of the skin. Instead, you develop pimples filled with puss.

      Here are some common factors that can lead to the overproduction of sebum:

      • Heat

      Heat can lead to too much sebum production and, consequently, give you acne. It's common among people who work out in closed spaces without enough ventilation. Your clothes also play a role. Fabric that traps heat is not great for acne and can worsen existing bacne conditions.

      • Sweat

      Sweat carries dirt and grime with it. It can clog your pores if you let it sit on your back for a long time. That would, in turn, trigger the overproduction of sebum, giving you bacne as a result.

      consequences of sweat on your body
      • Wrong Skin Care Products

      If you are using comedogenic skin care products, you are at a higher risk of getting acne and bacne. Comedogenic skincare products tend to clog the pores, which leads to acne. It can also be a result of harmful chemicals that are often present in skin care products. Even hair care products with harmful chemicals can cause bacne since it washes down your back.

      • Ultraviolet Radiation

      UV light can also give you acne on the back, particularly if you are leaving your back exposed for a long time. It's easy to prevent this by covering your back or using sunscreen. People who already have bacne experience worse symptoms after spending time outdoors under harsh sunlight.

      uv lights, how to protect your skin from uv lights

      How to Get Rid of Bacne

      Those who get bacne during puberty often see it disappear on its own. However, it may not always be the case. 

      Fortunately, the preventive steps for acne and bacne are similar in most ways. Treatment options are also similar. As long as you follow the fundamental skincare rules, bacne should not be a lasting concern.

      Here's how you can get rid of acne on your back:

      • Use an Anti-acne Body Wash

      While finding an anti-acne face wash should not be difficult at all, the same is not true for anti-acne body wash.

      Fortunately, there are some great options like this tea tree oil and mint body wash. When choosing a body wash to get rid of bacne, look for ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, turmeric, honey, and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients will ensure that your back stays clean and your pores are not clogged.

      apple cider vinegar body wash
      • Moisturize Your Back

      Buying an applicator is the best way to access hard-to-reach spots on your back. It's important to keep your back hydrated because dryness can lead to overproduction of sebum. Choose a light, vitamin E-based body moisturizer to hydrate your skin.

      • Wear Breathable Clothes

      Cotton and linen are good examples of fabrics that are light and breathable. You would not want to wear anything that makes you sweat or traps heat. 

      When working out, you can wear tank tops, sports bras, and other clothing items that don't restrict airflow.

      • Don't Use Backpacks

      Backpacks continuously rub against your back and can worsen bacne. Opt for some other type of bag that does not come in contact with the back. 

      Once you have dealt with bacne, you can go back to backpacks.

      how to prevent bacne
      • Drink Enough Water

      Staying hydrated is the best thing you can do for your health and body. Drinking enough water ensures you are well hydrated and reduces the chance of getting acne on the back.

      • Use Topical Treatments

      Topical treatments for bacne include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and other ingredients. These treatments are effective against both acne and bacne.


      Getting rid of bacne is not difficult if you follow a few simple rules. With the right steps and treatment, it's only a matter of time before you can confidently flaunt your back again.

      Let's Share This:

      Radhika Bhatia

      I'm a content writer, copywriter, and blogger with a background in marketing, planning, and eCommerce. I specialize in beauty writing, including skincare, cosmetics, wellness, aesthetics, and health. Classically trained and idea-savvy, I love living in the present.

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