How to Treat ‘Bacne’ by Skin Expert Dr. Raj Arora

Who and Why Do We Suffer From Bacne?

“Bacne” is acne that develops on your back. Acne and breakouts occur when oil, dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria clog the skin’s pores. Breakouts on the back tend to appear as red bumps, blackheads or whiteheads. Bacne can also be exacerbated by excess sweating; the sweat can get trapped under a shirt or gym gear during exercise, and friction can lead to irritation and worsening the breakouts. Hormones can also lead to excess sebum (oil) production, further exacerbating the issue. Anyone can get bacne, but it is more common in young adults (teenagers) and male patients. It also tends to occur in those who regularly exercise.

How to Treat Bacne?

Use an oil free “non comedogenic” gel based wash. Try the one with salicylic acid (a BHA acid) that can unclog pores and help reduce acne. I would also recommend a gentle silicone cleansing device - FOREO has the savviest one on the market - LUNA™4, which can help remove dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells off the skin surface. It can really help reduce breakouts. 

Always shower and change clothes after strenuous activity or exercise to remove sweat and bacteria on the skin. If that fails, your GP or skin doctor can recommend medicated topical skincare such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or tretinoin gel to help treat the bacne. Products to look out for include the FOREO ESPADA BHA+PHA Blemish Solution- a gentle yet effective product to consider, it contains gentle PHA acids, salicylic acid and tree tree oil. A great combination to help combat breakouts. If coupled with the ESPADA™2 blue light LED therapy device, this can also help to kill p.acnes (the bacteria responsible for causing acne).

What Ingredients to Look out For?

Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, can cut through oil and unclog pores. Retinoid gels can help cell turnover and thus reduce acne breakouts and unclog pores. Treatments like the Espada Blemish Solution also include gentle ingredients such as niacinamide that help to heal damaged skin and restore barrier function.

How Long Does It Take to Clear? Or Does It Never Really Go Away?

It can take months for moderate to severe bacne to clear, but with the right treatment, one can see improvement within 6-8 weeks of initiating treatment. Bacne usually will clear up completely, but may need ongoing use of recommended treatments and changes in lifestyle/personal hygiene to prevent further breakouts. In some patients, bacne may recur or may not completely resolve with initial treatment - in this case, it would be necessary to see your GP or skin doctor to get a treatment review as different prescription topicals, or in some cases of severe or persistent bacne, oral medication.