Bye Bye, Bacne: How to Get Rid of Back Breakouts for Good

Unfortunately for those of use with breakout-prone skin, acne doesn’t only pop up on the face. Back breakouts (AKA “bacne”) are super common…and incredibly frustrating to deal with. If you’re dealing with blemishes on your back, we’re here to help. Here is your guide on how to get rid of back breakouts – for good!

How to Get Rid of Back Breakouts: The Ultimate Protocol for Clearing and Preventing Bacne

Just like with breakouts on the face, there are multiple factors that can trigger back breakouts. This includes an accumulation of sweat, dirt, and bacteria in the pores, as well as internal influences like hormonal fluctuations, gut dysbiosis, and diet. 

For anyone with back acne, this means that the secret to achieving (and maintaining) clear skin is identifying the underlying causes and making the necessary lifestyle changes to eliminate those triggers. With that in mind, here is your protocol for clearing current back breakouts – and preventing bacne from forming in the first place. 

Shower ASAP After Breaking a Sweat

The longer you go without showering after breaking a sweat, the more time the sweat, bacteria, dirt, and other debris on your skin has to clog your pores and trigger breakouts. You’ll greatly reduce your risk of back acne by showering ASAP after your workout. 

If you can’t shower immediately, at least be sure to change out of your sweaty clothes. They’ll trap that sweat and pore-clogging debris against your skin, increasing your risk of breakouts. 

Reassess Your Hair Care Products

If you’ve got long hair that sits on your back, make sure your hair products are non-comedogenic. 

Support Your Gut Microbiome

Topical solutions can definitely help, but it is equally as important to give attention to the internal triggers that may be responsible for back breakouts. Research has revealed that there is a close link between our skin and our gut health. 

Studies show that those with acne typically have lower levels of beneficial bacteria strains in their gut and less gut microbiome diversity compared to those with clear skin. 

The good news: research suggests that probiotics can help. For example, in one study, researchers found that supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 significantly reduced back breakouts in just 12 weeks. 

You can find that strain, plus 5 more that target the gut-skin connection in Glow Biome, an advanced probiotic supplement formulated specifically for acne-prone skin. 

Reduce Friction

While many people suffer from acne vulgaris (which is related to hormonal fluctuations and other internal factors) on their back, there’s another type of breakout to be wary of: acne mechanica. This form of acne is caused by friction and pressure against the skin.

Some external factors that might contribute to acne mechanica on the back include backpacks, sports gear (such as shoulder pads), and sports bras. They all rub the back and irritate the skin, potentially triggering breakouts. 

In order to minimize acne mechanica on the back, try to reduce friction as much as possible. This might look like switching to a more lightweight backpack, or loosening the straps of workout tops or sports bras, and of course, changing out of them ASAP after working out!

Make the Switch to Natural Fabrics

Seek out clothing made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and rayon are not breathable. They trap sweat and heat against the skin, creating the perfect environment for back acne.

On the other hand, natural fabrics are far more breathable. By making the switch to more natural fabrics (especially when it comes to workout clothes!), you’ll greatly reduce your risk of developing back breakouts. 

Assess Your Diet

Another way to reduce breakouts on the back (and elsewhere) is by assessing the foods you are eating on a regular basis. There is a tight correlation between our diet and our skin, especially when it comes to breakouts. For example, studies have confirmed that dairy and refined carbohydrates and sugars have a link to acne. 

While this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to completely eliminate these foods from your diet, it is worth working with an Acne Nutritionist who can help guide you to figuring out your unique and individual needs. You might be surprised by the changes in your skin!

Ditch Whey Protein Shakes

When it comes to bacne, several case reports suggest a link between whey protein and back acne. This may be due to whey’s impact on the hormones insulin and IGF-1, as we know they both play a role in acne. 

Swap out whey protein for a minimally processed plant-based alternative, such as hemp seeds or pumpkin seed powder, or a grass-fed collagen powder. 

Zap Back Breakouts with Body Wash or Spray

Unless you are a contortionist, putting a spot treatment or an acne-fighting serum on your back is close to impossible. That’s where a back acne wash or spray comes in allowing you to more easily zap the pimples in hard to reach places. Seek out a formula made with ingredients such as salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or witch hazel.