A bit freaked out about back acne?
- Tracy Schulz
- Aug 28
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 31
You just picked out your wedding dress, and the detail on the back was everything you've been dreaming of, except the back acne. I get it, you want to feel confident on your wedding day. Getting the results you want might be easier than you think.
What causes acne?
The main causes of acne are excess oil production, sticky skin cells, bacterial overgrowth, inflammation, and even hormones. By reducing these factors, your skin can clear up. The challenge is finding out which ones are triggering your breakouts.
Why is it important to know what causes acne?
You will know how to treat acne.
You won’t fall for skincare tricks and skincare trends for acne.
You will feel empowered and more confident in addressing your acne.
I highly recommend consulting a dermatologist if you have concerns about your skin, allergies, or particular conditions. They can offer personalized advice and make sure that your skincare routine is both safe and effective as you prepare for your special day.
First, consider the four things that cause acne. Next, pick ingredients that target one or all 4 causes. Your skin is unique to you; if you use ingredients that only target one of the 4 causes and still experience breakouts after 4 to 6 weeks, you need to target more of the causes to see better results.
What products work?
I am a licensed esthetician and a professional makeup artist with considerable experience; I am not a licensed dermatologist. The recommendations in this guide are based on general knowledge and my experience with clients. This information is intended for general education purposes and should not be considered medical advice. The suggestions are generalized to cover the most common challenges brides face.
Here are my tips
The first step in addressing the bacterial overgrowth is with ingredients like Benzoil peroxide and Salicylic acid to cleanse the skin.
In the shower, use these cleansers and leave them on for 2-3 minutes. I suggest starting with one or the other. If you are not seeing the results you want, try the other cleanser.
Use a clean towel and washcloth daily. Do not use shower puffs or back brushes, as they can hold bacteria from shower to shower. Yuck.
Keep reading for more tips.
You might like these products containing Benzoyl peroxide.
PanOxyl - If you are sensitive, start here.
Gentle formula contains 4% Benzoyl peroxide.
Daily antimicrobial wash kills acne-causing bacteria on contact and lifts dirt from pores for a fresher, clearer you.
Ph balanced with 4 humectants and 3 emollients to increase hydration
Cleans and unclogs pores on face, chest, and back.
Helps to clear existing acne and helps prevent new blemishes from forming
PanOxyl - Non-sensitive skin
Maximum strength formula contains 10% Benzoyl peroxide
Highest over-the-counter Benzoyl peroxide wash available
Maximum strength, antimicrobial foaming wash kills acne-causing bacteria on contact and lifts dirt from pores for a fresher, clearer you.
Works to clean and unclog pores on face, chest, and back
Helps to clear existing acne and helps prevent new blemishes from forming
Remedy for Lightweight Cleansing
Packed with 4 hero ingredients at 0.5% Salicylic Acid!
SUPER STACKED GEL-TO-FOAM CLEANSER Transforms from gel to foam to effectively remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities while maintaining skin barrier health. Ideal for oily to normal skin.
BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST DEVELOPED FORMULA Created by dermatologist Dr. Shah to deliver effective cleansing while supporting the skin's natural barrier for a calm, balanced complexion.
Neutrogena Oil-free Acne Wash
Formulated with 2% salicylic acid to penetrate pores and reduce breakouts. Get clearer skin in just 1 week
This acne control cleanser eliminates oil and unclogs pores while its medicine treats existing breakouts. The oil-free formula rinses clean without over-drying the skin, making it ideal for those with acne-prone skin.
Why do I still have marks after the acne is gone?
This can be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), dark marks that occur when acne resolves. If you experience this, you can try over-the-counter products. I have always been told it is better to clear up the acne than treat the hyperpigmentation. Recently, I have been hearing a lot of buzz about Kojic acid and tranexamic acid.
Sun Protection: Sun protection is critical in prevention. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 every single day when wearing thin fabrics or if your skin is exposed.
Remember, preventing and treating acne is a more effective long-term strategy than trying to treat the pigmentation after it has formed.
The tip:
After washing with Salicylic acid or Benzoyl peroxide, wash with Kojic Acid and Tranexamic acid, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then rinse.
Fix DERMA
Skarfix-TX Face Cleanser represents a novel approach to addressing melasma and uneven skin tone. This powerful face cleanser effectively diminishes the appearance of Melasma, PIE, PIH, and Hyperpigmentation.
FIXDERMA’S SACRFIX-TX FACE CLEANSER is a gentle yet powerful formula designed to cleanse dead skin cells, oil, and dirt from the skin for bright, smooth, and clear skin.
You can also use it as a topical treatment after showering.
Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum
3% Tranexamic Acid
Visibly fades dark spots
Helps prevent future dark spots
5% Nicacinamide
Helps break up discoloration
Evens skin tone
0.5% Bakuchiol
Targets the casues of unwanted color changes
Fights signs of aging
Is there anything else I can do to help remove the scars?
Laser treatments can effectively reduce the appearance of acne scars. Consult your dermatologist; you have several treatment options available.
There are factors to consider, such as:
Scar Type: Different laser treatments are more effective for specific scar types, like how deep they are or how shallow, color, and so on.
Skin Tone: Some lasers are not suitable for darker skin tones.
Cost: Laser treatments can vary in price depending on the type and number of sessions needed. Do shop around, you might find independent medical estheticians who perform these services outside of a dermatologist's office.
Recover Time: Ablative lasers may have longer recovery times with redness and swelling. Your treatment provider will know the best approach to fit your timeline.
Some common types of lasers:
CO2 Laser: Removes the top layers of skin, stimulating collagen production and reducing deep scars.
Erbium Laser: Similar to the CO2 laser but less invasive, great for lighter skin tones.
Pulsed Dye Laser: Targets red blood vessels in scars, reducing redness and inflammation.
Dermabrasion & Microdermabrasion: Uses a rotating brush to remove the top layers of skin, effective for shallow and superficial scars.
There are a couple more things you can do to help reduce the breakouts.
Change the sheets on your bed every other day.
On night one, sleep on your pillow. On night two, flip it over and sleep on the clean side. This is also great for facial acne.
If wearing a top that exposes your back, consider covering the sofa or chair with a sheet to prevent bacteria from accumulating on the furniture. You can also wipe down a dining room chair or any hard-backed or non-fabric seat, including your car seat or office chair.
Never wear the same top twice; be sure to launder it after each wearing.
Ouchie!
Since inflammation is a factor, it can make your skin sensitive. Let's face it, these breakouts hurt! Not only that, but what we put on them can be uncomfortable, too. So before adding any new products or routines to your bridal skincare regimen, it is essential to conduct a patch test. This important step ensures that the products and suggestions are appropriate for your skin, especially if you have sensitivities or have had reactions in the past.
Decrease Inflammation: You can further help reduce inflammation using Niacinamide, Retinoids, and Turmeric. You can also try lymphatic drainage and an anti-inflammatory diet because what we eat feeds our body, and too many of the wrong foods could be a contributing factor, like simple carbs, gluten, and nightshades. When trying a holistic approach, you need a lot of time. Natural methods take longer to see results.
Remember, always consult your dermatologist if you have questions about your acne, especially if over-the-counter routines like this are not working or you need faster results.
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Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Contend provided is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding health-related diagnosis or treatment.
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