<h2 class=”body-h2″>How can I get rid of back acne fast? </h2><p>To get rid of back acne fast, you can implement at-home products and/or prescription treatments. “No home remedy or medication will work instantaneously, but there are a few solutions that can help treat breakouts and minimize inflammation,” says dermatologist <a href=”https://profiles.mountsinai.org/rachel-e-maiman” target=”_blank”>Rachel Westbay</a>, MD. To prevent future breakouts from happening, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle choices that could be causing your back acne. And if you’ve currently got a back breakout, you’ll also want to incorporate a few of the dermatologist-recommended bacne products below into your daily routine—but don’t overdo it. “Remember that over-treating the area can cause irritation and inflammation, and you do not want to get the area angry,” Dr. Shamban warns.</p><p>Once you’ve identified the driving force behind your bacne (we’ve outlined it a bit below), you’ll be able to better treat it. To help you determine the cause of your breakouts and the right plan of attack for both treatment and prevention, we enlisted help from a dozen dermatologists (seriously) to give you this helpful guide on how to get rid of your back acne. Let’s get into it, shall we? </p>” />
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1
Spritz your back with salicylic-acid mist
Maelys Cosmetics Get-Back Targeted Body Acne Spray
1
Spritz your back with salicylic-acid mist
Maelys Cosmetics Get-Back Targeted Body Acne Spray
Pros
- Spiked with exfoliating salicylic acid
- Spray nozzle is *extremely* easy to use
Cons
- A lil expensive, IMO
- Salicylic has the potential to be drying if overused
The easiest way to treat acne on your back, according to Dr. Westbay and dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD? A medicated toner in a spray bottle, like this one I’m obsessed with from Maelys. The nozzle lets out a fine mist spiked with salicylic acid to help exfoliate pore-clogging dead skin that quickly covers my entire back. And because the bottle is in this super-unique tube style, I don’t have to do the usual contorting to spray over my shoulder or on my lower back. I just spritz it on once or twice a day (usually once after a shower in the morning or evening, and sometimes after working out or sweating a lot), and I’m convinced it’s the reason my back rarely breaks out anymore.
THE REVIEWS: “This really works. I use it daily, and no breakouts,” writes one reviewer.
2
Wipe down your skin after sweating
Beia Refresh Wipes
2
Wipe down your skin after sweating
Beia Refresh Wipes
Pros
- Individually wrapped, so they’re easy to pack and use on the go
- Helps kill bacteria with tea tree oil
Cons
- Single use, which isn’t v sustainable (womp)
FYI: Trapped sweat is a major culprit of a back acne, but as long as you shower after each sweat session, you don’t have to choose between working out and a zit-free back. For times when I can’t get in the shower right away, I always wipe down my back with one of these Beia wipes. They use tea tree oil to help kill some bacteria, along with soothing aloe vera and green tea to bring down some inflammation.
THE REVIEWS: “I have them in every bag,” writes one tester. “A work friend recommended these, and they were the best recommendation ever. I work long hours as a nurse, and when I’m running around the hospital, they are a perfect refresh as I’m running around helping people. They leave me feeling clean and refreshed with no residue or smell!”
3
Shower with a salicylic-acid body wash
CeraVe Body Wash with Salicylic Acid
3
Shower with a salicylic-acid body wash
CeraVe Body Wash with Salicylic Acid
Now 11% Off
Pros
- Filled with salicylic acid to help dissolve dead skin and oils
- Uses ceramides to help moisturize skin
Cons
- Some reviewers weren’t a fan of the medicinal scent
If you don’t have a bottle of this in your shower rn, let’s fix that. Dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, recommends showering with cleansers or body washes that contain salicylic acid. A fave acne ingredient, salicylic acid (aka BHA) helps reduce oil production (remember, an increase in oil clogs the pores, which leads to breakouts, yadda yadda). This classic cleansing formula uses 2 percent salicylic acid and is one you’ll want to stock up on because *spoiler* you’ll want to be showering more frequently, too.
THE REVIEWS: “This is a great product,” one review reads. “I get really bad back and shoulder acne, and it has substantially subsided since I started using this. It doesn’t dry my skin out or irritate it at all.”
4
Try a retinoid for acne
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
4
Try a retinoid for acne
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
Pros
- Uses adapalene (an over-the-counter retinoid) to speed up cell turnover and decrease acne
Cons
- Have to start slow to avoid irritation
If your back acne looks more like a few big zits rather than a breakout over the entire area, Dr. Rabach suggests spot-treating with the over-the-counter retinoid Differin. This gel clears acne and stops breakouts from forming and also helps prevent the dreaded acne scarring that follows. Dr. Westbay’s tip: Apply the retinoid with an applicator tool, such as Aquasentials Easy Lotion Applicator, so you can make sure the area’s totally covered even if you don’t have someone around to help you.
THE REVIEWS: “But after all that flaking and peeling, and using non-stop aloe, I had…. clear skin,” writes one reviewer. “It’s been weeks, and my skin has cleared up 98 percent. My skin doesn’t get nearly as oily or as flaky. I really just can’t believe it, and I am so unbelievably happy and feeling so much more confident than I have in a long time. I truly hope this helps someone.”
5
Use a back-cleansing tool
Aquis Double-Sided Exfoliating & Cleansing Back Scrubber
5
Use a back-cleansing tool
Aquis Double-Sided Exfoliating & Cleansing Back Scrubber
Pros
- Makes it easy to reach and scrub your entire back
- Needs to be used with an acne body wash for best results
Cons
- I wished it were a little wider
Dr. Shamban and dermatologist Michele Green, MD, recommend finding a good manual exfoliator tool, like one made of silicone or microfiber, with a handle that can extend. That way, you can tend to your entire back easily and regularly. Dr. Shamban recommends this two-sided band for cleansing and exfoliating in hard-to-reach places. Pour a bit of your acne body wash (more on which type to come) onto the middle of the band, wrap it around your back, then tug it from side to side to reach the entire surface area.
THE REVIEWS: “I bought this to scrub my back,” one tester writes. “It is perfect. I put soap on it, get it wet and scrub away. So easy, and it has a course and soft side.”
6
Try a benzoyl-peroxide-based wash
PanOxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Creamy Wash
6
Try a benzoyl-peroxide-based wash
PanOxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Creamy Wash
Pros
- Helps kill acne-causing bacteria on your skin
Cons
- Can be drying if used too often
- Benzoyl peroxide can bleach/stain towels
This body wash features another holy-grail acne ingredient called benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which means it’s great for killing acne-causing bacteria and calming angry red pimples. If that sounds like your current situation, try this top pick from dermatologist Tiffany Libby, MD. Benzoyl peroxide can be drying, but this creamy wash contains 4 percent benzoyl peroxide (4 percent is gentler but just as effective as 10 percent, JSYK) and hydrating humectants and emollients to moisturize at the same time. “Lather it onto skin in the shower, let it sit for three minutes as short-contact therapy, and then rinse off,” says Dr. Libby.
THE REVIEW: “When I tell you I have tried EVERYTHING for my body, I have tired everything,” one review reads. “This product TRULY saved my skin and confidence.”
7
Swap your hair products
Seen Skin-Caring Deeper Conditioner
7
Swap your hair products
Seen Skin-Caring Deeper Conditioner
Pros
- Made without fragrances, waxes, and heavy oils that can potentially clog pores
Cons
- Some reviewers wished it were a bit more moisturizing
What touches your hair, touches your skin, and that’s especially the case for the skin on your back. Dermatologist Hope Mitchell, MD, says allowing shampoo or conditioner to run down your body during a bath or shower could be a sneaky cause of your bacne because “the ingredients may cause irritation and clog the pores.” According to Iris Rubin, MD, dermatologist and founder of Seen, hair products that contain heavy oils, certain waxes, and styling polymers could potentially lead to clogged pores and breakouts, so stick with formulas free of all of the above.
THE REVIEWS: According to a review, “I bought the little one to try it out and see if the fragrance would break me out like other brands, and it hasn’t so far. It smells great, but it’s not overpowering.”
8
Gently exfoliate with AHAs
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
8
Gently exfoliate with AHAs
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Helps chemically slough away dead skin with lactic acid
- Helps fade acne scars from old bacne breakouts
Cons
- Might need to pair with a richer moisturizer if you have dry skin
- Should be used as a way to prevent bacne and not treat it
“Exfoliation is important for cell turnover and keeping pores free of build-up and excess sebum,” Dr. Green explains. A gentle way to slough off dead skin that could be contributing to your back acne is with a body lotion like this one that uses an AHA called lactic acid to exfoliate without any harsh scrubbies. “Because AHAs can be simultaneously exfoliating and hydrating, they are often an excellent choice for acne-prone skin that’s dry and/or sensitive,” says Dr. Westbay.
THE REVIEW: “If you’re looking to clear up some keratosis pilaris and get rid of body acne at the same time, then it works,” one tester writes. “Took about four to five days to produce a noticeable difference, but my legs are clearing up really well.”
9
Stick on a pimple patch
Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts
9
Stick on a pimple patch
Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts
Pros
- Contains teeny-tiny micro needles that help target your zit
- Filled with anti-acne MVPs, salicylic acid and tea tree oil
Cons
- Only comes with nine patches
If you’ve just got one big ol’ zit you’d like to zap, Dr. Westbay recommends hydrocolloid patches that have painless spikes (like the ones shown here) because they help deliver acne-fighting ingredients deeper into the thicker skin on your back. These patches contain an acne-fighting blend of salicylic acid, tea tree, and willow bark and a hydrating-slash-soothing blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and cica. The only downside to using one of these is how tricky it might be figuring out how to apply it over your shoulder, but if you’re able to reach your dirty fingers around and pick or squeeze, you and I both know you’re able to slap a sticker on instead :).
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes, “When you get those under the skin, sore pimples that don’t have a head, this is exactly what you need. Overnight, I had immediate reduction in swelling and that feeling of pressure that you get. Pimple was gone two days later. “
10
Don’t forget about SPF
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 30
10
Don’t forget about SPF
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 30
Pros
- Oil-free, lightweight formula I *love*
Cons
- A couple of reviewers didn’t like the runny texture
Although your back doesn’t see the light of day as frequently as your face, you’ll still want to slather on sunscreen with SPF 30 or more anytime you’re in the sun to prevent it from damaging your skin, making your back breakouts worse, and causing (or prolonging) acne scars. This broad-spectrum sunscreen is both oil- free and mineral-based (which many derms recommend for acne-prone skin because these filters are less likely to be irritating), so you don’t have to worry about causing more bacne while protecting your skin from the sun.
THE REVIEWS: According to a reviewer, “This is the sunscreen I’ve been waiting for! It’s not thick, it’s not white, it’s doesn’t feel like it’s clogging my pores, my makeup goes on top seamlessly… it’s the BEST! Don’t hesitate, you’ll love it!”
11
Avoid tight workout clothing
Zella Work For It Easy Tank Top
11
Avoid tight workout clothing
Zella Work For It Easy Tank Top
Now 60% Off
Pros
- Testers loved the “luxe,” lightweight fabric
Cons
- Arm holes could be bigger, said a few reviewers
Dr. Shamban, generally, suggests wearing natural fibers that breathe (like cotton and silk) and eliminating fabrics like lycra and spandex until your bacne clears. Dr. Mitchell also suggests avoiding tight clothing, which can cause irritation and trap dirt and oil on your skin, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you want to work out shirtless if your exercises require you to lay on the dirty floor. This loose tank allows for good airflow, and it keeps your back covered. And remember, i you can’t shower or wipe down your body immediately after your workout, change out of your sweaty gym outfit and into a clean, dry shirt until you can.
THE REVIEWS: “I really like this workout tee so much I bought it in multiple colors!” one reviewer writes. “Soft fabric, so many colors to choose from, nice length, and I really like that it flows away from the waistline a little.”
12
Wash your sheets and towels frequently
Linen Home 100% Cotton Percale Sheets
12
Wash your sheets and towels frequently
Linen Home 100% Cotton Percale Sheets
Now 26% Off
Pros
- Reviewers say they last through many, many washes (including bleaching)
Cons
- Have a crisp, percale feel that some found cold in the winter
“I would recommend frequent washing of towels and bedsheets to make sure that you’re not creating a vicious acne cycle,” dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, adds. In addition to normal dirt and debris, “hair styling products and body lotions can leave a residue that can transfer to the skin from your hair, a pillowcase, or towel,” says Dr. Rubin.
In other words, even if you shower with the intention, you could be getting your back all dirty again when you dry off. “Dirty bedsheets and towels can contain a buildup of the bacteria that causes acne. which is called P. acnes,” Dr. Henry explains. FWIW, I also always opt for white sheets, since benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics.
THE REVIEWS: In a review, one tester writes, “They are not soft like microfiber; they are crisp, which are how they are supposed to feel, and comfortable. These will be my go to sheets from now on.”
Talk to your doctor about your nutrition
If you’ve tried acne topicals and prescriptions to no avail, talk to your doctor about your eating habits, as eating too many glucose-rich foods could potentially cause back acne, according to Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Shamban. “High sugar intake, as well as high dairy intake, can cause glycation, which can lead to sluggish cellular turnover and a higher likelihood of your pores clogging on your face and body,” adds Dr. Shamban.As far as the best foods for clear skin, board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, previously told Cosmo that you’ll want to fill your plate with probiotics, nuts, fruits, and dark, leafy greens.
Consider oral medication
Back acne can be more resistant to treatment than on the face (probs because the skin is thicker, and topical medications aren’t able to reach deep enough). Which is why Dr. Westbay says, more often, back acne requires prescription acne medications to be treated effectively.
If your bacne is more severe, Dr. Hartman says oral medication, such as antibiotics (think: doxycycline and monocycline) or Spironolactone (a blood pressure medication often used off-label for cystic acne) in combo with hormonal birth control can be the quickest way to clear things up. “Oral medications work best for back acne because it tends to be in the deeper layers of skin than facial acne and because it is difficult to really stick to a routine of cream application on the back,” Dr. Rabach explains. Consult your doctor to determine which medication might help your situation.
Consider in-office treatments
Sometimes in-office treatments are seen as a last resort, but usually, they’re the fastest and most effective. For bacne, dermatologist Bruce Katz, MD, recommends CellFX, which uses a technology called nano pulse stimulation to injure the sebaceous glands to the point where they stop producing oil, and as a result, clears acne. Dr. Green also loves HydraFacials for body acne, which exfoliate dead skin cells and hydrate the skin. From laser treatments, like Fraxel, to microdermabrasion, you’ve got a lot of treatment options, and your derm can let you know exactly which would be the best—and fastest—way for you to get rid of your back acne.
Why am I getting acne on my back?
You’re likely getting acne on your back due to a combo of genetics, certain medications, hormones, and overall increased oil production (like sweating). When sebum and oil get trapped in your sebaceous glands and clog them, the bacteria that normally lives there begins to multiply rapidly, which leads to inflammation in the skin cells, and that inflammation is what causes the pimples, pustules, and cysts associated with acne, says Dr. Green.
Generally, the same reasons you might get acne on your face apply to your back too. But one additional factor that plays a huge role in the kind you find on your back, as Dr. Rabach points out, is often caused by sweat. “I also see a lot of people with and staying in sweaty clothes,” Dr. Rabach explains. If that sounds like you, try changing out of any damp clothes as soon as you finish working out, and see if that helps reduce your zit frequency.
Does back acne ever go away?
Back acne will, eventually, go away on its own. But if you have acne-prone skin, you’ll likely just keep breaking out… unless you start incorporating the treatments above. In general, a pimple can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks (or even a few months if it’s a cystic, blind pimple), but spot treatments and acne washes can potentially help bring down inflammation and shrink your pimple in a few days.
Why do I have shoulder acne?
You have shoulder acne for the same reasons as above: Your pores fill up with oil and dead skin, become inflamed, and boom, you’ve got a zit. And yup, it’s totally normal. Your face, along with your shoulders, back, chest, and scalp tend to have more sebaceous glands than other parts of our body, says Dr. Shamban. And luckily, you treat shoulder acne the same way you treat chest, face, and back acne.
Meet the experts:
- Ava Shamban, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Ava MD.
- Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and a cofounder of LM Medical in NY.
- Hope Mitchell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Mitchell Dermatology.
- Iris Rubin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Seen.
- Michele Green, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology.
- Tiffany Libby, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in Rhode Island.
- Rachel Westbay, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical.
- Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology.
- Bruce Katz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at the JUVA Skin and Laser Center.
- Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue. Dr. Engelman has previously spoken with Cosmo on the topic of foods for clear skin.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from moisturizers for acne-prone skin to scalp-acne shampoos. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to getting rid of back acne, thanks to a decade of sudsing up with body washes and rubbing on creams to clear her own bacne.
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan with more than 10 years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle articles, including hydrating face serums and face breakouts. Her back acne picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing, along with information from experts.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.
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