What You Need to Know in Choosing a Back Acne Remedy
April 10th, 2012Even though the name sounds humorous, bacne (or officially, acne vulgaris of the back), isn’t a funny or fun to have skin ailment. If you are dedicated to finding a back acne remedy, it is essential to first understand acne causes, prevention methods and the different types of back acne treatments.
Causes of Back Acne
Acne vulgaris, better known as common acne or just acne, is an inflammatory reaction that takes place in the pilosebaceous units, or PSUs. A PSU includes the hair follicle with a fine hair, the attached sebaceous gland and sebum it produces and the pore. The sebaceous gland produces sebum, an oil, to moisturize and protect the skin. When the skin pore, the opening to the surface of the skin, is clogged, sebum is forced to collect within the hair follicle. The strength of sebum output, in addition to this collection, causes damage to the cells lining the canal. The body’s immune reaction to this injury is what turns the skin red and makes it swell (causing the common pimple).
Contrary to popular thought, the first and foremost cause of acne is the damage caused by sebum to the follicular canals (and not bacteria). An imbalance in hormones is the main contributing factor for increases in sebum and its forceful output.
Bacteria play a role in acne formation but are not the principle cause. P. acnes, a naturally found bacteria in the skin, is the type of acne that contributes to acne. When the hair follicle breaks, this bacterium, sebum and excess skin cells flow into the dermis, causing infection.
Other lesser contributing factors are those that cause the clogging of pores. Sebum especially that has hardened because of a deficit of essential fatty acids in the body, and dead skin cells are the main perpetrators.
Additional contributors to acne specifically found on the back include tight clothing and not showering after activities causing sweat. Both create an environment conducive to bacteria growth and contribute to oil buildup.
Back Acne Prevention
Now that you are aware of the causes of acne, you can better prevent back acne.
Although you can’t physically control your own genetics or the onset of puberty, there are some ways to better get sebum secretion under control. Stress causes hormone imbalances which indirectly signal the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. There are many ways to reduce stress; some include breathing exercises and meditation, yoga, getting a restful night’s sleep, exercise and improving one’s time management skills to avoid stress.
To prevent the pore-blocking hardening of sebum, increase your intake of essential fatty acids. You can easily do this by purchasing Omega-3 supplements, which include fish, cod liver or flax seed. Furthermore, get rid of excess skin and reduce the likelihood of pores getting clogged by using a light scrub or a loofah sponge.
Lastly, by regularly cleansing the back, you can manage the amount of P. acnes bacteria living in your skin. Never skip out on the shower after exercising and it is worth the money to have clothes that breathe well.
Back Acne Treatment
To clear up back acne once you have it, a regimen similar to that for facial acne can be followed:
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the most common over-the-counter products recommended to get rid of back acne. Both of these products dry the oil found superficially in the skin and can arouse further irritation. Unfortunately, benzoyl peroxide has been discovered to damage the skin by releasing free radicals.
Doctor prescribed retinoids, substances that activate the retinoid receptors, help reduce fine lines, shrink pore size, inhibit sebum production and minimize sebaceous glands. These prescriptions are known to cause excessive drying of the skin and sensitivity to the sun’s rays. Isotretinoin, a retinoid known by the brand name Accutane, is often the last step for severe acne on the back.
Prescription antibiotics, oral or topical, can be prescribed by doctors to control the population of bacteria in the skin. Additionally, they reduce the amount of irritating chemicals produced by white blood cells in the immune response. Side effects include sun sensitivity, skin discoloration, nausea and candida vaginal yeast infections in women, among others.
To clear back acne, especially severe cases, you should see a dermatologist. Above, we have provided a general overview of types of treatment but your dermatologist, after review of your symptoms and skin type, will help select a solution catered to you.
If you suffer from unsightly bacne, acne of the face, or acne scars, look no further. Biocutis offers a wide variety of acne treatment products that can help solve your specific acne troubles. All products sport a base of snail serum that stimulates the skin’s regenerative processes, enzymatically removes excess skin and moderates the immune response. Whether you are looking for a mild acne cream, an oil-free treatment for moderate acne, or something stronger as a back acne treatment, Biocutis has the right product for you. For severe acne on the back, try BIOSKINFORTE, a specially formulated product for severe acne and cysts.
- Martha Fitzharris