Just like your complexion, the skin on your back is also prone to breakouts. Bacne, A.K.A. back breakouts, is very common and can be caused by many different factors. But whatever the cause, and whenever it pops up, there is one thing that all back breakouts have in common: It’s incredibly tough to treat. Just how are you supposed to reach your hands behind your back to cleanse, let alone apply a leave-on acne treatment? How often should you be trying to scrub your back, anyway?

what causes back breakouts?

First, before we dive into the solutions, let’s review the most common causes of back breakouts. Just like breakouts that occur elsewhere on the body, back breakouts can be caused and influenced by a variety of factors, including:

• Androgens, a type of hormone that increases during puberty, which causes oil glands to enlarge and produce more oil (sebum), which in turn causes more breakouts
• Sweat; Bacteria and Oil clog up our pores and lead to the development of breakouts. If you have an oily skin type, you may be more prone to developing breakouts
• Genetics some people may simply be more genetically prone to developing breakouts—such as if chronic acne runs in your family. This typically pertains to painful, cystic acne, for which you’ll want to enlist the help of a board-certified dermatologist

3 steps to reduce back breakouts 

don't sit in sweaty clothes

This may seem obvious, but we’ve all done it. After a workout, or even just on a hot, humid day, don’t make a habit of sitting around in sweat-laden clothes. When you sweat, all of the bacteria on your skin (the good and the bad), drips off of your skin and onto your clothes. 

The best rule of thumb is to change your clothes and hop in the shower right after every sweat session. If you can’t take a full-on shower, at least use a cleansing wipe across your back as best you can, then change into clean, dry clothes. 

use clean tools

If you’re not flexible enough to reach your entire back in the shower, invest in a washcloth with a long arm and use it to cleanse those impossible-to-reach areas on your back. Stick with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and aim to replace your washcloth or tool of choice every month, otherwise you risk a build-up of bacteria that will only make matters worse. 

there's a mist for that

The Clarifying Body Spray is blemish-fighting body spray that acts fast on those hard-to-reach areas to help clear clogged pores and minimise future body breakouts. The refreshing mist even disperses upside down, so you’ll never miss a spot. Exfoliating Salicylic Acid helps to remove dead skin cells, while soothing Witch Hazel, Tea Tree Oil and Moroccan Argan Oil balance oil and reduce redness. Ideal for use after the shower, post-workout or even on the go.