Zoe Foster.
by ZOE FOSTER
Zo, I have bacne (back acne) and it’s so gross. How do I get rid of it? Why do I have it? I can’t wear dresses or nice tops and half of my gym clothes without being embarrassed. – Zara
It seems unfair that we pay so much attention to keeping our face spot free and then our chests and backs sneak a whole bunch of pimples through security so that whenever we wear anything other than a skivvy we show the entire world our blemished back/neck.
Why you get bacne, Zara, is because you stole that Bubble O’Bill back in Year 3 and this is your karma.
Another reason might be congestion, usually from sweat that isn’t removed quickly enough. So, if you’re an exerciser, Z, (can I call you Z?) and from your reference to gym clothes I reckon you might be, I want to make sure you (1) always shower directly after working out.
Since so many of us now do things like boot camp out in the open, or pilates/yoga in little studios as opposed to going to a traditional gym, we don’t have a row of showers on hand to leap into right after, and this is not helping the ISOBS. (International Society of Bacne Sufferers.) But showers are SO important for bacne correction and prevention, and, one would think, general hygiene and smell-nicey-ness. It would also do you well to (2) choose work out gear that is moisture-wicking (where the fabric draws the sweat off the skin and to the outside of the garment – Nike, Adidas and lululemon all have moisture-wick gear) so that you’re not drenched in sweaty clothes as and after you train.
If you really can’t shower directly after Pump, or that PT session or your rhythmic gymnastics class, then Z why not (3) carry some facial wipes (go for ones that work on pimples and have salicylic acid, like the Clean and Clear or Clearasil types) and wipe your back and shoulders and chest down. Then put on a clean top.
Once you do get to a shower, (4) use a body wash on the affected areas (it might be too drying for everywhere else, especially your ‘Special Woman Cave’) with salicylic acid in it. Something like Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash will do the trick. And! If (5) you have a Clarisonic, definitely pop the body head on and go over the area. This will be an enormous help. Huge.
(Also – I’m not sure how long your hair is, Z, but (6) try to keep it away from your back when you wash it, as the shampoo and conditioner can worsen things. And rinse off your back good and proper, too, just in case of any residue.)
After showering, (7) apply a blemish treatment product to the area, like Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Body Spray, say. Don’t go wild, keep it targeted so that the rest of your skin won’t dry out. And (8) use a simple (Cetaphil or QV) body lotion at other times to keep it moisturised but not irritated.
Once it’s all cleared up, (9) try Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Smoothing lotion (which has AHA and BHAs and is also good for those little bumps on the backs of thighs and arms) because it’s fantastic at fading bacne scarring.
Z, I wish you the best with this. Also, I really enjoyed using a fancy number system throughout this post, and (10) I hope it was as good for you as it was for me.
Zoe is an author, columnist and porridge fan. Her books include the beauty bible Amazing Face, dating and relationship guide Textbook Romance, and three novels, Air Kisses, Playing The Field and The Younger Man. Find more info on her here, or supervise on her daily procrastination here and here.
Please understand that Zoë cannot respond to ALL your questions – but never fear, there are readers that are bound to know the answers, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Have you had bacne? Or do you have it now? What are your tips for getting rid of it?
Comments
70 Comments so far
Great
loading...
use biore deep pore scrub and follow with the 3 in 1 toner, It prevents pimples and clears the marks! I had servere backne and this has worked better than proactiv, clearasil and all the other products and its only a fraction of the price! So head down to the supermarket and get it!
loading...
There are soaps you can buy from Coles called Gamophen or Sapoderm. When showering wash your back with these really well and then once dry I use Witch Hazel wipes on my bacne. Mine was so severe I couldn’t lie on my back or stand material touching it so I went on the contraceptive pill (Yasmin) which helps acne. We chose not to tell Dad that I was on the Pill at 13. I’m 25 now and stopped the pill to see what would happen and it’s Return of the Bacne! Devo! Bought the soap, wipes and pill again and it’s clearing up. Once a Bacne sufferer always a Bacne sufferer I say.
Hope it clears up for you because I felt so self conscious as a teen at swim events or athletics events in the change rooms.
Best of Luck!
Tegan.
loading...
I’ve been meaning to add my comment on this post for a while. I’ve been suffering moderate acne since I was 14yo (24yrs!). I used Diane contraceptive to good effect in my early twenties but when I came off it my acne (including bacne) returned terribly and when I went back on Diane it never quite worked as well again. So I trailed a heap of various things including Roaccutane but it always returned. I stopped the pill altogether 5 yrs ago to get ready to conceive and had 2 kids. Fortunately for me, pregnancy and breastfeeding seemed to help sooth my skin hormones but when my son was 6mths old last year I could see all the symptoms returning and my skin was getting progressively worse. I was just about to resign to going on Diane again, although I was loathe to mess around with my hormones again as I’ve had some PND and have only recently been feeling tip-top again, when I stumbled across an absolute pearler of good fortune…
I take after breakfast each day:
1 x slow release 1000mg Pantothenic Acid (vitamin B5)
1 x 500 L-Carnetine
That has stopped my excessive sebum all over my body dead in it’s tracks. I could tell it was working within 3 days. And now, after about 5 weeks, my skin hasn’t looked this good in over a year. I still have some marks on my face and neck, but I’m using Bicarbonate of Soda (mixed with a little water whilst in the shower) as a scrub on my problem areas once a day and it’s exfoliating away the marks beautifully. (I also use a good moisturiser to prevent dryness).
I don’t believe this vitamin/supplement regime would work for everybody because the pathogenesis for acne has a few different causes, but there is a growing belief that some people have trouble metabolising fats, blah, blah, blah, involving the creation of Co-enzyme A in the body, blah, blah (info to found on the web). Acne is an inherited issue in my family. I have significantly reduced my refined sugar consumption as this seems to be involved as well because excess sugar gets turned into fat in the body blah, blah. I’m trying to lose a bit of weight at the moment anyway (not eating after 6/7pm is doing absolute wonders btw!).
My spots would become worse during the second half of my cycle, but were pretty much constant. Would start as difficult to treat microcomedones which would eventually become inflamed pustules.
I am currently doing Tom Cruise-like jumps on Oprah’s couch with this discovery. And I want everybody who has adult acne to give it a whirl. It might not work, depending on the cause of your acne, but it could well make all the difference, too.
So, no messing around with my hormones with the contraceptive Diane. And what’s more, I am actually feeling great emotionally, too. Better than I have in ages… Hooray for me!
loading...
Zara,
I would recommend:
1. Washing your back with something plain (and cheap) like QV Body Wash and using a rough facecloth (make circular motions if you can) to exfoliate the skin.
2. Then, I’d use Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion with 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid. (It might sting a bit, but that will only happen on the first few uses.)
3. Then, I’d use Paula’s Choice Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Treatment in the CLEAR range. Because it contains benzol peroxide (like in Proactiv, which is advertised excessively on TV), it will probably stain your clothes – so only do it at night and wear a white (or old) t-shirt/pajama top to bed.
These three things should definitely clear up your bacne. If not, see your doctor – you might need an oral medication.
loading...
Sorry but I WOULD NOT recommend putting any sort of peroxide on your face, despite it being claimed as the ‘fix-all cure’. Anything that bleaches your clothes can’t be good for your face! you may as well use straight alcohol – it has the same drying effect. Your face is one of the most sensitive areas of your body, treat it with a bit of respect and go for something natural… But, don’t keep using it as a bandaid. Try and find out what’s causing your acne in the first place. Still not convinced about the dangers of BP? Read this: http://www.highonhealth.org/do-not-use-benzoyl-peroxide-to-treat-your-acne/
loading...
The article and above recommendation is about backne i.e. the back, not the face……
loading...
I usually love Zoe’s pieces on MM – they’re informative, fun and easy-to-follow. However I have to say that I think she has over-stepped the mark on this one a bit.
I think this advice is fine for people who might be getting pimples or blocked pores on their back, but to post this as a solution for acne is a misrepresentation of Zoe’s expertise. As lots of other commenters have noted, acne (including bacne) is a medical condition that is often largely influenced by hormones, diet and, in some cases, genetics. Topical treatments can either help or hinder, which is why it’s important to get to the underlying cause rather than just deal with the visible effects. I’d suggest seeing a GP, a dermatologist, an acupuncturist, a naturopath, or a combination of them.
As I said, I really do love Zoe’s columns and look forward to reading them every week (they’re absolutely the best part of MM!), so my intention isn’t to criticise Zoe. I just feel that the advice given isn’t 100% appropriate for the presented problem.
loading...
I suffer from painful spots and boils on my back every summer. Weekly masks of pure high grade manuka honey cleared them up. Just smear it on and leave it as long as you can (maybe watch a good movie while lying on your front!).
loading...
Zoe I have just smashed open my poor piggy bank for a Clarisonic Mia in the hope of getting rid of the many little bumps, pimples and blackheads which set up camp on my t-zone 10 years ago. My skin is actually worse after a week of using it though, is this “purging” issue a myth or for real? I need any advice/knowledge you have on Clarisonic and how/when/what to use it with, as I would much rather listen to you than “angel123″ on random beauty forum #12.
Thanks
loading...
In point 9 Zoe mentions those little bumps on the back of arms and thighs. I have them and have always exfoliated like crazy and used acne type scrubs/toners. I’m definitely going to try the Palmers Lotion Zoe recommended. Has anyone got any other tips for getting rid of chicken skin?
loading...
Dry body brushing! Go in small little circles all over the affected areas for 5mins before your shower (roughly until your skin is the colour of a ripe tomato
). I saw a difference in three weeks, but you have to keep it up. Hope that helps.
loading...
I suffered from backne for many years, especially during my 20s. Part of it was hormones, but guess what – it turns out that I react to an ingredient in soap! Avoid solid soaps and shampoos/conditioners with SLS – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. (More info – http://www.bacnetreatments.com/the-dangers-of-sodium-lauryl-sulfate/). Now I only get an occasional spot, easily dealt with.
loading...
Oh, and I forgot!
COCONUT OIL!
It is brilliant for problem skin. You wash with it, but don’t worry about ending up with oily skin as it doesn’t happen provided you don’t go overboard.
Every time I use it my skin clears up within a couple of days.
loading...
My skin was much worse when I was eating gluten, but then I’m intolerant.
I’m still in the process of *trying* to give up sugar. I know many people who have personally tried it and now rave about how beautiful it makes your skin. An overindulgence of sugar has already proved to be ageing so I guess it’s not too unbelievable that it could also be a factor in problem skin.
loading...
My uncle is a well respected dermatologist and he will tell you, hands down (as any dermo will) that the supermarket products listed above will only serve to make bacne or any skin issue worse. Much worse. You see, whether you choose to accept or not, these products are full Of chemicals that your delicate skin does not need or actually, like!
Yes, showers after workouts will help but piling that stuff on during and after the shower is pointless. Grab an apple and a glass of water instead. And if its a real skin problem that needs help – see a professional before you lather your poor suffering skin in anything,
loading...
Another tip…
Change your face washer (if you use one!) reguarly, like every time. Also, change your towels reguarly and pat dry your face. Last bit of advice, check carefully if any of the things you are taking having high levels of vitamin a because if so your skin will be extra sensitive and may burn more easily in sun.
loading...
This one’s prescription, but if your skin is quite bad, check with your GP about a cream called Duac – it works miracles if you let it (ie, don’t eat loads of sugar, don’t scratch at your skin). It really has done wonders for me!
loading...
It might also help to change your diet. Many people say diet is not related to acne but I disagree. Having had back acne myself it has cleared up significantly once I did change it. Everyone’s different though so experiment to see what works for you.
loading...
what diet changes did you make? my mum found my bad skin was associated more with sugary or processed food.
loading...
agreed! ohmygoodness, if I eat more sugar than say, a single row of chocolate in a day my skin implodes. Stay away from soft drink, cordials, flavoured milks or lollies – a little bit (and I mean a little bit!!) is ok, but the second you reach for a refill for your glass of coke, your skin will let you know about it!
loading...
Yes, I don’t know why so many people claim that diet is not related to acne. Sugary and processed foods are inflammatory substances and acne is an inflammation of the epidermis. Whenever my diet starts to slip a bit and I pig out on biscuits or something, I get pimples all over my back. What’s even worse is thinking about the other parts of your body suffering from the inflammation too.
loading...
People say chocolate gives you pimples, but it’s the sugar not the cocoa. But I totally agree with the comments about sugar, I know if I’ve eaten or drunk to much, my face gets really congested and oily.
loading...
Tip from my mum..
When rinsing shampoo/conditioner, always lean forward and tip hair over (off your back) and rinse. This is incase it’s the chemicals from the products causing the pimples.
loading...
I second tip 9. KP and ingrown hairs be gone. Thank you Palmers.
loading...
i had HORRIBLE chacne (chest acne) as a teenager, and my doctor prescribed me this gel called eryacne. 100% cleared up within a month and haven’t had a single spot since – was fantastic.
loading...
Our skin is our largest body organ and whatever is going on in our bodies is reflected in our skin. Check out Dr Mark Hyman MD on acne/ bacne dairy and sugar. I’ve seen trainers and fitness instructors with incredibly bad skin and bacne and they’re all chugging litres of hormone laden milk touting it as the ideal post work out drink…
loading...
so true
I have a great book i picked up at Target cheap one day called ‘the healthy skin diet’ by Karen Fischer and is fantastic, covers a range of skin conditions. I wish I had have read it 10 years ago!
loading...
I completely agree. Having suffered severe cystic acne for 17 of my 26 years, i tried everything possible including various versions of the pill, eryacne, retin a, salcylic acid, benzo peroxide, roaccutane etc, but not one of these things worked. I read an article on the connection between dairy and acne 3 years ago, and decided to give it a try by cutting out milk and yoghurt, butter, milk chocolate etc out of my diet. My skin cleared up in 2 weeks, and issues such as body acne were gone within a month. If I get any pimples at all now (maybe once in 3-4 months) they are due to extreme stress, and I solve that by putting Active Manuka honey on the pimple which eliminates it in 2 days, without scarring. If nothing else has ever worked for you, try cutting Dairy.
loading...
This is great Moe. LOVE reading stories like this and Emily too. What is frustrating is that doctors deny any link between skin and diet (especially dairy-really not good for us) so it’s up to us to do the research and take control of our own health. Empowering too!
loading...
“Special Woman Cave”! Love you Zo!!
loading...
i’m a dancer and mine was getting so bad i had to go on the doxcyline. it’s still there, but with heaps of different acne treatments, the doxycyline does help keep it under control
loading...
choftw
loading...
My doctor prescribed me Minomycin which worked absolute wonders! It didn’t do much for my face acne, but immediately helped with my back and I haven’t had a pimple on my back for two years!
loading...
Just wanted to add that I prefer to use the one strong product that really works (the Benzac) and then use cruelty free, chemically free and natural products for the rest of my regime. Apart from a good Nivea lotion (cruelty free but not natural) Instead of harsh face wipes I always carry baby wipes in my gym bag. At woolies you can get these natural and chemically free ones. Can’t remember name, but white packet, green writing and some sweedish flags on it. Lol hope you can find them based on that. They are awesome and can be used everywhere. Including your lady cave (???) or you know, vagina, as it is actually called!
loading...
Benzac AC wash a few times a week in the shower (use an old towel after and put on old clothes as it can bleach your clothes after if you don’t rinse it off properly), tea tree oil (make sure all natural 100% tea tree oil and not one of those nasty blends most of them are!) mixed with water on a cotton pad wiped over affected area before you put on your moisturiser. This really helps! It’s probably exercise/sweat related. I can get the same problem from time to time! Good luck:)
loading...
Hey BeaG, I have heard Benzac works… but that it can sometimes stain clothes! Beware, lambs.
loading...
Benzac is pretty good, but not strong enough for bad acne I find. Duac is the next step up on there, and that’s pretty amazing stuff.
They do bleach your towels though, so best use an old one for a while
loading...
Sunlight soap and a good stiff brush…
loading...
My sister suffered from bad acne including bacne (until she went on Diane 35), Mum used to encorage her to ‘go stand in the sun for 15 mins’, not sure why but anyhow it didn’t work!
loading...
In my experience, those with back acne tend to have cystic acne that can only be helped through a skin specialist.
You can use all the fancy creams and cleansers in the world and shower regularly but this is a hormonal issue that needs to be treated from the inside out.
loading...
Xanadu, this is very true. I think I like you.
(Just feeling the rhyme out, letting it take its own groovy path.)
I didn’t touch on the hormonal issue, but as with facial acne (and not just bunch of pimples) this absolutely must be taken into consideration if yours won’t go away, are especially wide-reaching and aggressive or won’t diminish with any standard pimple-fighting ingredients, like the ones recommended above.
That said, I have had “bacne” (perhaps “bimples” is more accurate?) for a period of time, and it absolutely related to my new and psychotic love of spin class. I needed to explore the basic treatments before leaping onto the pill or hardcore prescription creams, and luckily they worked for me. But if they hadn’t have, you can bet your back washer I’d have been at the derms asap.
loading...
Is there anything you don’t know Zoe?!
loading...
Adult acne – story of my life. Tried different topical treatments and did to work. Went to the derm and tried antibiotics, retin a cream, benazyl peroxide, and even clindamycin and did not work. Tried oratana which is like road curate and was way too harsh as i hated the dry lips, sore joints and depression. Got off that after 3 mths. Did clear the face but during period time there was still spots while I was on it. My problem is hormonal too. I have not tried the pill for acne as when I used for birth control mad me an emotional wreck. No I am taking 3x 1000mg of evening primrose oil and it seems to be keeping the breakouts at bay but having only started this for a week. Has anyone else tried this? My problem is the breakout during the period time.
loading...
if it’s a hormonal problem, then i’m not sure Zoe’s advice is correct. I’m pregnant at the moment and have discovered bacne in all its charming forms. Nothing to do about it, just have to wait it out until bub is born!
loading...
I had that too, plus all over my chest. Horrific! Tried all the body washes plus Eryacne prescribed by my OB, and none of it helped. You might be comforted to know that it all cleared up about 6 weeks after I gave birth, and my skin has been amazing since
loading...
That does make me feel so much better Guess!! Fingers crossed mine clears up because I have bacne, chest acne, face acne…all completely hideous! Has made me completely anti-social during pregnancy because I don’t want to be seen in public!
loading...
Not to dismiss Zoe’s advice because it seems sound from a beauty perspective, but topical treatments are often just covering up the symptoms ie. that’s not the whole story. Acne breakouts are often hormonal, so my advice is to see a doctor about it. I went on the pill for this reason and it has worked wonders, in a way that spending $$$ on pimple creams never could.
loading...
I use cotton pads and tea tree oil on my back, even when it’s clear. sorts it out.
loading...
See a dermatologist and have the cause of the acne checked out and then, if appropriate, treated medically. I had acne on my face, neck, back and chest on and off for years and years. Took nine months of treatment and I’ve never had more than the occasional period pimple in the 20 years since.
loading...
Fantastic!
My hubby has really bad bache, Ill definitely be looking for the neutrogena body wash next time Im at the shops.
loading...
I am not dismissing Zoe’s advice at all but as someone who suffererd from this through my teens and early twenties and tried much of the above….. I said hallelujah when a dr finally put me on the Diane 35ed contraceptive pill. It was my hormones all along!!!! I cannot begin to tell you how nice it was to finally be able to wear singlets, strappy desses and the like. I had bacne chestne neckne all of it
loading...
same! Dianne worked wonders for me to
loading...
I could not agree more. If its been a long term issue maybe talk to your doctor about pill options. Diane worked wonders for me!
loading...
Same for me! Although switched a few years back from Dianne to Yasmin (similar results with fewer side effects for me).
My back acne was from PCOS, and while I hated it, I always felt lucky that at least I never got it on my face…
loading...
Same here! Having only just gone back on Dianne 2 weeks ago after being pregnant and having the skin of a teenager again, I noticed the difference after just a week. I would definitely talk to your doctor about going on Dianne. I know being on the pill is not everyone’s first choice but hopefully it will give you your confidence back and allow you to wear the clothes you want to.
loading...
Interestingly, and in contrast to everyone else, the ONLY time I have ever had bacne was after swapping from Yasmin to Dianne… but I do think that shows that the condition is often hormone related. Cleared straight up a week after I was back on Yasmin. Weird!
loading...
Am I the only person whose pimples didn’t clear up after going on Dianne 35! I was put on it when I was about 18 for my annoying pimples, and to this day (I’m 24) they havent improved.
I’ve got off the pill for the last three months and they’ve gotten a little worse, but I’m at a loss.
loading...
Not at all – the pill never did much for me in regards to clearing my skin either – sadly it doesn’t work for everyone, and can unfortunately sometimes make things worse too.
loading...
Oh Ash I know exactly what that feels like! Please go and see a dermatologist. You will get a decent chunk of your money back from Medicare and it will change your life!
loading...
It didn’t work for me either!
loading...
And for those who can’t take contraceptive pills (for medical reasons! And can’t really take medical acne treatments either)?
My bacne is definitely hormonal, as is my face acne. I’ve been using Ultraceuticals products, including their awesome Ultra Clear Treatment lotion, which has been working for me like Clearasil or anything else never has, and I ONLY get the hormonal breakouts now… But I always know when my period is coming because I get those big painful cysty pimples on my back and jaw line! Not much I can do other that wait for menopause, with it’s own can of worms. Acne for hot flushes, ladystaches and crazy mood swings? GREAT TRADE!
Anyway, something that helped for the ordinary bacne (not the really hormonal stuff) when I was younger: my mum used to scrub my back with steel wool and a solution of 10 drops of tea tree, 10 drops of lavender and 5 drops of rosemary in water. Really helps with congestion!
loading...
Sorry to disappoint – in my experience (so far) of menopause, you still get the acne – but you get DRY skin as well! You just can’t win!!
loading...
If it’s purely hormonal – I would highly recommend seeing a good naturopath – they can do brilliant things to balance out your hormones. If you don’t know of one or can’t get a recommendation, then contact the natural medicine university in your city for some referrals (as it’s not a monitored profession I would highly advise getting a recommended, reputable one – ideally one that specialises in hormone management, rather than just picking a random one out of a phone book etc). They can truly do some amazing things.
loading...
Hi Z, Any recommendations of how to put lotion on your back ? Is there like a rag – on – a -stick solution???
loading...
Yoga classes! Stretch your limbs and make yourself more felxible and you’ll find it much easier to reach around to those awkward spots on your back.
loading...
Mother, brother or significant other
If you live alone, you could always apply the lotion to your dog or cat and then roll on it
loading...
Hehe…. Funny visuals…
loading...
looooool love the Simpsons reference!
loading...
Such sage advice as always Zoe!
loading...