As we know, there are many types of acne and one of them that are less visible is back acne. Its more likely to feel it than to see it. This kind of acne is not common among acne patients but it is quite the same as acne on our face. Thousands of oil glands are busy over producing oils to ensure your skin is smooth. Tight fitting clothes and fabric that do not allow the skin to breath is the two main reason of back acne popping out. Sometimes, wearing backpack can be one of the causes of back acne but it’s not serious as the reason mentioned above.
The skin of our body contains oil glands which also are evenly spread out throughout our body. Thus, the oil that are overproduced by the oil glands will get trapped. When it is trapped, it gets clogged which combined with dead skin cells and a little help from bacteria, acne is formed. It will soon inflame the tissue around infected area in which it is the same as common acne. Even though it is the same as acne on the face, the treatment methods are not the same.
There are treatments for back acne but it is not quite as easy as it looks. Our skin at the back is much thicker than the skin that covers other parts of the body. Due to these differences, we might need different treatment than other parts of the body.
One of the best advice is try to keep your back clean and the best way is to take bath or shower more often especially after a workout. Try to use body shower gels or soaps that contains salicylic or glycolic acid. Exfoliating your back skin can also be done when taking shower to reduce the dead skin cell which is one of the ingredient for acne outbreak.
After your shower, apply some topical products that contain benzoyl peroxide to the areas on the back which has acne outbreak. Make sure your back is dry before the application. Its best to rub the topical medication on the skin to ensure it is absorbed into the skin. It is good to make sure your hand is washed up clean before applying the medication as we don’t want any infection. Try not to apply all over your back as it is useless to do that and ask for help to apply if needed. Over application can cause dryness in the skin.
For mild cases of back acne, you might want to try natural solutions like, tea tree oil, homeopathic treatments, Chinese herbs and other cleansing herbs like milk thistle.
Even though back acne or back pimples is not common but we should be aware and treat it before it gets worse. If it gets worse, do consult a dermatologist as it might turn out as not a normal kind of back acne.
The following ingredients are offered in a wide variety of products which promise to reduce scars and make you look great. Here’s more information about them:
1. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Topical Ascorbic Acid)
Well known for its healing effects on wrinkled or sun damaged skin, AHA is a water soluble acid derived from plant sources such as lemons, grapes, and apples. It reduces acne scars in two ways: by stimulating the synthesis of collagen fibers in your skin, and by assisting the natural exfoliating process of dead skin cells. In addition, it also helps protect skin from something known as ‘free radical damage’ (in a word – aging).
While Alpha Hydroxy can reduce acne scars over time, it is not an ultra-quick or instant solution. Usually it takes regular application for weeks before the results become obvious. At this point, however, it does have much positive feedback for making a difference.
2. Copper Peptide
These are often used in conjunction with alpha hydroxy acid. Copper peptides can accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation. They reduce scar formation by stimulating the production of several skin compounds, including collagen, elastin, and others. Some copper peptides can also bond with skin cell nerve receptors, making them a useful anti-inflammatory.
3. Zinc
Zinc has both antibacterial properties and the ability to stimulate the production of essential skin components. The body uses zinc in many areas for defense, including the intestinal tract and skin surface wounds.
Using zinc creams for acne can reduce inflammation of breakouts, assist in the healing process to reduce scaring, and reduce future breakouts by disrupting bacteria-favorable skin conditions. Zinc can also be taken orally for similar effects, though less pronounced.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin is is used topically for its anti-oxidant properties to promote skin healing. Scientifically, however, it has not been shown to benefit in this way. Many have reported it does help with inflammation, however. In reality, it’s probably much better when eaten naturally (as d-alpha tocopherol) in food. Its synthetic version however, dl-alpha tocopherol, has been associated with liver damage.
5. Aloe Vera
Extracts from Aloe Vera have been used by ancient civilization as far back as the Chinese Dynasty. It was additionally made popular by its mention the the New Testament. Today, however, it does not fare as well with science. Research has indicated it may not be as effective for would healing and moisturizing as popular folklore would claim. None the less, it is commonly used in hundreds of products for just that, along with commonly being found as a food supplement. Reviews from individuals indicate that higher quality concentrations do make a difference.
Who among us has not looked in the mirror and seen the blemish we were sure would ruin our day, if not our life? Three out of four teenagers have some acne, and some adults continue to have acne into their twenties, thirties and forties.
When hair follicles in the skin become plugged with a combination of sebum or fat and cellular material, a pimple results. In teenagers, acne is linked to hormonal activity and often occurs on the face, back, chest and upper arms. Adult acne shows up mainly on the face. An especially problematic form of adult acne, called rosacea, affects the skin of the nose, forehead, and cheeks. Acne rosacea usually responds well to medical treatment.
The good news is: acne eventually goes away. The bad news is: it doesn’t go away overnight. A regular skin care regimen, perhaps combined with prescription medicine recommended by a health care provider, can help avoid outbreaks and potential; scarring.
A primary care doctor or other provider may recommend a topical medicine, oral antibiotics, or both. Lotions, creams, or gels containing vitamin A acid, tretinoin – commonly called Retin-A, help stop pimples from forming by preventing dead skin cells fro sticking to the wall of the hair follicle. Antibiotics work by keeping bacteria from forming and reducing inflammation. Severe cases of acne can be treated with a pill containing vitamin A called isotretinoin or Accutane. Accutane does have side effects, however, and cannot be taken by pregnant women.
The aftereffect of acne – scarring – also can be treated by a doctor, although it is quite costly. Collagen may be injected into scars to “fill them up”. This treatment is expensive and temporary, lasting only 4 to 6 months. Surgery involving skin grafts is an option for deeper scars.
Although acne is not life threatening, it effects on self-esteem and self-confidence should not be downplayed. Now before you should know the most common all-important home care for acne, you should also know how acne develops.
Whiteheads form when pores become clogged with oily secretions and hair follicles break down. Blackheads form when the clogged pore is invaded by bacteria and pus. Blackheads should not be squeezed because this can cause further spreading of the bacteria. Acne or pimples form when the hair follicle walls rupture. Acne can then spread. Squeezing the pimple can cause the infection to spread further. Now here are the most common and effective home remedies to treat acne:
1. Wash your face once or twice daily with the cleanser of your choice.
2. Use an “acne” cream or lotion. Start with over-the-counter lotions that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid as the main ingredient.
3. Use a moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic. This has been tested and found not to cause pimples.
4. Don’t open your pimples unless your health care provider has given you instructions on how to do it correctly.
