How to Get Rid of Back Acne Fast

Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Acne is the most common skin condition among adults in the US. Acne doesn’t only affect the face, but it can appear on any part of the body. The back is a common problem area.^{[1]
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Research source} If you have back acne, there are ways to help you get rid it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Reducing Back Acne

1
Shower daily. Taking a shower every day can help remove oil and impurities that cause back acne. If you cannot reach your back, buy a special tool that is made for cleansing your back. Some have handles for that hard-to-reach middle back while others are made to spread across your back.They come with heads made of soft cloth, natural bristles, or sponge. Apply the cleanser directly to the back-washer. If you prefer baths, cleaning your back could still benefit from a soft-tipped back-washer. Use an exfoliating body wash or one that contains sulfur, salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide.^{[2]
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- Make sure to use a new washcloth each day. Bacteria can grow and remain on a washcloth after your shower.
- Make sure to wash after exercising. Sweat build up can cause acne.^{[3]
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2
Try not to scrub your back. While you may think scrubbing will help get rid of the acne, scrubbing can cause more acne. Scrubbing irritates and damages the skin. Instead, wash your back gently. Also use gentle cleansing products that are non-comedogenic — they should be labeled as such. Products that are non-comedogenic are Neutrogena, Aveeno, Cetaphil, and Olay.^{[4]
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- You can also use acne cleansers marketed for your face on your back. These cleansers contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids.
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3
Dab acne cream on the acne. If you have a partner willing to help, have them dab a bit of acne cream or gel containing 2.5 to 10% benzoyl peroxide, 0.5 to 2% salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids. Apply the cream or gel directly onto the blemish using a cotton swab or cotton ball. If you can reach, you can apply it yourself.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Use the least concentrated to begin with to make sure that you aren’t sensitive to these chemicals.
- Make sure to follow the directions and not apply too much cream or gel.
4
Use a medicated body spray. There are also many spray-on acne treatment products that contain similar ingredients as acne creams. These products, including Glytone spray and Murad spray, are often effective, easier options, as they can be applied to the back or chest by the person with the body acne.^{[6]
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5
See a dermatologist. If the home treatments have not worked, you should see a dermatologist. If you have large pimples, the size of a pea or larger, you should also see a dermatologist. This may be too severe to treat at home.^{[7]
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- Your dermatologist will likely prescribe stronger medication than can be purchased over-the-counter. Depending on the severity of your acne, the medication you are given may vary from skin treatments to oral pills.
- It can take months to years to clear up your acne completely, even with prescription treatments, so be patient.^{[8]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Women may want to take oral contraceptives, which can effectively treat acne. These can help regulate hormones that may contribute to acne.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Unverified Natural Remedies

1
Take an herbal bath. Consider taking an herbal bath a few times a week. This allows you to soak your back in acne-clearing essential oils, which can help reduce back acne. Add 10 to 20 drops of essential oils to hot water. Make sure to test the oils on your skin before using them in the bath. Some people with sensitive skin may have a reaction. Try any of the following essential oils:
- Lavender
- Tea tree oil^{[9]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}^{[10]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Oregano oil
- Bergamot oil
- Rosemary oil^{[11]
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- Spearmint or peppermint oils^{[12]
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  Kamatou GP, Vermaak I, Viljoen AM, Lawrence BM.Menthol: a simple monoterpene with remarkable biological properties. Phytochemistry. 2013 Dec;96:15-25.}
- Thyme^{[13]
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  Figueiredo AC, Barroso JG, Pedro LG, Salgueiro L, Miguel MG, Faleiro ML. Portuguese Thymbra and Thymus species volatiles:}
- Calendula^{[14]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
2
Try a sea salt bath. Salt may help clear some of the acne. Add one cup of sea salt to your bathwater. You can also use Epsom salt instead. Let it dissolve, then soak in the hot bath.^{[15]
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- You can also add a few drops of essential oils to your bathwater, too.
3
Dab some diluted tea tree oil on the spot. Tea tree oil is considered a good natural remedy for acne; however, you have to dilute tea tree oil before using it. Otherwise, it might be harmful to your skin. Place one drop in a drop of carrier oil, such as jojoba, or in a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Use a Q-tip or a cotton ball to spot-treat areas on your back. You can leave the oil on the skin or use warm water to rinse it off.^{[16]
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Mayo Clinic
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4
Use apple cider vinegar. You can use apple cider vinegar to make a toner that might help reduce blemishes and clear your skin. Mix one tablespoon of vinegar with two cups of water. Rub it on your back with a cotton ball.^{[17]
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- Apple cider vinegar can irritate sensitive skin. Start with a more water and less vinegar if you have sensitive skin.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Preventing Back Acne Through Lifestyle

1
Keep your sheets clean. Sleeping on dirty, oily sheets can transfer impurities to your skin and cause back acne. Wash your sheets regularly to reduce the transfer of dirt and oil onto your skin.^{[18]
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- Try sheets made of lightweight cotton. These trap less moisture than other fabrics.
2
Wear clean clothing. Wearing dirty clothes can transfer oil and dirt to your skin, causing back acne. Always wear clean clothes. If you still have trouble with back acne, then make sure your clothes are loose-fitting. That allows your skin breathe and doesn’t trap sweat and impurities against your skin.^{[19]
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- Wear clothes made of breathable materials, like cotton. Synthetic fabrics can trap sweat, which can cause breakouts.
3
Avoid irritating products. Some lotions and laundry detergents can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. Try fragrance-free or products for sensitive skin.^{[20]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
4
Keep your hair clean. If you have long hair, it can transfer dirt and oil to your neck, shoulders, and back. Wash your hair often to minimize this. It’s also important to wash your hair often if you use hair products. Hair products can clog your pores.^{[21]
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- Try to wait to wash your back after using shampoo and conditioner to remove any product that may have rinsed off onto your skin.
5
Protect your back from the sun. Tanning beds and too much sun exposure can damage your skin. Damaged skin is at a high risk for acne. Additionally, some acne medications make you skin extremely sensitive to UV rays. Stay out of the sun to help with your acne.^{[22]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Preventing Acne Through Diet

1
Limit your sugar. Foods with lots of sugar can cause acne. Numerous studies have found that low-glycemic index foods can help reduce acne.^{[23]
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Research source} Low-glycemic index (GI) foods release sugars into your blood more slowly. Low GI foods include:
- Most vegetables
- Most fruit — Mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, raisins, and figs have medium GI
- Brown rice, barley, and whole grain pasta
- Bran cereals, rolled oats
- Whole wheat, whole grain breads
- Nuts
- Legumes and beans
- Yogurt
2
Increase your Vitamin A. Vitamin A has been found to boost your immune system. It also acts as a natural antioxidant.^{[24]
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Research source} You can take a supplement or get Vitamin A through your diet.
- Vegetables are high in Vitamin A. Try dark leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, red peppers, summer squash, and pumpkin.
- Eat fruit like cantaloupe, mangoes, and apricots.
- Legumes have a good amount of Vitamin A.
- Meat, especially liver, is a good source of Vitamin A.^{[25]
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3
Incorporate foods with omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are supposed to help control the production of oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly found in food: fish oils and fish, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, whitefish, and shad; nuts, like butternuts and walnuts; seeds, like flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds; and avocados.^{[26]
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- You can also take a supplement.
4
Get more Vitamin D. Vitamin D has many benefits for the skin. It helps boost the immune system, reduces inflammation, acts as an anti-microbial, and reduces oil production.
- The best place to get Vitamin D is from the sun. Go outside and sit in the sun for about 10 to 20 minutes. If your skin is darker, spend more time in the sun.
- You can get Vitamin D through foods. One of the best places to get Vitamin D is through fish, like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and cod liver oil. You can also eat eggs, mushrooms, and oysters. Many foods are also fortified with vitamin D, like milk and cereals. Go easy on the milk because it can cause more acne.
- You can also take a supplement.
5
Limit your dairy intake. If you eat a lot of dairy, that may be adding to your breakouts. Try limiting dairy foods in your diet.^{[27]
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Research source} Substitute these foods with more vegetables or fruits.
6
Try garlic. Garlic is thought to have antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and anti-fungal properties and may be helpful in preventing acne.^{[28]
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Research source} Garlic should be consumed raw, if possible, to receive the full benefits.