If theres a acne in a certain area that from my experience is one of the most painful and inconvenient locations to have acne it would be the back.
Back acne—often called “bacne”—is one of the most common yet frustrating skin concerns. While it might not always be visible like facial acne, it can be super painful, stubborn, and affect your confidence, especially during warmer months when tank tops and swimsuits come out. Ranging from small pimples, to raging cystic acne, bacne can be difficult to deal with, especially if like me, you haven’t experienced it before.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what causes back acne, common triggers like PCOS, and how to treat and prevent it with the right products and habits.
Why Back Acne Happens
Back acne develops for many of the same reasons as facial acne:
- Excess oil (sebum) production clogs pores.
- Dead skin cells build up and trap oil inside.
- Bacteria grows in blocked pores, leading to inflammation.
The back also has larger oil glands and thicker skin compared to the face, which makes it prone to deeper, cystic breakouts. Fun lol.
Common Triggers for Back Acne
Back acne can flare up due to lifestyle, hormones, or even the clothes you wear. Some of the most common causes include:
- Hormonal changes: Puberty, menstruation, or conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can increase oil production and cause breakouts.
- Sweat and friction: Known as “acne mechanica,” this happens when sweat, tight clothing, or backpack straps trap heat and bacteria against the skin.
- Incorrect skincare or body products: Heavy lotions, oils, or hair products can clog pores on your back.
- Diet & stress: High-sugar diets and stress hormones may contribute to acne flare-ups.
For me, my PCOS symptoms triggered a huge influx of acne all over my back. Starting as small closed comedones, they developed into full deep cystic acne that were very painful to lay down on. Also wearing a super tight sports bra didn’t help the situation since the fabric constricted my skin significantly.
When Back Acne Might Flare for You
- After workouts (especially if you don’t shower right away)
- During summer months due to sweat and humidity
- Around hormonal shifts (periods, PCOS, puberty)
- With prolonged stress or poor sleep
LifeStyle Habits to Start for Clearer Skin
Making small changes to your daily routine can drastically reduce breakouts:
- Wear breathable fabrics: Choose loose-fitting cotton T-shirts to minimize sweat and friction.
- Shower right after sweating: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic body wash.
- Exfoliate weekly: A mild chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid can unclog pores.
- Wash your sheets regularly: Sweat and bacteria build up fast.
Best Products to treat Back Acne
When it comes to treatment, consistency is key. Here are dermatologist-approved options:
- Salicylic Acid Body Spray or Wash – Unclogs pores and removes excess oil (try sprays for easy reach).
- Benzoyl Peroxide Wash – Kills acne-causing bacteria.
- Differin Gel (Adapalene) – A retinoid that prevents clogged pores and reduces inflammation.
- Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers – Keeps skin hydrated without clogging.
I started out using Cerve Salicylic Face Wash in the shower and Differin Salicylic Acid Body Spray afterword, but that didn’t help as significantly as using Differin Gel (Adapalene). Once I started using Differin Gel, all the acne started to come out fast but would also heal fast while leaving clear skin behind. I stopped breaking out after a few weeks and my back is now almost completely healed.
Why Differin Gel Can Really Help
Using a retinoid like Differin Gel on the back may seem challenging, but applying it a few times per week can help prevent clogged pores and reduce future breakouts. It works best when paired with an exfoliating body wash and breathable clothing. Even better is it helps clear any scarring you might have from your bacne.
Once your acne is gone though, you have to continue to use Adapalene to prevent any future breakouts.
Final Thoughts
Back acne may feel difficult to manage, but with the right combination of habit changes, targeted products, and consistency, it can significantly improve. From wearing cotton T-shirts to using a salicylic acid spray or Differin Gel, small adjustments can make a huge difference in your skin’s health.
Above all else, don’t try to pop any active acne on your back. It will hurt like nothing else and truly isn’t worth it.
If your back acne is severe, painful, or connected to conditions like PCOS, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan.
