I have acne on my back: what are the best steps to take?

DUCRAY

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Your dermatologist has diagnosed you with back acne. Acne on the body is very common and often affects the back, shoulders, and chest: up to 81% of teenagers have body acne*.

But unlike facial acne, the back is hard to see, hard to reach, and often affected by sweat, heat, and friction from clothing or sports equipment.

Until your next follow-up appointment, here’s a reminder of the tips and daily habits to adopt to better manage back acne and minimize the risk of marks or scars.

Legal Notice: *Issa, N., et al. “Update on Truncal Acne: A Review of Treatments for a Neglected Disease and the Re-Emergence of Tazarotene.” J Drugs Dermatol. Dec. 1, 2022;21.

4 Habits That Help Reduce Back Acne

Don't let the sweat
in contact with your skin for too long
Why?
Because sweating, combined with heat and friction from clothing, makes acne breakouts worse.
How?
If you're sweating heavily or during a workout, dry your back regularly by dabbing it with a clean towel.
Then take a shower as soon as possible. If you can’t shower right away, at the very least, change your T-shirt to avoid staying in damp clothes for too long.
Dry your skin thoroughly before getting dressed again.
Minimize repeated friction
on the back
Why?
Because friction can irritate the skin and cause acne breakouts to become inflamed.
How?
Choose comfortable, breathable tops, especially when exercising.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing and opt for natural fabrics like cotton.
If you often wear a backpack, alternate the areas where the straps rest on your shoulders whenever possible.
If you play a sport that requires protective gear, make sure it fits your body properly.
Take care of your skin
without trying to scrub your back
Why?
To avoid further irritating the skin and aggravating the inflammation of the pimples.
Acne breakouts on the back are not caused by poor hygiene. And if the skin is irritated, it becomes more uncomfortable and more inflamed.
How?
Do not scrub your back with an abrasive scrub, an exfoliating brush, a washcloth, or a towel in an attempt to make the pimples go away faster.
Use a gentle cleanser and skincare products designed for acne-prone skin.
Do not layer multiple acne-fighting products without consulting a doctor.
Rinse your back thoroughly after shampooing or using conditioner to completely remove any residue from hair care products.
Use your skincare products regularly
every day, all over the back
Why?
To treat visible acne breakouts and help prevent new breakouts from forming.
How?
Apply your skincare products morning and night to clean, dry skin.
Apply the products all over your back, not just on acne breakouts.
Continue your skincare routine even if you don’t see results yet.
Conversely, don’t stop using your skincare products as soon as you see the first signs of improvement.
Opt for skincare products in formats like sprays, which are easy to apply to large areas of the back.

Why can exercise sometimes cause back acne?

One thing is certain: exercising is good for your health and does not cause acne.

However, certain factors associated with physical activity can trigger breakouts:

heat increases sebum production
exercise also causes sweating
repeated friction from clothing, backpacks, or sports equipment tends to irritate the skin

The solution, of course, isn’t to stop exercising, but to address these aggravating factors: avoid staying in damp clothes, and shower after working out to wash away sweat, sebum, and impurities that have accumulated on the skin’s surface.

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Also, minimize repeated friction on your back as much as possible.

During exercise, if necessary, pat sweat dry with a clean towel by gently dabbing the skin rather than rubbing it.

If you swim in a pool or the ocean, be sure to moisturize your skin after your session to counteract the drying effects of chlorine or salt water.

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Why is acne so common on the back?

The back is an area particularly prone to acne breakouts.

The skin there is thick and contains many sebaceous glands that produce sebum. This area is also covered by clothing and exposed to heat, sweat, and daily friction.

When these factors combine, they can contribute to clogged pores and keep acne inflammation going. That’s why a tailored daily routine plays an important role in improving back acne.

Here’s a tip to stay motivated and stick to your skincare routine every day: track your progress by taking a photo of your back once a month.

1.

I'm cleaning

KERACNYL

Anti-blemishes cleansing gel

2.

I take care of

KERACNYL

Anti-acne drying body spray

3.

I protect my skin from sun exposure

KERACNYL UV

Anti-blemishes fluid

How do I use KERACNYL Anti-Acne Drying Body Spray?

Easy to apply thanks to the 360° upside-down spray nozzle

1
After showering, dry your back thoroughly before applying the product.
2
Spray the product from about 15 cm away from the skin, morning and night, all over your back.
3
Its light texture absorbs quickly, so you can get dressed right away.

Doctor's stamp