Treatment FAQ

what over the counter acne treatment for the back

by Cara Dickens Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Studies show that the following OTC acne products can help clear mild (or moderate) back acne when used along with acne-friendly skin care: Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide

This medication is used to treat mild to moderate acne. It may be used in combination with other acne treatments.

(emollient foam wash): This helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Used daily, it can help control back acne and reduce flares.

OTC treatment for back acne that works
  • Benzoyl peroxide (emollient foam wash): This helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne. ...
  • Retinoid (adapalene 0.1% gel): Using this along with benzoyl peroxide can improve your results. ...
  • Develop these habits when working out or getting sweaty. ...
  • Cleanse your skin gently.
Dec 10, 2021

Full Answer

What are the best over the counter products for acne?

When using acne products:

  • Wash problem areas twice daily. Use a gentle nonsoap cleanser and don't overdo it. ...
  • Try cleansing cloths or towelettes. ...
  • Consider pore-clearing adhesive pads. ...
  • Don't use too much. ...
  • Use an oil-free, water-based moisturizer. ...
  • Avoid oily cosmetics, sunscreens and hair products. ...
  • Don't pick or squeeze blemishes. ...
  • Watch what touches your face. ...

What is the best medication for back acne?

“Oral medications work best for back acne because it tends to be in the deeper layers of skin than facial acne and because it is difficult to really stick to a routine of cream application on the back,” Dr. Rabach explains. Consult your doctor to determine which medication might help your situation.

Do acne treatments really work?

Acne medications work by reducing oil production and swelling or by treating bacterial infection. With most prescription acne drugs, you may not see results for four to eight weeks. It can take many months or years for your acne to clear up completely. The treatment regimen your doctor recommends depends on your age, the type and severity of ...

What causes acne on lower back?

Acne on the back may be the result of inflammation of the sebaceous glands due to overproduction of sebum. Alternatively, flare-ups can be caused by covered skin, heat and repetitive friction against your back. According to WomensHealth.gov, "acne in young women may be linked to hormone changes, such as the menstrual cycle."

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How do I get rid of acne on my back?

Here are some things you can do to get rid of back acne:Shower after a workout. Letting the sweat and dirt sit on your skin after a workout can be a big contributor to back acne. ... Exfoliate. ... Wear loose-fitting clothing. ... Try tea tree oil. ... Keep hair off your back. ... Choose sunscreen carefully. ... Eat healthy.

What products help get rid of back acne?

10 Products to Help You Beat BacneDove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash with Nutrium Moisture. ... Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash with Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment (Three-Pack) ... Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment Body & Face Wash. ... Paula's Choice-CLEAR Back and Body Acne Spray-w/2% Salicylic Acid-Leave-On Exfoliant.More items...•

Can I use acne treatment on my back?

Back acne can be more resistant to treatment than on the face (probs because the skin is thicker, and topical medications aren't able to reach deep enough), so Dr. Maiman says more often it requires prescription acne medications to be treated effectively. If your bacne is more severe, Dr.

Is benzoyl peroxide good for back acne?

Doctors say back acne can be treated with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

What is better for back acne benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?

Turn to Salicylic Acid Bhanusali recommends using a body wash that contains salicylic acid for both treatment and prevention of body acne. Just don't use it the same day as a benzoyl peroxide wash and once your back zits clear up, use it once a week or so as a preventative measure.

What triggers back acne?

In general, what causes back acne to form is a cocktail of excess oil, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria such as cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as propionibacterium acnes) that clogs pores and leads to inflammation. “These are the same triggers that cause breakouts on the face,” Dr. Garshick says.

Is Cetaphil good for back acne?

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($15.99 at Chemist Warehouse), AKA everyone's favourite pharmacy cleanser, is a great body wash for back acne.

Is CeraVe good for back acne?

CeraVe's body scrub is a great choice if you're dealing with bacne or just rough and bumpy skin. Whatever your concern, its active ingredient of salicylic acid will smooth and clear up your skin, while hydrating it, to boot.

Active Ingredients in Acne Products

Acne products work in different ways, depending on their active ingredients. Some OTC acne products work by killing the bacteria that cause acne in...

Choosing An Effective Acne Product

The acne product that's best for you depends on many factors, including your skin type, the type and severity of your acne, and your skin care pref...

Skin Care Tips When Using Acne Products

Acne products are just one step in your skin care routine. When using acne products: 1. Wash problem areas twice daily. Use a gentle nonsoap cleans...

How to get rid of back acne?

Develop these habits when working out or getting sweaty. Wear loose-fitting workout clothes made of cotton or sweat-wicking fabric.

How to get rid of sweaty skin after workout?

Wear loose-fitting workout clothes made of cotton or sweat-wicking fabric. Wash workout clothes after each use. Shower and change clothes ASAP after working out (or doing anything that causes you to sweat). If you cannot shower immediately, use an oil-free cleansing wipe to gently wipe off your sweaty skin.

Can you buy acne cream without a prescription?

It’s medical jargon that means any treatment that you can buy without a prescription. Studies show that the following OTC acne products can help clear mild (or moderate) back acne when used along with acne-friendly skin care: Benzoyl peroxide (emollient foam wash): This helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne.

Can you clear acne on your back?

Dermatologists recommend wearing sweat-wicking clothes when working out. If you have acne on your back—or “bacne” as some people call it—you don’t have to wait for it to clear on its own. Treatment and the right skin care can help you see clearer skin more quickly. You may even be able to clear your back on your own.

Does a scrub make acne worse?

Scrubbing skin with acne may seem best, but this actually worsens acne. When washing your back and applying acne treatment, you want to be gentle. 3. Stop irritating your skin with harsh skin care products. Antibacterial soaps, astringents, and abrasive scrubs can worsen acne.

Can you have whiteheads on your back?

Have a mix of whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples on your back, but nothing that’s painful or goes deep into the skin (moderate acne) Anyone who has deep, painful acne on their back (or anywhere else) will need a dermatologist’s help.

Does sun help clear acne?

People often believe that the sun’s rays will help clear acne, but the sun can actually worsen acne. The sun’s rays tend to darken acne and cause it to last longer. You can help clear acne by always wearing oil-free sunscreen when outdoors. You’ll want to apply sunscreen to all skin that clothes won’t cover. 8.

Background on Acne in Adult Females

First, let’s get something out of the way: you’re not abnormal because you’re still struggling with acne. Adult female acne is not uncommon.

OTC vs Prescription Acne Treatments

Before seeking out prescription solutions from a dermatologist, such an oral antibacterial acne medication, many people with acne consider giving over-the-counter skin care products a shot.

Active Ingredients to Look For in OTC Acne Treatments

While perusing the drugstore aisles, it is a good idea to check labels before purchasing an over the counter acne treatment product.

Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments in Combination

Often, a dermatologist will recommend combination treatments for adult acne in women.

Other Skin Care Tips

In order to keep your face clear of cysts, whiteheads, blackheads, or any other acne that may creep up, it is important to establish a good skin care routine for acne .

The Bottom Line on OTC Acne Treatments

There are numerous products on the shelves and online for the treatment of acne, and while the variety is great, it makes it difficult to choose.

What is the best acne treatment for acne?

Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Mild body acne (meaning you just have small bumps and breakouts, or just a few pimples) often responds to good daily skin care and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help boost the effectiveness of OTC acne products.

What is the best body wash for acne?

Acne Treatment Body Wash or Cleanser. Choose a body was h containing a hydroxy acid or benzoyl peroxide to target the growth of bacteria, dead skin buildup, and excessive oil production. You can find body wash for acne that contains these agents at most drug stores.

What is the best spray for back pain?

Sprays in particular are great for those hard-to-reach places on your back. An option to consider is the Salicylic Acid Body Spray by Acne Free, which is fast-drying and contains aloe vera to protect your skin from excessive dryness. Just keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide can stain your clothes.

How to get rid of acne after workout?

Once you start on a proven acne-treatment routine, there are a few steps you can take to boost the effectiveness of your treatments. Shower ASAP after sweating. Although body acne isn't caused by a lack of cleanliness, it can be irritated by sweat. So make sure you shower right after a workout.

Why does stress cause acne?

It can also take longer for acne breakouts to clear up when you're under stress, since stress hinders the body's ability to repair wounds. 5.

What are the two types of acne?

There are two types of acne: inflammatory acne and non-inflammatory acne. Most people who have acne have some form of non-inflammatory acne —with the most common comedones being whiteheads and blackheads. You may have comedones on your back, chest, shoulders, and buttocks too; these regions are particularly prone to inflammatory acne ...

How to prevent breakouts after workout?

So make sure you shower right after a workout. Minimize anything that rubs against breakout-prone areas. Anything that traps heat against the skin, or causes friction, can worsen breakouts. This includes sports equipment, backpacks, purse and bra straps, and tight clothing.

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Causes of Body Acne

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Therapies

  • You can find effective acne treatments at your local drugstore or online. OTC acne medicines are an excellent first defense against body acne. That said, it's not likely that the OTC acne treatmentyou choose will work overnight. So, try to stick with a treatment for at least three months before discontinuing its use. As you search for an OTC acne treatment, keep an eye out …
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Prescriptions

  • Body acne is stubborn, so moderate acne and severe breakouts may not get better with the OTC options listed above. Instead, you may need to bring in some more potent prescription treatmentsto get those breakouts under control. Don't wait too long to see a healthcare provider for prescription acne treatment, especially if your acne is severely inflamed. Body acne can caus…
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Lifestyle

  • Once you start on a proven acne-treatment routine, there are a few steps you can take to boost the effectiveness of your treatments.
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Summary

  • Body acne, like facial acne, can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. In addition, genetics, hormones, and stress may cause it. OTC cleansers, medicated lotions, AHAs, and combination products may help to clear mild body acne. However, more moderate to severe cases may require prescription-strength treatment.
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A Word from Verywell

  • It can take a lot of time to clear a case of back acne successfully, so try to be patient. In addition, you must be very consistent with your acne treatment medications and daily skincare routine. Let a healthcare provider know if you don't feel like your medications are working. It can take several tries before finding the treatment that works for you. But with the proper treatment, you should b…
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