Acne, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, can leave your face and body covered in unsightly bumps. While the acne on your face may give you the most grief, it could also occur on your chest, shoulders, and back. In fact, over half of those with acne have back acne.1 So if you are struggling with a crop of pimples, blackheads, or painful cysts and lumps on your back, how do you cope?
To get rid of mild to moderate acne and prevent scars, use the following natural remedies. For severe cases, supplement your mainstream treatment of topical medication or antibiotics with these steps for added effect.
1. Start With Gentle Cleansing
Though people often feel dirt and grime cause acne, that isn’t really the case. That said, a good skincare regimen wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Be gentle with how you clean your back if you already have acne. Don’t scrub away at the pimples as these could leave you with scars.2 Stick to lukewarm water – anything too hot or too cold is harsh on the skin.
2. Don’t Wash Your Back Too Much
If you wash your back incessantly in the hope that it will fix your back acne, stop right away. Constant washing and scrubbing can dry the skin, irritate it more, and worsen the problem. Washing twice a day is ample.3
3. But Shampoo Regularly
It is important to keep your hair clean and grease-free to help your cause. If you’re generally oily skinned, the greasiness can easily spread from your hair and shoulders to the upper back. If you have oily hair, washing it every day with a gentle cleanser may not be a bad idea.4
4. Cut Off Greasy Cosmetics
If your cosmetics are greasy, they could cause the follicle cells to stick together, leading to closed pores and worsening acne. Water-based or oil-free cosmetics are a smarter choice. Use a mild, unscented soap or shower gel and follow up woth a fragrance-free, water-based moisturizer. Look for cosmetics labeled “noncomedogenic”– these cosmetics are designed for acne-prone skin and do not have any ingredients which may clog the pores.5
5. Use Natural Remedies Like Turmeric And Aloe Vera
If you already have back acne, your priority will be minimizing scarring and preventing further breakouts. Some simple home remedies and easily available herbal treatments could help.
Turmeric
Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties – invaluable to someone with acne. Mix with honey or water to make a paste and apply on the back. Wash off once dry. You could also consume it in your diet. Pregnant women should, however, exercise caution with the quantities they consume as too much could stimulate the uterus.6
Aloe Vera
Another topical remedy for acne scars is aloe vera gel. This soothing plant extract helps ease inflammation associated with acne. It also has antibacterial properties. When used topically on back acne it can help reduce the swelling and redness of the acne.7
Guggul
Popular ayurvedic remedy guggul has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This can be put to use to treat acne. Researchers point out that it is especially beneficial to those with oily skin because it reduces the secretion of oily sebum by the body. This herbal remedy also helps block the bacterial metabolism of the triglycerides in the body that could play a role in the appearance of acne.8
Green Tea Extract
Research has shown that a 2 percent green tea extract lotion can help ease symptoms in mild to moderate acne. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties are beneficial in battling acne. Alternatively, brew a cup of green tea and cool it before using it to wash your back.9
Tea Tree Oil
Over-the-counter gels with 5 percent tea tree oil can help those with mild or moderate acne. Simply apply these to the affected area on your back and leave on as directed for it to take effect.10
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil added to a base carrier oil (like grapeseed oil) can be used for topical treatment of acne. The oil reduces inflammation and hastens skin cell healing. It also helps prevent scarring.11
6. Avoid The Sun
If you have acne and are being treated, avoid direct sunlight exposure. Acne treatment medication can make you susceptible to sunburn.12
7. Don’t Pop Pimples
If you are hoping to prevent further scarring, let the pimple pop on its own and subside. If you try and squeeze or pick at it, you could end up scarring your back permanently. If required, get medication and medical treatment for severe acne, but resist the urge to pop the pimples.13
8. Have Brewer’s Yeast
One variety of brewer’s yeast (CBS 5926) is said to help reduce acne when consumed orally.14 You can have about one or two tablespoons daily, either added to your food or mixed with water or juice.15 Avoid it, however, if you are prone to yeast infections or are allergic to yeast.
9. Up Your Zinc Intake
Zinc can help reduce pustules and have a positive effect on acne. This has been attributed by some researchers to its anti-inflammatory effect.16 You can boost your zinc intake by consuming lamb, oysters, beef, poultry, legumes like black-eyed peas or lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.17
Your Doubts Answered
[question_with_expert_opinion opinionid=sheetalsuvarna_27]
References
