Summer Skin: BACNE an Issue?

I wish I could take credit for this term: BACNE. It’s Acne. On your Back. Isn’t that so clever?!

While it is a catchy and clever mashup, it is NOT what we want to be seeing on our skin! Especially during seasons when we are baring a little more skin! (hello summer swimsuits and even winter off the shoulder formals?!) UGH! It is unsightly and I have seen this problem prevent clients from purchasing the wedding gown or prom dress of their dreams! So what can we do?

First, we have to determine what TYPE of acne it is (you read that correctly; acne comes in many forms!) Is it an “Acne Imposter” such as folliculitis? This is where we will see small, red clusters of “pimples,” that do not really extract, or only a light liquid comes out of them. They can sometimes itch, they will usually clear up in the sun, and it comes and goes, which can be maddening! If that sounds like you, you need to head over to this post for all the deets!

What if it is true acne, though? Typically, when acne presents on the back, we will see it either as the above mentioned folliculitis, or it is truly INFLAMED Acne. There is no in between really! (OK. Maybe the occasional whitehead which can pop out anywhere, but we are talking persistent skin issues here!) What is Inflamed Acne, then? This is also going to be red in color, but it will not come and go and maybe be a little itchy and annoying. Nope. Inflamed will usually be painful, red, and swollen. It can be present as many pustules (those whiteheads that look like they will explode if you just brush up against it! You know the ones!) or papules (these are what I grew up hearing and still clients describe them as the underground zit! It hurts, and you squeeze, but nothing! OR, if it does extract, holy cow!) You may also find yourself experiencing painful nodules or cysts (like papules, but larger in size, and sometimes require medical intervention).

So what can be done about this!?! First things first, you have to bring the inflammation downnnnnnnnnn! Use more cold on the skin than heat, including clean, cold washcloths that you can lay/drape over the affected areas, or, if you have a helper or can reach the breakout yourself, use an ice cube on the affected breakouts for up to 2 minutes, twice a day (but don’t give yourself frostbite! Keep that cube moving!)

Next, you will need to use products that will also bring that inflammation down! After ensuring you are NOT allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide (this can be done by test patching a BP gel on the inside of your forearem for 3 days in a row!), I recommend a Benzoyl Peroxide Face and Body Wash, to be used twice a day, followed by a Salicylic Serum 1-2 times/day, and then a layer of Benzoyl Peroxide over that! This combo will make you sun sensitive, so being on the right SPF is critical! How do you know if it’s right? The majority of sunscreens actually increase breakouts!......Ask your skin specialist! And the most basic zinc oxide is my absolute favorite! It is actually going to help bring down inflammation, plus it is a sunblock! How awesome?!

Some added pointers if this is a summer time concern for you, chlorine will make it worse! The BEST thing you can do before you enter a chlorinated pool, is to use your zinc oxide, let it absorb about 5-10 minutes, then add a layer of petroleum jelly directly on top of that! (I swear! It doesn’t clog pores!) Then reapply your SPF as needed, and be certain to shower thoroughly, with your Benzoyl Peroxide Wash after swimming!

If you are using gym equipment, or wearing shoulder pads, or helmets (if you see this acne on your face too!), that constant exposure to bacteria, as well as the friction of that equipment against your skin, can wreak havoc! The same applies as with the pool. Use that petroleum jelly as a barrier, but also be certain to wipe down all equipment or anything touching your skin with 70-99% pure alcohol, and allow to air dry before putting it on or working out! The alcohol will help to kill bacteria on the surfaces, and the petroleum jelly will help provide a barrier to cut back on the friction against your acne prone skin! After your sweat sesh, be certain to shower ASAP, using a Benzoyl Peroxide Wash again!

One other quick tip about Benzoyl Peroxide, it doesn’t play well with heat! So be certain to skip the gel or lotion based BPs, until AFTER the workouts or swimming! Also, along with bleaching everything, it can definitely travel around the face and body!!! So be sure to only wear this with light colored clothing, and do not apply a serum before or a moisturizer after (unless your Acne Specialist gives you instructions to do so!)

Keep in mind, the skin cannot heal itself from any ailment overnight. I always compare skin conditions (like acne or bacne) to a cut that would require stitches! The stitches are placed because the skin needs time to restore itself. Then, even after removal, you will still see evidence of the skin healing itself (discoloration, scarring, etc). So do not wait until the last minute to try and “heal” your bacne! Get a jump start, and hopefully these pointers will help! Reach out and let us know if you need more assistance or you need help determining which type of breakout you are having! We love to help our friends!