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When Should I Get Back Acne Treatment Singapore?

back acne singapore

When Should I Get Back Acne Treatment Singapore?

We are all familiar with acne— incessant little pimples that appear every now and then on our face. However, the face is not the only place acne appears on, they can also appear on the back as well. If you’re looking for back acne treatment in Singapore, back acne laser treatment, or even back acne scars treatment, you have come to the right place. 

But before we dive into them, let us first talk about back acne, or “bacne” as it’s commonly referred to as. 

Back Acne – Explained

So as we know, bacne is acne that develops on your back. Like face acne, bacne appear as red or white bumps that may cause discomfort, irritation, and can also look unsightly.

Every pore has an opening called a follicle. This follicle contains hair and produces a gland called the sebaceous gland, or oil gland, or also commonly known as ‘sebum’. The function of the sebum is to help remove dead skin cells, keep our skin moisturized, and prevent it from drying out. 

However, when a build up of excess sebum comes into contact with bacteria and dead skin cells, it may clog the pores, resulting with what we know as acne.

Though acne appear most commonly on the face and forehead, it can also appear on other areas of the body such as our chest, shoulders, and back. These pimples at the back are what we call “bacne”.

Causes of Back Acne

Besides that, back acne usually occurs due to sweat trapped under a shirt, or athletic gear during exercise, or strenuous physical activity. 

Some clothing types may also rub against one’s sweaty skin, leading to acne or causing them to become inflamed. 

Other causes of back acne are:

  • Genetics: Acne issues can sometimes run in your family
  • Medications: Certain medications like some antidepressants are known for causing acne as a side effect 
  • Hormones: Hormonal changes during puberty in the teenage years are the most common cause of acne. For women past puberty, pimple outbreaks can be linked to hormonal changes that occur during menstruation and pregnancy.
  • Sweat: Especially if  trapped under tight clothing, sweat can cause acne to worsen
  • Stress: Stress has not been proven to be a direct cause of acne, but it could be a contributing factor
  • Food: Some research even suggests that certain carbohydrates such as white bread and potato chips can also increase your blood sugar levels and contribute to acne. Dairy products might even be a trigger for acne outbreak for some. 

Though we classify these little bumps on our back as pimples, there are several different types of back acne that can develop. Understanding them will be beneficial so you understand their causes and how to better treat them. Let’s take a look at some common back acne types:

  • Blackheads: Blackheads are open comedones, and they are one of the most common types of acne. Blackheads appear when sebum and dead skin cells clog the pores. The pores remain open despite being blocked, hence appearing as a blackish surface. 
  • Whiteheads: Whiteheads are closed comedones that also form when the pores get clogged by a combination of sebum and dead skin cells. Unlike blackheads which are open, the pores of whiteheads are closed. This is why they have a whitish appearance and look like small bumps protruding from the skin. 
  • Papules: Papules are small red bumps usually about less than five millimeters in diameter. Papules form when excess oil and skin cells clog the pores. The oil in these clogged pores then feed on bacteria that live on your skin, resulting in an inflamed lesion called papules. 
  • Pustules: Pustules are essentially papules that are filled with white or yellow pus. They usually present themselves as white bumps surrounded by red skin. Pustules are most commonly found on the back, chest, and face, though they can develop on any part of the body. 

So how can we prevent back acne from developing?

As acne develops mainly due to a build up of sweat, dirt, and oil, it is important to maintain good hygiene and prevent sweat from being trapped on the skin. Here are some examples of how to maintain good hygiene and prevent accumulation of sweat:

  • Change your clothes after you sweat
  • Keep your skin clean
  • Limit the use of sports equipment, such as football pads, and heavy backpacks
  • Manage stress levels
  • Remember to use sunscreen
  • Use non-comedogenic products

1. Shower or change your clothes after a workout

Avoid letting sweat and dirt sit on your skin after a workout. Shower as soon as you can. If you can’t, then changing into a set of clean clothes after workout will help to keep your back dry and clean. You should also make sure that you wash your sweaty workout clothes thoroughly to prevent dirt from accumulating. 

2. Exfoliate your skin

Try using a gentle exfoliating scrub with ingredients such as salicylic acid to remove extra dirt and oils from your skin. This can greatly help to reduce build up of dead skin that may clog the pores.

3. Wear loose fitting clothing

Your workout habits can irritate back acne. For example, tight clothing can trap dirt and sweat and rub it into your pores. Working out with no shirt against a sweaty gym machine or on a dirty floor, can also cause problems.

Another way to prevent sweat and dirt from sticking to your back is to wear loose fitting clothings instead of tight ones. 

Also, if you like to workout without a shirt on, you might want to rethink that as your body’s contact with a sweaty gym machine or a dirty floor might cause problems as well. 

Try loose fitting clothing that allows your skin to breathe and helps wick away sweat.

4. Keep hair off your back

If you’re someone with long hair, you might want to consider putting it in a bun or a ponytail during sweat sessions as the contact of sweaty hair and skin may be contributing to the oil and dirt on your back. That said, it helps to also wash your hair regularly, especially after exercise. 

6. Choose the right sunscreen for your skin

Protecting your skin from damaging sun is important, especially if you’re exposing your bare back. But greasy sunscreen can also contribute to clogging pores. Make sure to choose products that are oil-free and light on the skin.

7. Eat clean

Ever heard the expression, “you are what you eat”? 

An unhealthy diet can affect our bodies in many ways, and contributing to acne is one of them.

A study by the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that foods high on the Glycemic Index (GI) may cause acne to be worse. High GI foods refers to those that cause your blood sugar to rise quickly, and they include white breads, white pasta and rice, and white potatoes, etc.

It’s good to eat a healthy and balanced diet that consists of a lot of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein.

Types of Back Acne Treatment

Here are a few simple ways to treat back acne:

1.  Avoid popping or squeezing the pimples

As tempting as it may be, avoid popping or pickling at your acne as it may lead to an infected pimple, as well as acne scars. 

2. Try topical creams, gels, and cleansers

Topical creams like Benzoyl peroxide products can help clear back acne. When using a Benzoyl Peroxide cleanser, allow the medicine to stay on the pimples for up to five minutes before rinsing it off. You can also use retinoid gel or an acne sticker that releases salicylic acid medication into the acne over several hours.

Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic offers a range of solutions to help you fight those pesky back acnes.

laser back acne facial treatment singapore

This back laser therapy treatment that Eeva offers is a favourite amongst patients, and here’s why. With a treatment time of only 10-15 minutes, this treatment option is also known as a “lunchtime” treatment because of its convenience. It is also a painless, non-invasive option that has almost no downtime. This Korean InstaGlow Back Laser therapy helps reduces dark marks and blemishes, reduce acne outbreak, removes dead skin cells, and brightens skin on the back– all at an affordable cost. 

  • Hydra Clear Back Peel 

back acne facial clear peel treatment singapore

Our four-step tech back facial helps clean up clogged and acne-laden skin, while also removing blemishes and pigmentation!

This treatment helps remove dirt and grease off by using an ultrasonic technology to deep-clean your skin of dead skin cells. Finishing off with an anti-oxident infusion to seal in moisture, the Hydra Clear Back Peel treatment leaves your back refreshed and glowing after just 30 minutes!

  • Acne Clear Facial

back acne facial treatment singapore

The ultimate no-fuss upper back facial for acne prone skin allows you to bare your back again!

This option features deep cleansing and purifying back treatment to clear zits, blemishes, and impurities with micronutrients. It helps calm and smooth your back with micronutrients

When To See a Doctor?

Back acnes are usually easily treatable at home. However, it is crucial to see a doctor if your back acne starts to get more severe, such as if it goes away and comes back almost immediately. 

You should also see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms: 

  • Development of hard or painful nodules, or pimples deep under the skin
  • Severe pain or inflammation
  • Signs of an infection such as a fever

All in all, back acne is preventable if you manage the oil and dirt accumulation of the skin on your back. It is also easily treatable at home with topical creams and gels. Our doctors at Eeva Aesthetic Medical Clinic are equipped and skilled with back acne treatment. Click here to find out more about our back acne treatment in Singapore. Reach out to us if you are interested in any of our treatment options, or are experiencing severe back acne symptoms today!

Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic