Did you know that our skin is our body’s largest organ? It’s essential for keeping the health of our internal organs, muscles, and bones. It keeps us all together! Skin represents who we are and gives others their first impression of us. When back acne attacks teenagers, this can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience.
Teenage back acne affects everyone differently; some people have minimal problems with back acne, while others are plagued by it. Acne affects three-quarters of all Americans aged 11 to 30, and 17 million Americans suffer acne at any given time. It can even last until adulthood and beyond. The face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders are often affected.
Things to know before treating teenage back acne
Because there are different levels of acne, numerous treatment options are available. Acne severity varies from person to person, and it can come and go at any time, getting better or worse without warning. Consider the following suggestions before deciding on a treatment to get rid of back acne:
- The goal of treatment is to minimize acne scarring while reducing breakouts and preventing new breakouts.
- Treatment regimens take time and patience to implement.
- It’s critical to stick to the treatment plan so you can see whether it’s working or generating adverse effects.
- Acne should not be picked or irrigated irritated because this can lead to additional inflammation.
- Laser hair removal, waxing, and exfoliation should be avoided during acne treatment.
Treating mild to moderate back acne
Mild Acne
Over-the-counter topical treatments (applied directly to the skin) may be sufficient. Resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur are all contained in many of these products. These ingredients are responsible for:
Dissolving blackheads and whiteheads (resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur).
Killing germs, oil production slowing, and a peeling agent to clean pores (benzoyl peroxide).
Inflammation control (salicylic acid).
Other treatment suggestions
- Creams are more effective on dry or irritated skin.
- You may prefer a gel-based acne product if you have oily skin.
- Treatment is best done at night and needs patience; read the product packaging instructions thoroughly.
- If the cream or gel treatment isn’t working, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to take orally.
- It is essential to follow the doctor’s recommendation for the duration of the treatment.
- A combination of therapies may be required to see what works and what doesn’t work for each individual.
- The results may take six to twelve weeks to show.
Moderate Acne
- If you don’t see any improvement after using an over-the-counter topical treatment, then visit your doctor.
- During acne flare-ups, you may need to use topical creams or gels for an extended period, as well as antibiotics.
- If you’re on antibiotics, follow the doctor’s recommendation for the duration of your treatment.
- Some antibiotics have side effects or can discolor your teeth, so talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about how to take them and what it means.
Note: If you use a retinoid-containing product, it may cause skin irritation and sun sensitivity. Retinoids help to prevent future outbreaks by reducing inflammation.
Treating severe back acne
A doctor should treat severe teenage back acne. A cosmetic doctor or plastic surgeon can provide treatments to prevent or reduce scarring.
Tips to get rid of teenage back acne
In most cases, changing your lifestyle and using at-home remedies can help you get rid of acne. To get rid of teenage back acne, try the following techniques:
After a workout, take a shower.
Allowing sweat and debris to stay on your skin after an exercise might aggravate acne. After an exercise, shower as soon as possible. Between sweat sessions, you should also wash those sweaty workout clothes.
Exfoliate your skin
To remove excess dirt and oils from your skin, use a mild exfoliating scrub with ingredients such as salicylic acid. This can help in reducing the amount of dead skin that clogs pores.
Dress in loose-fitting clothes
Your exercising routines can aggravate teenage back acne. Tight clothing, for example, can trap dirt and sweat and rub it into your pores. Working out in sweaty gym equipment or on a dirty floor without a shirt might worsen the problem.
Choose loose-fitting clothes that allow your skin to breathe while also wicking perspiration away.
Tea tree oil is a good option.
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of an Australian tree. For years, Australians have used it to cure a range of skin problems. The ingredient can now be found in various lotions, cleansers, and creams.
Keep your hair off the back.
Long hair can cause acne breakouts by adding oil and grime to the skin on your back. Wash your hair regularly and keep it in a bun or ponytail during workouts.
Allowing conditioner or shampoo to trickle down your back is also a no-no. Ingredients in shampoo and conditioner can contribute to clogged pores.
Pay attention when selecting sunscreen.
It’s critical to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, especially if you’re exposing your bareback. Greasy sunscreen, on the other hand, can clog pores. P ick products that are oil-free and gentle on your skin.
Eat a balanced diet.
Have you ever heard the phrase “you are what you eat?” An inadequate diet can have a range of adverse effects on our bodies. Certain foods may be acne triggers if you’re prone to breakouts.
According to research, foods with a high glycemic index (GI), which means they cause your blood sugar to rise quickly, may exacerbate acne. Bread, white pasta and rice, and white potatoes are examples of such foods.