Dermalogica's Annet King: Advice for back acne sufferers

By April MacIntyre Aug 10, 2010, 23:24 GMT

Dermalogica\'s Director of Global Information, Annet King, is always available to Monsters and Critics as an expert for various skin conditions, and she has shared with us some helpful advice from The International Dermal Institute to provide the "Do’s and Don’ts" for treating and preventing back acne, especially in these sweltering summer months where increased perspiration exacerbates the problem.

Back acne is a hardship for anyone afflicted. The skin condition can be quite painful and the stresses of having acne on such a widespread area can also affect mood and self-confidence.

Dermalogica's Director of Global Information, Annet King, is always available to Monsters and Critics as an expert for various skin conditions, and she has shared with us some helpful advice from The International Dermal Institute to provide the "Do’s and Don’ts" for treating and preventing back acne, especially in these sweltering summer months where increased perspiration exacerbates the problem.

Back acne, also known as “Bacne,” is a very common skin condition among teens and young adults. It is important to take care of the skin on your back as you would your face.

However as the clothes we wear trap sweat and dead skin cells, causing this area (which is hard to reach) to breakout – what to do?

King's back acne advice:

Cleansing: Be sure to use a soap and fragrance-free anti-bacterial cleansing wash. Many people over-cleanse the skin with harsh soaps and use vigorous scrubbing tools and products. The use of Alkaline-based surfactants or soaps not only rob skin of moisture, but also provide a bacteria-loving environment. This can also exacerbate the breakouts and slow down the healing process. 

Toning: Spritz with an oil and bacteria controlling toner. Many bacne sufferers will try mentholated and alcohol astringents which provide a cooling sensation on their skin, however in most cases these are S.D.-Alcohol based, which strips the skin of lipids, causing the skin to over-produce oil. Look for alcohol-free toners in “smart trigger” packaging that allow for easy spritzing over your back. Before heading out to the gym, pack anti-bacterial wipes to use after you workout.

Exfoliate gently: Many people use Loofahs and brushes to try and rid the skin of back acne, which only worsens the condition. The use of such tools causes micro-lacerations in the skin, making it once again a hospitable environment for bacteria to breed and grow. A gentle fragrance-free scrub should be lightly massaged over the area and washed off.

Don’t squeeze and pick: Seek out the help of a professional skin therapist to give you a back treatment to clear impactions, exfoliate gently and dry up the lesions with high frequency, a machine that omits an ozone gas that kills bacteria and heals pimples. Use a topical spot reducer instead and apply a clay masque twice a week for 15 minutes and rinse off.

Tips & Tricks:

Ø    Treat the affected area overnight with a Salicylic Acid-based gel as well as during the day.

Ø    Avoid waxy hair product that may come in contact with the skin on the back.

Ø    Wear cotton clothing versus synthetic fibers which can trap oil and dead cells.

Ø    Pillow and sheet hygiene is a must! Pillowcases should be changed at least every other day and sheets twice a week.  Avoid using fabric conditioners on bed linens as they can cause a breakout.

Ø    Avoid tanning beds! Many believe that this will speed up the breakouts however the effects are only temporary. UV exposure increases cell production, causing more breakouts.

Dermalogica revolutionized the skin care industry by excluding common irritants, including SD alcohol, lanolin, mineral oil and artificial colors and fragrances. Jane Wurwand developed the products to better support the advanced curriculum she had developed a few years earlier for The International Dermal Institute, which she also founded. To learn more about Dermalogica® and the brand’s concept spaces, please visit www.dermalogica.com.