Back and Body Acne: Causes and How to Clear It

Back and body acne (“bacne”) forms the same way as facial acne: oil and dead skin clog pores and acne bacteria inflame them. The back, chest and shoulders have many oil glands and are often trapped under sweaty clothing, straps and backpacks, which makes breakouts there common and stubborn. Most mild to moderate back acne clears with a benzoyl peroxide wash left on for a few minutes, a retinoid and a few habit changes. Deep, painful or scarring body acne needs a dermatologist.

This guide covers what causes body acne, a step-by-step routine that works, how to tell acne from fungal acne and other look-alikes, and the in-office and prescription treatments for stubborn cases.

What causes back and body acne?

• Oil glands: the upper back, chest and shoulders have plenty of them, and the skin is thicker, so pores clog easily.
• Sweat and friction: tight workout clothes, sports gear, backpack straps and bra straps trap sweat and rub skin, a type called acne mechanica.
• Hormones and genetics: the same drivers as facial acne; body acne often runs in families.
• Products: heavy body lotions, oily sunscreens and hair conditioner rinsing down the back can clog pores.
• Some medicines and supplements: such as steroids and some muscle-building supplements.

A routine that clears back acne

1. Benzoyl peroxide wash daily. Start with about 5%; 10% is the strongest sold without a prescription. Leave it on for 2 to 5 minutes, then rinse. The contact time lets it work on thick back skin, and rinsing limits bleaching of towels and shirts.
2. Adapalene 0.1% gel once a day after showering or at bedtime, to unclog pores. A lotion applicator helps you reach your back.
3. Wash gently. Skip loofahs, back brushes, scrubs and antibacterial soaps, which irritate skin and make acne worse.
4. Shower soon after sweating, or use an oil-free cleansing wipe and change clothes if you cannot.
5. Wear loose cotton or sweat-wicking clothes, and wash workout clothes after each use.
6. Rinse conditioner off your back and wash your body last in the shower.
7. Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products, including SPF 30+ on exposed skin; sun darkens acne marks and makes them last longer.
8. Change sheets weekly and pillowcases more often, and do not pick.

Our guide to benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid explains how to choose and combine acne ingredients.

Is it acne, or something that looks like it?

Condition	Clues	Treatment
Acne	Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples of different sizes; may be tender	Benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, prescriptions
Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)	Small, uniform, itchy bumps on the chest and back; worse with heat and sweat; no blackheads	Antifungal washes or pills; acne products do not help
Bacterial folliculitis	Pus bumps around hairs, often after shaving or hot tubs	Antibacterial washes or antibiotics
Keratosis pilaris	Rough, tiny bumps on upper arms and thighs	Gentle exfoliating lotions

If body “acne” is itchy and does not respond after several weeks of acne treatment, have it checked, because fungal acne needs a different treatment.

When to see a dermatologist

• No improvement after 6 to 8 weeks of consistent home treatment.
• Deep, painful lumps or cysts, which need treatment right away; see our cystic acne guide.
• Acne leaving dark marks or scars.
• Itchy bumps that might be fungal or another condition.

A dermatologist can prescribe stronger topicals, a short course of oral antibiotics, hormonal treatment for women, or isotretinoin for severe body acne, and treat individual cysts with a cortisone injection.

In-office treatments for body acne

• Forever Clear BBL: high-intensity blue light that targets acne bacteria and calms inflammation on the back, chest and face, with no downtime. Most people need 3 to 6 sessions.
• Chemical peels: help clear clogged pores and fade the brown marks body acne leaves.
• For scars once acne is controlled, see how to get rid of acne scars.

Cost at Glow Theory

New clients save $50 on Forever Clear BBL. Prescription costs depend on the medicine and your pharmacy.

Body acne treatment in Carlsbad

Our dermatology team confirms what is causing your breakouts and builds a plan to clear them and prevent marks and scars. See acne treatment in Carlsbad and prescription skin treatments, or book a visit at our studio on El Camino Real in South Carlsbad.