Although acne is most commonly seen on the face, it can affect other areas on the body such as the back.

What causes acne?

Once of the most common causes of acne is the production of excess oil by the skin. This is often triggered by changes in hormones, which is why acne is common during puberty and during the menstrual cycle. When too much oil is produced, the oil glands can get clogged. If the skin is not exfoliated correctly to remove the clogged oil glands, acne breakouts can be seen. Sometimes you see blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, or deep cysts. The buildup of oil creates the perfect environment for the excess growth of normal bacteria that are on your skin. If too much bacteria start to grow in the area the breakout can appear red and inflamed.

How can I treat acne on my back?

Acne on the back can be treated similar to acne on the face. The biggest difference, of course, is the location on your body. Unlike the face, the back can be hard to reach so you may need help if you want to apply topical products. Also unlike the face, the back is usually covered with clothing. So when you sweat, it is important to shower right away. Or else the sweat can clog your pores and lead to acne on your body.

Treating acne is done in a number of ways. First, it is important to keep the skin clean. So be sure to wash your skin daily. There are many topical skin care products that you can use. Remember that the topical products should be applied on the entire area, not just on the spots where you see breakouts. Common ingredients include retinol, retin-A (also called tretinoin), salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, and azelaic acid. Other products that help with dark spots left over from breakouts (sometimes incorrectly called acne scars) include hydroquinone, kojic acid, licorice extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, and a variety of fruit extracts. Oral medications include antibiotics such as doxycycline, birth control pills, and Accutane or isotretinoin for severe cases. Acne can also be treated with in-office procedures. A chemical peel such as the Red Carpet Peel shown in the video demonstration below can be extremely effective in treating acne on the body, especially when you combine it with topical skin care products. Laser treatments such as the Acne Laser Treatment, Micro Laser Peel, and Ultra Microneedling can also help.

Red Carpet Peel Demonstration for Acne on the Back

Dr. Alex has performed over 10,000 cosmetic treatments with many satisfied patients. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Alex in our Encino, CA office.