Struggling with Back Acne? Here Are 3 Dermatologist-Recommended Tips

Back acne—often called "bacne"—is a common and frustrating skin concern, especially during the warmer months when sweat, heat, and friction can aggravate breakouts. The good news? There are simple steps you can take at home to start seeing improvement. Here are three expert tips from our team at Pacific Crest Dermatology:

1. Start Using a Benzoyl Peroxide Wash

One of the most effective over-the-counter treatments for back acne is a benzoyl peroxide wash, such as PanOxyl. To get the best results, apply the wash directly to your back before you step into the shower, and leave it on for 3–5 minutes before rinsing it off. This gives the active ingredient time to fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.

💡 Pro Tip: Applying it before your shower helps avoid rinsing it off too soon while trying to reach your back mid-shampoo.

2. Change Out of Sweaty Clothes ASAP

After a workout or a hot day outside, it's important to change out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible. Sweat and friction from tight or damp clothing can irritate your skin and worsen breakouts. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics and shower soon after physical activity.

3. Watch Out for Hair Products

Conditioners, hair masks, and styling products can leave behind oily residue that clogs pores—especially if your hair touches your back. After rinsing out your hair products, wash your back to remove any residue that could be contributing to breakouts.

Want the transript for this video instead?  This is such a great question and a lot of people suffer from acne on the back, also known as back acne. So here are three tips to start. Number one, if you are not already washing with pan oxil or another type of benzoyl peroxide wash like the one shown here, then start using it. You wanna leave it on your back for about three to five minutes before rinsing off.

So I always tell my patients to put it on before you get in the shower. That way you're not in the shower trying to do a little dance to make sure it's not rinsing off, and then you rinse it off in the shower. And I would do that every time you shower. Number two, make sure that you're changing your clothes after sweating.

You don't want that bacteria, the friction from the clothes on your back, um, irritating your skin and potentially leading to more breakouts. And number three, if you're using a lot of hair products or you're using conditioner in your hair, make sure that you are washing your back afterwards so that you're getting any of that oily, um, material off of your back so that it's not contributing to your acne.

And of course, if you're still having trouble after trying some of these things at home, see a board certified dermatologist so they can give you help. There's lots of treatments that we can use.