How to Prevent Breakouts on Your Back

Pimples can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, chest and back. They are often due to bacteria, sweat and dirt, which accumulate on the skin and lead to breakouts. While there are many things you can do to get rid of pimples or acne on your back, you are better off not getting them in the first place. If you employ a dedicated skin care regime, you can effectively prevent breakouts on your back.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial cleanser Body scrub Loofah Benzoyl peroxide Witch hazel

Instructions

1. Wash your back daily using an antibacterial cleanser. This will remove sweat, excess oil and bacteria, all of which can lead to breakouts on the back. If you have a particularly oily back, use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, a key ingredient to balance skin's oil production levels.

2. Exfoliate your back. If you don't exfoliate regularly, dead skin cells on the surface of your skin can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Use a body scrub and loofah to exfoliate your back two to three times weekly.

3. Apply an acne treatment cream to your back. Creams that contain benzoyl peroxide are particularly effective at preventing breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide absorbs excess oil and eliminates bacteria.

4. Use witch hazel on your back. This natural remedy works to combat acne and keep breakouts at bay. Simply apply a bit of witch hazel to a cotton ball and spread it over your back.

5. Change out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible. If you remain in sweaty tops, the bacteria and sweat can clog your pores, leading to breakouts. It's best to wash your back as soon as possible after sweating. If you are not able to do so, at least change your shirt.

6. Wear loose, cotton tops. Tight clothing traps sweat and bacteria against your skin, leading to breakouts. Likewise, synthetic clothing doesn't allow your skin to breathe properly, often causing breakouts.

Tips & Warnings

• Eat a healthy diet. If you consume nutritious foods, you'll be less prone to breakouts.

• Do not pick or scratch at any pimples on your back. You could scar your skin.

References

• Health911
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Acne.org