Most of us have experienced back acne at some point in our lives. Whether small pimples or cystic spots, acne across the back or the rest of the body can be frustrating.
It may be hard to reach, but that doesn’t mean it has to be hard to treat. Read on to learn how LED therapy could help you with “bacne”.
What causes back acne and body acne?
When it comes to tackling acne, understanding the underlying cause is key to preventing breakouts and achieving clearer-looking skin.
While back and body acne (common across the chest, shoulders and upper arms) share the same root causes as facial acne, a combination of excess oil, clogged pores and bacteria, additional factors can also contribute:
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Sweat: Creates a moist environment perfect for breeding bacteria, while helping to combine dead skin cells and oil, leading to clogged pores.
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Clothing: Tight clothing can rub and irritate the skin while trapping bacteria and sweat, particularly when made from non-breathable fabrics—think gym wear.
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Hair and body products: Shampoo, conditioner, body washes and lotions can irritate the skin and clog pores.
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Hormonal changes: Puberty, pregnancy and menopause can all cause an increase in oil production.
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Lifestyle factors: Stress can increase cortisol levels, triggering oil production, while high-glycemic foods (those which cause blood sugar levels to spike) can increase levels of insulin and other hormones linked to oil production and inflammation.
How to treat back acne and body acne
Typically formulated with antibacterial benzoyl peroxide or exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid, topical back and body acne treatments aim to prevent spots from forming and treat existing blemishes by killing the bacteria responsible for causing inflammation and unclogging pores.
While these over-the-counter options can provide relief for mild cases, if breakouts are painful, severe, or persistent, it is best to consult a dermatologist to help identify underlying causes and any complementary treatments.
At-home treatments to help support acne-prone skin
If you’re wondering how to get rid of bacne and body acne without the use of harsh chemicals or hard-to-apply topicals, look no further than blue light LED therapy.
This gentle, non-invasive blemish-clearing solution uses the power of blue light to eliminate blemish-causing bacteria, balance oil production and reduce inflammation for clearer, calmer skin.
"Blue light penetrates the upper layers of the skin and helps destroy acne-causing bacteria while calming inflammation. Consistent use can lead to clearer, calmer skin and fewer breakouts. "
- Dr Pyal, Dermatologist, The Beauty Tech Group Medical Board
LED light therapy panel for back and body breakouts
Designed to cover large areas like back, shoulders and chest, LED Light Therapy Panels combine clinically proven blue (415nm), red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm) and deep near-infrared (1072nm), to help treat blemishes and help prevent new ones from forming, while supporting tissue repair. This helps to speed up the healing process and reduce scarring.
How to prevent back acne and body acne
Lifestyle adjustments, including showering immediately after exercise or periods of sweating, changing workout clothes frequently, and exfoliating 1 to 2 times a week, can help prevent clogged pores and prevent acne across the back and body.
Managing stress and following a healthy, balanced diet is also key, helping to reduce inflammation in the body and avoid hormonal spikes. However, if acne persists even after at-home treatments and lifestyle changes, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist for tailored advice.
Support clearer skin with a blue light therapy panel
Although back and body acne are common, they are manageable and can be treated effectively. As is the case where most skincare therapies are concerned, consistency is key to seeing the best results.
Looking for quick and comfortable at-home treatments supercharged by red light therapy, the CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Panel delivers the self-care sessions you won’t want to miss.
