Most of us will suffer an acne breakout at some point in our lives. Some of us will experience pimples, whiteheads or blackheads on our face. Others will suffer outbreaks on our buttocks, chest, arms, shoulders, neck, scalp, legs. In fact, developing acne on your back is so common that it is often jokingly referred to as “backne”. Nobody likes body acne, but you need to understand the cause of this condition in order to eliminate it.

Body acne is generally caused by clogged pores that attract dirt and grime and eventually suffocate the skin. Sweat, oil and dirt collect in the pores and promote the growth of bacteria beneath the skin. Although this process is similar to facial acne, bacteria and friction from clothing normally cause body acne.

First of all, you should try to wear light clothes that are breathable as often as possible. This will reduce the amount of sweating you do which often irritates the pores and results in acne breakouts. If you wear too much clothing or bulky, heavy items too often, you may also develop acne. Because the area of your back is very pore-sensitive, becoming too warm will cause you to sweat and attract dirt to the oil glands in this area of your body.

Many of you will develop acne because you tend to neglect those hard-to-reach areas like your back. Your face provides a constant reminder of acne every time you look in the mirror. However, you may forget about the importance of properly cleaning areas such as your back, neck or chest. Because body acne is caused by clogged pores, you should get in the habit of using a waterless cleanser all over your back each day. Try doing this each morning as soon as you come out of the shower. This way, you will get so used to the routine that you will no longer view it as an inconvenience.

Given that bacteria and friction are the most common causes of body acne, you can take very simple precautions to avoid the embarrassing condition. Start by getting in the habit of wearing, lighter, more breathable clothing and then make it a point to wash all affected areas with a waterless cleanser on a daily basis. If you do these two things, you will find that your body acne will disappear as fast as it came!