Back Acne: Why It Happens and What a Clinical Treatment Involves

Back skin is thicker than facial skin and has plenty of oil glands, so pores clog easily. The usual contributors:

• Sweat left on the skin after workouts, hot yoga or a long commute.
• Friction and pressure from tight clothing, backpack straps, sports bras and gear. Dermatologists call this acne mechanica.
• Hormones, which raise oil production, often around the menstrual cycle.
• Heavy products: thick body lotions, some sunscreens, and hair conditioner running down your back in the shower.
• Stress and sleep, which affect oil production and inflammation.

Acne mechanica is acne triggered or worsened by friction, pressure, heat and covered skin. It's common in athletes, cyclists, climbers, and anyone who carries a backpack daily. It often clusters exactly where straps or gear sit.

1. Shower and change out of sweaty clothes soon after exercise.
2. Wear breathable, loose fabrics for workouts when you can.
3. Wash gym clothes, sports bras, towels and pillowcases often.
4. Rinse conditioner off your back last in the shower.
5. Choose non-comedogenic body products and sunscreen.
6. Don't pick. It can lead to dark marks and scarring.

Our Back Acne Treatment is a facial for your back, shoulders and upper arms. It's offered as an upper-back session (90 minutes) or a whole-back session (120 minutes). A typical session:

1. Skin assessment: where breakouts cluster, what you use, your routine.
2. Deep cleanse to lift oil and debris.
3. Professional exfoliation to clear dead skin that clogs pores.
4. Extractions where appropriate. These can be briefly uncomfortable.
5. A calming, purifying mask.
6. LED light to settle the skin.
7. A soothing moisturiser.

Choose the upper-back session if breakouts are mainly on your shoulders, upper back and upper arms. Choose the whole back if they reach your lower back. A series of three upper-back sessions is available at a reduced price; prices are on the treatment page.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, breakouts are often linked to "heat" and "dampness," which diet, stress, sleep and the menstrual cycle can influence. Your practitioner may ask about spicy or greasy food, alcohol, sleep and stress as part of the conversation. Small changes there sometimes make a noticeable difference.

Flat red or brown marks after a breakout usually fade with time and sun protection. Deeper scarring is harder to change. Ask your practitioner about options, and see our guide to acne scars and texture.

See a doctor or dermatologist for deep, painful cysts, acne that's leaving scars, acne that doesn't respond to good habits and facials, or a sudden flare alongside other symptoms. Prescription treatment may be needed, and facials can complement it.

Back Acne Treatment is performed by Mina at our Yaletown clinic. Active clients often come from Kitsilano via the seawall and from Burnaby by SkyTrain.