Over the past couple of months, my back has been breaking out. Now that it’s summer time (beach time), I really want to take care of it. Has anyone had success with one certain method? I have some Neutrogena Body Clear body wash; is it very effective? What other things should I be doing to clear it up. I’ve heard that bed sheets make some difference. What else should I be doing in the shower to get rid of this? Any input would be appreciated.
Anyone?
You might want to invest in a good back scrubber. Either the soft bristle kind or the loofah type. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to buy a bottle of astringent (Sea Breeze is a good, affordable type), and use a couple of cotton balls to wipe it on your back, the same as you’d do on your face. That will clear up lots of the oil and pore-infecting substances on your back.
I’ve got the same problem, and I’ll second the astringent solution.
As a teen I never had a problem with acne, but since I’ve become an adult, for some reason my body has decided to revolt and the past year or so I’ve been struggling with bacne. Changing your sheets often is a must, and using astringent definitely will show an improvement. Also, I’d suggest checking out what kind of detergent you’re using on your clothes and make sure there’s nothing in it you’re allergic to. I don’t know about allergies, but when I switched brands I noticed it cleared up a bit. Don’t know if there’s a correllation, but it’s worth a shot.
Yep. Change (or if you only have one set, wash) your sheets at least weekly - include your pillowcases in this, as that can help prevent facial breakouts.
Detergent - I’m allergic to almost all of it. For me, it’s either Purex or one of the detergents marketed for baby clothing, although not all of those work for me either.
If you sweat a lot (from working out, just being outside or whatnot), shower as soon as you get the chance - this doesn’t necessarily mean running inside and taking a shower rather than having a beer/soda with your buddies, but get cleaned up.
Using a body pouf to exfoliate every time you shower is the best thing. Gentle circles, not scrubbing, as this will damage the skin. I had tried many products to help me with this problem and eventually came to the conclusion that too harsh a cleanser or too much scrubbing actually made it worse. Also, I’ve noticed that since I go swimming a few times a week the problem has nearly gone away.
Good luck. Oh, and NO PICKING AT THEM!!!
I’ve been having a similar problem, and notice that a good salt scrub and/or loofah helps keep the skin clear. Also, exposure to sun, saltwater, and sand are good. I think I need a beach vacation!
I’d suggest wearing breathable clothes. Cotton and other natural fibers will treat your skin a lot nicer than polyester will. Make sure whatever detergent you use is completely rinsed out and go easy on the fabric softener.
The Body Clear shower gel plus a lot of scrubbing might actually exacerbate the problem. Break outs are your skin’s way of telling you that it’s upset, so don’t do something to piss it off even more, y’know. Scrubbing is good but in moderation, and if the Body Clear stuff doesn’t give you results, try a milder skin care soap. I forget which brands they have in the States, but I’m sure you’ll get some suggestions here.
Thanks to all. Any more suggestions on body washes? (Which brand, etc.)
Try Neutrogena body washes. I think there’s one that actually treats bacne with salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin. Neutrogena is a little more expensive than cheap brands, but it rinses clean and doesn’t leave a residue to irritate your skin. Watch out for body washes that are moisturizing. They leave a film on which you don’t need. Also, stay away from bar soaps. I think they are really irritating.
Here is a suggestion…
im 19 and i took accutane to get rid of my acne that i had a few years ago.
but no matter what, if i take a very hot shower, i’ll get a few pimples…
i dont know why or what it is, maybe just because of the intense sweating going on or whatever… but really hot showers cause me to break out.
maybe if you guys take superheated mcdonalds coffee temp showers, take a warm one instead for a week and see if it doesnt help.
just a suggestion.
I’ve seen the stuff with salicyclic acid in. Does anyone have any idea how this helps?? I know it’s also used to treat warts. As far as I can tell all it does is make your skin peel off. Pleasant.
I’ve been prescribed peroxide wash in the past, and all that does is make your skin peel off as well. Still got the acne.
Very hot showers will make your pores open, if these got clogged with dirt, then, yes you will get pimples… I could also be heat rash.
Thinking about it a bit more…
If you actually have acne, rather than the occasional spot, stuff like Biactol, Clearosil and the like DO NOT WORK, don’t waste your money on them. To be honest no one really knows what causes acne, but going to your doctor and trying a few things is probably the thing to do.
body wash - something with benzoil peroxide at 10%…clean and clear is one that comes to mind. the peroxide works to kill the bacteria that is causing the outbreaks. Here’s a tip…don’t towell dry afterwards but let it air dry in front of a fan…you don’t want to wipe away the medication.
a presecription for tetracycline (sp) will clear it up fast. It is an anitbiotic that is very effective against bacteria on the skin.
Never found tetracycline to be effective, but it does depend on what is causes it.
Be warned, tetracycline makes you VERY sensitive to sunlight, make sure you use lots of sunscreen, even if it’s not that sunny. I got badly blistered using that stuff. Still got acne through the blisters, life just isn’t fair…
salacytic acid does what you’d think acid does…eats away at the skins albeit not very hard. it works to prevent you pores from clogging…benzoil peroxide works to kills the bacteria. the back is a common place for acne because it is hard to clean…I’ve found one of those spongy things (lufta??) attached to a back brush does the trick.
there’s actually another prescription medicine out there…I forget the name but when you are on it, you have to have blood tests done once in a while because it can cause problems with you liver. I never had a problem with light and tetracyline…something to watch out for though.
You’re thinking of a loofa!
Boo, you’re not thinking of the one that makes you go pyschotic are you?
I vaguely remember a story where some High School girl went postal and blamed it on the medication. I want to it is acutain (sp) but can’t remember. the only reason I know is because my neighbor’s 17 year old daughter is on it and her mom makes my wife draw her blood (she is an RN) for the tests…but it got rid of her acne.
You female qwerty? If so some contraceptives can work too. One I found worked really well is called Dianette, although it’s probably called something else in the States