Bacne Causes: Why Your Body Pimples Won't Go Away

Anybody who has pores can experience breakouts, but not everyone will know the agony of having persistent bacne. While it’s usually not painful, it can be embarrassing and tough to get rid of. Learning about the different bacne causes is a good place to start. Here’s a list of possible culprits – and some may surprise you!

Bacne is a fun nickname for the acne breakouts on your back. According to the Journal of Clinical Medicine, this common condition affects around 52% of patients with facial acne and is, however, more prevalent in men.

Like the face, the back has a high density of sebaceous glands that regulate body temperature, block infections, and retain skin moisture by secreting oil. The sheer number of glands makes the back area more prone to clogged pores from excess sebum and dead skin cells. However common, bacne can make anyone self-conscious. The following factors contribute to its existence.

Imagine this: you are a back sleeper who also insists on not wearing a shirt. Even if you do shower before bedtime, trust that your skin will secrete oil and sweat in your slumber. While this alone isn’t a bad thing, collecting these secretions on your sheets is not. Change your bedding and pillowcases at least once a week (or twice in the summer) to prevent clogging the pores on your back.

In Girl World, there’s such a thing as the “everything shower.” This is probably a strange concept to you, especially if you’re the type to do a single rinse from head to toe. The thing is, if you lather your hair and body and then rinse in one go, you run the risk of leaving shampoo residue on your shoulders and back – creating a breeding ground for breakouts.

Comedogenic hair shower products are among the common bacne causes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). This residue, which contains pore-clogging oils, can stick to your caps, pillowcases, and sheets, too. So, make sure to rinse your body thoroughly or cleanse your body after rinsing off your shampoo. 

Use Lifebuoy Antibacterial Bodywash Total 10 with Activ Silver+ to fight germs and protect your skin. If you prefer the feel of a bar soap, try Lifebuoy Antibacterial Soap Total 10, which kills 99.9% of germs (based on a lab test on select bacteria).

No, weightlifting does not cause acne, but abusing steroids and testosterone supplements does. In a study by the Journal of the German Society of Dermatology,50% of supplement users tested have acne conglobata (nodulocystic acne on the body) and acne fulminans (a rare form of painful, ulcerating acne). If this applies to you, consult your dermatologist about possible treatments and your trainer or nutritionist for alternatives.

Did you know that a high-glycemic diet can cause bacne? Eating too much sugary foods and drinks can spike your blood sugar and trigger inflammation in the body. It can also make your sebaceous glands produce more oil. Both can result in breakouts, notes the AAD. If you’re prone to acne, avoid white and whole wheat bread, white rice, breakfast cereals, pastries, chips, soda, juices, and sports drinks.

Lastly, your pimples are not going away because you’re not acknowledging your skin’s condition. Developing acne anywhere on your body or face requires an adjustment in your skin and bodycare routines, diet, and lifestyle. When acne is persistent, it’s not likely to go away on its own – you’ll need to give it a little push.

With the help of a dermatologist, identify the severity of your acne and develop a regimen that suits your skin’s needs. Take note of the bacne causes above and try to avoid them as much as possible during and after your treatment. With patience and expert guidance, you will get through this. Until then, give yourself a daily pat on the back for showing up – but make sure your hand is clean!