The Square Life

With the arrival of swimsuit season, you really don’t have to turn your back on the poolside scene. The fact is that clearing up your acne of the back can be simple. Here are a few easy tips that can help you clear away your “backne” this summer:

APPLY BENZOYL PEROXIDE - This cream or gel is available over the counter.
LOSE THE BACKPACK - Douglas Powell, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Utah, says “anything that causes irritation in the skin will exacerbate acne on the back.” By nature, backpacks rub on the upper shoulders and back, so during these summer months you may want to try wearing a shoulder bag.
CATCH SOME RAYS—BUT DON’T GET CARRIED AWAY - “Being out in the sun will often help [reduce] acne,” Dr. Powell says, “but you are going to take the chance of possible problems in the future, like skin cancer.”
Dr. Powell reminds all to remember that back acne is not a result of poor hygiene. In fact, there are no scientific explanations for what causes back acne, so there is no reason to feel embarrassed this summer.