Back Acne Be Gone: The Ultimate Guide to Bacne
Let’s talk about bacne.
It’s one of the most common skin concerns we don’t talk about - partly because bacne hides out of sight, and partly because many of us don’t know where to start when it comes to treating bacne.
But just like the skin on your face, your back deserves expert-level care. Whether you're dealing with occasional breakouts or persistent blemishes across your shoulders, upper back, or arms, this guide will help you understand what’s going on, how to treat it, and - most importantly - how to keep it from coming back.
So, let’s get straight to the (black)head of the matter.
What is Bacne?
Bacne - the affectionate shorthand for back acne - refers to breakouts that appear across the shoulders, back and sometimes upper arms. It usually shows up as a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed spots or even painful cystic bumps.
And just like facial acne, bance has a few usual suspects behind it:
Excess oil (sebum) production
Clogged pores from dead skin cells or products
Bacteria (specifically C. acnes)
Hormonal fluctuations (back acne is especially common in those with PCOS or hormonal imbalances , and can flare around the menstrual cycle)
Friction from clothing or gym gear
And yes - that 3-day-old sports bra can be a problem.
But because the skin on your back is thicker and the pores are larger, it can feel like bacne has a mind of its own - and a very persistent one, at that.
Bacne vs Facial Acne - What’s the Difference?
While both acne and bacne both share similar triggers, bacne has a few unique challenges:
Thicker skin : The skin on your back is tougher and has larger pores, which means breakouts can go deeper and take longer to clear.
Larger oil glands : Your back has more sebaceous activity, which means more oil production and congestion.
Hard-to-reach areas : Unlike your face, your back isn’t exactly easy to exfoliate or treat with precision.
Lack of attention : Most of us neglect our back in our daily skincare routines - until something flares up.
But don’t worry. With a few key changes and the right support, clearer skin is absolutely possible.
Common Bacne Triggers to Watch
Understanding the root causes of bacne is half the battle. These are the most common culprits:
1. Body Care Products
Rich, creamy shower gels and heavy moisturisers might feel lovely, but they could be clogging up your pores. Look for non-comedogenic (translation: doesn’t block pores) formulas.
Our Back Loving Recommendations:
2. Dirty sheets and towels
Your back spends a lot of time in contact with fabrics - sheets, pillowcases, towels, the back of your hoodie… and if they’re not cleaned regularly, they can hold onto breakout-causing bacteria, sweat, and oils.
Our advice? Fresh linens weekly, and always use a separate towel for your body and face to avoid cross-contamination.
If you’re using our Slip silk pillowcase, even better - silk is naturally breathable, gentle on skin, and less likely to absorb oils or harbour bacteria. Just make sure to pop it in the wash every 2-3 days to keep it working at its best and acne-safe.
3. Tight Clothing
Friction + sweat + synthetic fabrics = bacne breakout central.
If you’re living in activewear (no judgment), beware: tight, sweaty, synthetic fabrics can trap heat, bacteria, and oil against your skin - a fast track to a bacne flare-up.
Switching to breathable natural fibres , like organic cotton or bamboo, can help your skin (and the planet) breathe a little easier. They’re kinder on your body and typically more sustainable than their synthetic counterparts.
Oh, and always shower and change out of your gym kit ASAP - bacne loves to linger in sweat.
The Bacne Routine: Treating and Preventing
Cleanse Like You Mean It
Your back deserves more than a quick rinse. A targeted body wash is the first step to preventing and treating bacne, helping to break down build-up, reduce bacteria, and gently clear congested pores - all without stripping your skin.
Look for these hard-working ingredients:
Salicylic acid (BHA) - A pore-purging powerhouse that dissolves oil and exfoliates deep within the skin, helping to keep breakouts under control before they surface.
Tea tree oil - Naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it calms redness while helping to fight off bacne blemish-causing bacteria.
Lactic acid - A gentle exfoliant that smooths and hydrates, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types prone to bacne.
Pro tip: Invest in a long-handled cleansing brush to reach every spot, minus the backbend yoga moves.
Exfoliate (But Don’t Scrub Like You’re Sanding Wood)
Dead skin buildup = blocked pores.
Use a gentle acids once a week, or twice if your skin tolerates it well, to buff away dead skin cells and keep things moving. Avoid harsh physical scrubs that can cause microtears and increase inflammation in already sensitive spots.
Treat Topically
If you’re dealing with persistent or cystic bacne, a targeted treatment spray or serum with salicylic acid or niacinamide can help reduce inflammation and control bacteria. Look for a fine mist or targeted applicator that makes back application easy - because treatment shouldn't require yoga.
moisturise seriously
Even oily or breakout-prone skin needs moisture. In fact, drying it out can backfire by triggering more oil production.
Opt for a non-comedogenic, oil-free, lightweight lotion with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or centella asiatica to calm and balance the skin barrier.
We love sitre soft wave - technically a sex gel (yes, really), but packed with calming, non-comedogenic ingredients that make it a standout for sensitive, bacne-prone skin. It’s light, breathable, and designed to support your skin barrier without clogging pores.
Not every body moisturiser needs to come from the body care aisle.
Professional Bacne Treatments That Have Your Back
At Pfeffer Sal, we believe your bacne deserves the same expert care as your face acne - and our Backatcha treatments are here to return the favour. The Backatcha treatments combine advanced skin health techniques with body therapy to leave you feeling rebalanced, refined, and fully supported. Whether you’re dealing with congestion, irritation, or just the consequences of too many hours hunched over a laptop, these skin-focused sessions are designed to smooth, calm, and rebalance - with a little added tension relief for good measure.
💆♀️ Backatcha: Cleanse + Calm
A targeted bacnw treatment to deep-cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and soothe. Perfect for those needing a deep reset, or if your breakouts are stubborn, hormonal, or stress-related.
🌿 Backatcha: Relax + Rewind
Part skin treatment, part massage therapy. This version blends skin-clearing techniques with tension-melting massage - perfect for when stress shows up both in your shoulders and your skin.
Both options are designed with the same intention as our facial treatments: tailored to your skin’s needs, backed by expertise, and made to help you feel good in your skin - front and back.
Back to Balance: Your Bacne Takeaway
Clearing bacne isn’t about perfection. It’s about building habits that support your skin health from head to toe - or, in this case, neck to lower back. A few product swaps. A slightly fresher towel. A little more post-Pilates urgency. A treatment or two. It all adds up.
So here’s your reminder: your bacne deserves your attention. And if you need a hand (literally or figuratively), we’ve got your back.
If you have any questions, you can always reach us at hello@pfeffersal.com or +44 (0) 203 8834 702.
THE DESTINATION FOR SKIN HEALTH
+44 (0) 20 3883 4702 - PFEFFERSAL.COM
THE STABLES, 10B WARREN MEWS, LONDON W1T 6BY
