Acne is an irritating and painful skin problem. However, the problem can be much worse if you suffer from back acne. Acne on your back can make it difficult for you to sleep and slow the healing process.
Plus, as you cannot easily see the acne on your own, you cannot analyze the severity of the condition.
Just like acne on your face, back acne is caused by bacteria and excess production of sebum in the pores of the skin. Acne can also develop on the chest, shoulders, arms, legs and buttocks.
Using products like body lotion, massage oil or sunscreen that clog the pores may also lead to acne and skin breakouts. Other risk factors include friction from tight-fitting clothes, an unhealthy diet, stress, hormonal changes in the body and improper skin care, to name a few.
Though painful and difficult to take care of, you can effectively treat back acne with many simple home remedies.
Here are the top 10 natural remedies to get rid of back acne fast.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural treatments for all types of acne, including that on your back.
It inhibits inflammation and bacterial growth responsible for skin breakouts, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Plus, it helps balance the pH level of the skin, which is important to keep your skin free of any kind of problem.
- Dilute 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water. Apply this solution on the affected areas of your back. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Finish by applying a light, water-based moisturizer. Repeat this remedy 2 or 3 times a day until the acne is healed completely.
- Also, consuming apple cider vinegar daily can help keep your skin healthy from within. Add 1 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little raw honey to a glass of warm water and drink it twice daily.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Another excellent home remedy for back acne is tea tree oil.
This essential oil is loaded with natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat acne. When used topically, the oil easily penetrates into the skin and helps dry out the acne quickly. It also reduces redness and inflammation.
A 2007 study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology found that topical 5% tea tree oil is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
- Put 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton ball and dab it gently on the affected areas of your back. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Use it once daily.
- Alternatively, thoroughly mix 4 or 5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply it on the affected areas. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Repeat once daily.
Note: Those who have sensitive skin should not apply undiluted tea tree essential oil. Dilute 1 part tea tree oil with 3 parts water before use.
3. Borax
Borax is also considered a natural anti-acne agent. This powerful antimicrobial agent helps eliminate bacteria and other toxins in and on the skin. Plus, it works as an anti-inflammatory agent, which aids in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with back acne.
A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science highlighted the inhibitory effect of borax on P. acne growth and inflammation. This study supports the anti-acne property of borax.
- Put ½ teaspoon of borax powder in a bowl.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of glycerin and a little water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste on your back where you have acne.
- Allow it to dry completely.
- Rinse the dry paste off with warm water, splash the area with cool water and towel dry the skin.
- Repeat 1 or 2 times a day.
4. Honey
Honey keeps the acne-affected area hydrated and calm. Being a natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent, it can reduce acne symptoms and prevent infection.
A 2011 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine notes that medical-grade honey has the potential to be a treatment for topical infections caused by antibiotic-resistant as well as antibiotic-sensitive bacteria.
By including honey in your skin care regimen, you can even prevent breakouts.
- Dab a little raw honey or manuka honey on the affected area. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day.
- You can also prepare a paste with 1 tablespoon of honey and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply it on your back where you have acne. Wait about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Use this once a day.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric has an antibacterial property that helps kill P. acnes bacteria, which cause acne.
A 2013 study published in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin found that the compound curcumin in turmeric exhibits antimicrobial activity that inhibits P. acnes bacteria.
Plus, this common kitchen ingredient has an anti-inflammatory property that helps reduce inflammation and pain. It also helps balance the skin’s pH level to keep it free from breakouts.
- Combine 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder and a little sesame oil to form a paste. Dab the paste on the affected area. Leave it on for about 1 hour before rinsing it off. Use this remedy 1 or 2 times daily for a few days.
- Also, drink turmeric milk twice daily to fight inflammation and pain. To make turmeric milk, mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk.
6. Aloe Vera
To get rid of the annoying acne on your back, try aloe vera. This natural gel can help kill the bacteria causing acne, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
A 2008 study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology highlights the medicinal properties of aloe vera, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic and antimicrobial. This study also says that aloe vera has an anti-acne effect.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment concludes that aloe vera is very effective for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
- Cut open an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel. Apply this pure gel on the affected area twice daily for a week.
- Alternatively, blend 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and ½ teaspoon each of raw honey and turmeric powder to form a paste. Apply it on the affected skin, leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off thoroughly with water. Repeat once daily.
7. Lemon
Rich in L-ascorbic acid, a natural astringent, lemon also helps get rid of back acne quickly. This acid helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Plus, its antibacterial properties help fight acne-producing bacteria.
- Rub a slice of lemon on the affected areas in a circular motion. Wait 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. Use this remedy once or twice daily.
- Another option is to mix equal amounts of lemon juice and rose water. Apply it on the affected skin with a cotton ball. Wait 20 to 25 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Repeat this remedy twice daily.
Note: Topical application of lemon is not recommended for those who have highly sensitive skin.
8. Green Tea
The compound catechins in green tea have antibacterial properties that help fight acne-causing bacteria. Plus, green tea’s anti-inflammatory nature helps reduce the redness and inflammation caused by acne.
A 2012 study published in SKINmed Journal supports the topical application of green tea extract for several dermatological issues, including acne.
- Mix together ¼ cup each of freshly brewed green tea and water. Dip a cotton ball in the solution and apply it on the affected area.Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.Usethis remedy twice daily.
- You can also apply an over-the-counter lotion containing 2 percent green tea extract twice daily on the affected area.
- Also, drink 3 to 4 cups of green tea daily to support your skin health from within.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal works as a natural cleanser for your skin. This means it cleanses skin pores and absorbs excess oil, which in turn helps treat acne. It also exfoliates and calms the inflamed skin area.
A 2012 study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology suggests that oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its administration is effective on a variety of dermatologic inflammatory diseases, including acne.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of oatmeal with a small amount of water to form a spreadable paste.
- Dampen the affected skin and massage the paste onto the area in a circular motion.
- Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Use this remedy 1 or 2 times a week.
10. Tomatoes
Last, but not the least in this list of home remedies, is tomatoes.
Tomatoes contain salicylic acid, which is effective at treating acne. In fact, it helps dry out the acne quickly. Plus, its anti-inflammatory nature aids in reducing the pain and inflammation commonly associated with acne.
Plus, it helps repair skin damage at the cellular level.
- Rub a slice of tomato on the affected areas of your back for a few minutes, wait for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat twice daily.
- Alternatively, prepare a solution with 1 tablespoon of tomato juice, a few drops of lemon juice and ½ teaspoon of raw honey. Mix thoroughly and dab it on the affected areas with a cotton ball. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Use this remedy once daily for a few days.
Additional Tips
- Applying over-the-counter zinc lotions and creams may also reduce acne breakouts.
- Limit the use of oil-based skin care products.
- Avoid pressure on your back to speed up the healing process.
- Do not wear tight clothes for a while.
- Take proper care of your skin by regularly washing your body with a gentle cleanser and taking a shower after you exercise.
- Do not make the mistake of squeezing or picking back acne lesions.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Drink lots of water during the day to help flush toxins out of the body.
- Follow a healthy diet that includes high-fiber whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid junk foods, including heavily spiced fried and foods fatty.
- Avoid smoking and excessive drinking as it may contribute to acne.