The best acne treatments for the face is often common knowledge. But when the acne grows on our back, is it the same? And if bacne is no longer a problem, what acne scar treatment and acne scar removal can I look for? Here are four basic facts on bacne, including causes, pimple treatment, and prevention.

1. What causes bacne?

If you are already familiar with acne and its causes, then the good news is you already know the answer. Bacne and facial acne are pretty much the same thing. It is just on your back. That is perhaps the only difference. Its still oil and dead skin cells that are blocking pores and leads to inflammation. Again, its causes are just like acne and these are hormones, diet, friction or pressure. Products can also clog pores, such as your shampoo and conditioner, as well as sweat from working out. 

Sweat and clogged pores can exacerbate bacne flareups

2. What can you do to treat bacne?

Look for the same ingredients if you were treating facial acne. Low-concentration alpha hydroxy acid has been reported to be an effective exfoliant. Benzoyl peroxide helps to kill bacteria, as well as salicylic acid. If you suspect that your hair products are causing you to break out, wash your back after you rinse your hair. And then switch to a shampoo and conditioner regimen that does not irritate your back. After a serious workout, ensure that you properly wash your back. Do not allow sweat to sit and linger. If reaching your back is a problem, use a clarifying body spray.

Don’t forget to thoroughly exfoliate your back at least twice a week with a scrub or a salicylic acid body wash.

3. Make sure to do this to prevent new breakouts

Exfoliation, experts have said, is the key to keeping your back clear. This is because it increases cell turnover and gets rid of build up. There are a number of ways this can be done. One is through the usual method of scrubbing with a body scrub. There are also clinics that can exfoliate and extract impurities from your back. Others advise that booking a body polish appointment once every quarter can help clear your back. Try a salicylic acid wipe after working out just to prevent any more dirt, oil, and bacteria from building up.

When in doubt, always consult your dermatologist.

4. Consult a medical professional

Nothing beats medical advice. Many clinics in Singapore offer consultations on skin issues and can customise a treatment plan. If your back has already cleared up, perhaps scarring or pigmentation might be your concern. Bioskin, Clifford Clinic, Renaza, Curamed Medical Aesthetic offer various procedures and treatments for a flawless back.

Best products and treatments for bacne

Now that we’ve gone through the essentials about bacne, here are some of our favourite products and treatments to help stop it in its tracks! Tip: Whatever acne treatments or cleansers you use on your face can be used on your bacne too!

Bioskin Skin Rebirth Back Acne Treatment

Established in 1996 by entrepreneur and CEO Mathilda Koh, Bioskin is a well-known provider of a variety of non-invasive body, scalp and facial treatments. If you’re looking for an effective non-invasive solution for your bacne woes, Bioskin offers a rejuvenating Skin Rebirth Back Acne Treatment without the need for injections, fillers or neurotoxins. All of Bioskin’s therapists are specially trained to apply the right amount of pressure during treatment according to your specific skin type.

The treatment begins with an in-depth consultation and a thorough cleanse to eliminate impurities from your skin. Then, the therapist applies a numbing cream before applying a cling wrap to optimize the absorption of the cream. Following this, the therapist uses a dermal heating device that emits radiofrequency waves to penetrate the deep layers of the epidermis to restructure the collagen layers within. Finally, the treatment ends with a nourishing Pro Recovery Mask. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the mask contains a revitalizing blend of guaiazulene, ceramides, vitamins and willow bark extract to soothe redness and inflammation and regulate sebum production.

Treatment benefits

Clinically proven to have intensive skin healing and collagen remodeling benefits, the Skin Rebirth Back Acne Treatment helps to visibly reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation, balance oil and moisture levels as well as prevent new acne spots from forming. After 3 to 5 days, you may notice some minor scabbing as the old acne spots shed away to reveal the healthy and soft skin underneath.

Looking to try it out for yourself? You can now enjoy your first trial at $98 (usual price $800)! Click here to find out more or to book an appointment!

Outlets:
1. The Centrepoint (Flagship Store): 176 Orchard Road The Centrepoint #02-22 – #02-25, Singapore 238843
2. Malacca Center: 20 Malacca Street #15-00 Malacca Center, Singapore 048979 (Closed every Monday)
3. Toa Payoh Central: 185 Toa Payoh Central #01-338, Singapore 310185 (Closed every Monday)
4. The Midtown: 1187 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-49/50 The Midtown, Singapore 533971 (Closed every Tuesday)
5. Income @ Tampines Junction: 300 Tampines Avenue 5 #07-03 Income @ Tampines Junction, Singapore 529653 (Closed every Wednesday)
6. Jurong East: 133 Jurong Gateway #01-295, Singapore 600133
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 11:30am – 9:30pm, Weekends & Public Holidays: 9am – 7pm
Hotline: +65 6222 6777
WhatsApp: +65 8288 7733

Dr. Glo Salicylic Face and Body Wash

This Salicylic Face and Body Wash by Dr. Glo is one of our favourites because it is effective yet gentle enough for you to cleanse your face with it. Besides containing 2% salicylic acid derived from birch bark, it also has 1% extra virgin coconut oil to gently exfoliate the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. In addition to nourishing the skin, coconut oil is also well-known for its natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Why we love it:

  • Antifungal and antibacterial
  • Exfoliates without stripping the skin dry
  • Effectively kills acne-causing bacteria

Price: $99.90
Available at Insider Mall!

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Dr. Morita Tea Tree Acne Foaming Whip Cleansing Mousse Cleanser

Next, we have this tea tree foaming cleanser by Taiwanese skincare brand Dr. Morita. Instead of using beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, this cleanser uses a combination of tea tree and licorice extract. Both of these ingredients contain natural antibacterial properties to stop acne-causing bacteria in its tracks. Additionally, it also contains hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate the skin and regulate the skin’s oil and moisture levels.

Why we love it:

  • Soft and gentle foam texture
  • Soothing tea tree scent
  • Contains hyaluronic acid to prevent dryness

Price: $10.90
Available at Insider Mall!

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CNP Laboratory A-Clean Purifying Foaming Cleanser

Another anti-acne foaming cleanser we love is this one by CNP Laboratory. On top of salicylic acid, this cleanser contains a calming blend of mushrooms, wormwood and sophora extract to soothe redness and inflammation. Because it is so gentle and hydrating, it is suitable even for cleansing and exfoliating sensitive skin types. Additionally, coconut amino acids and panthenol help further soften the skin and keep it feeling smooth and supple.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable even for sensitive skin
  • Soothes redness and inflammation
  • Simultaneously exfoliates and hydrates the skin

Price: $39.90
Available at Insider Mall!

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Gernetics GERnetic Derma Face Cleansing Wash

Well-known for the dermatological skincare solutions, this Derma Face Cleansing Wash is also great for cleansing the skin on your back. It’s free of harsh surfactants like sulfates that can further dry out the skin and exacerbate existing acne breakouts and blemishes. Instead, it uses a unique combination of gentle non-ionic surfactants, antimicrobial amphoteric surfactants and amphiphilic amino acids to combat acne-causing bacteria and regulate sebum production.

Why we love it:

  • Free of harsh chemical surfactants like sulfates
  • Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties
  • Regulates oil and moisture levels

Price: $85
Available at Insider Mall!

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COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

Ah, COSRX – what would we do without their amazing AHA and BHA skincare essentials? This gentle salicylic acid cleanser by COSRX is gentle enough for daily use and is specifically suitable for oily and combination skin types. On top of salicylic acid, it is also enriched with natural botanical extracts to gently eliminate impurities and excess sebum while keeping the skin feeling soft and smooth all day long.

Why we love it:

  • Non-drying and great for everyday use
  • Suitable for oily and combination skin
  • Vegan, cruelty-free and free of parabens

Price: $13.50
Save 12% and get it for $11.90 at Insider Mall!

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COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Yet another winner from COSRX, this BHA Blackhead Power Liquid packs a powerful punch to nip blackheads in the bud. Instead of plain mineral aqua, this BHA toner contains soothing willow bark water in addition to salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin without irritation. Since this toner is pretty potent, we recommend starting slow by using it once a week before gradually using it up to 3 times a week once your skin gets used to it. Also, it comes with a spray nozzle so it will be easy for you to spritz it onto the hard to reach areas of your back. Alternatively, you can get someone to help you apply it onto your back with a cotton pad drenched in the solution.

Why we love it:

  • Eliminates blackheads
  • Exfoliates and detoxifies the pores
  • Regulates sebum production

Price: $23.90
Save 17% and get it for $19.90 at Insider Mall!

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Mediphyt Pure Refine Pore Minimizing Lotion

Next up, we have this award-winning liquid exfoliant by clinical skincare brand Mediphyt. It contains a balance of salicylic acid and willow bark extract to slough away dead skin cells, dissolve blackheads, encourage cell turnover while soothing redness and inflammation. It also gives your skin a matte finish after application and helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores over time.

Why we love it:

  • Gently exfoliates without stripping the skin
  • Soothes redness and inflammation
  • Smooths out the pores and mattifies the skin

Price: $104
Save 20% and get it for $83.20 at Insider Mall!

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Oxy Acne Wash Foam

Looking for an ultra-affordable acne wash? This one by popular drugstore acne skincare brand Oxy is only $6.55 and is pretty effective for the price. It contains powerful antibacterial properties as well as glycerin to eliminate any buildup of dead skin cells, sebum and sweat. Because it can be slightly drying, it is best to follow up with a body lotion or moisturiser that contains to prevent excessive dryness and/or skin peeling.

Why we love it:

  • Very affordable
  • Easily found in drugstores
  • Effective exfoliation

Price: $6.55
Available at Guardian.

Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment

Here’s another affordable drugstore option for you. Like its name suggests, this 2.5% benzoyl peroxide treatment helps kill acne-causing bacteria instantaneously while minimizing the potential of irritation by 70%. Although fast-acting and effective, it is best to cleanse and moisturise your skin before applying this treatment as benzoyl peroxide in general can be drying when applied directly onto bare skin.

Why we love it:

  • Offers similar efficacy as a 10% benzoyl peroxide treatment
  • Lower risk of irritation compared to other treatments
  • Effectively kills acne-causing bacteria and draws out excess sebum from clogged pores

Price: $11.90
Available at Watsons.