Some natural remedies can help manageback acne—also referred to as bacne. These include topical treatments that you can put directly on your skin, as well as lifestyle strategies like dietary modifications and stress management.Like all forms of acne, back acne occurs when the hair follicles beneath the skin become clogged. The overproduction of oil (sebum), the buildup of bacteria, and the inflammation of oil-producingsebaceous glandscan all play a part in pimple development. Moreover, since pores on the back are significantly larger than facial pores, they can become clogged more easily and quickly set the stage for an acute breakout.If you are struggling with back blemishes, trust that you are far from being alone. About half of the people with acne have a condition calledtruncal acnein which pimples can form on the back, chest, shoulders, and torso.This article discusses eight natural remedies you can try at home to manage back acne.Back and Body Acne Causes, Types, and Treatments
Some natural remedies can help manageback acne—also referred to as bacne. These include topical treatments that you can put directly on your skin, as well as lifestyle strategies like dietary modifications and stress management.
Like all forms of acne, back acne occurs when the hair follicles beneath the skin become clogged. The overproduction of oil (sebum), the buildup of bacteria, and the inflammation of oil-producingsebaceous glandscan all play a part in pimple development. Moreover, since pores on the back are significantly larger than facial pores, they can become clogged more easily and quickly set the stage for an acute breakout.
If you are struggling with back blemishes, trust that you are far from being alone. About half of the people with acne have a condition calledtruncal acnein which pimples can form on the back, chest, shoulders, and torso.
This article discusses eight natural remedies you can try at home to manage back acne.
Back and Body Acne Causes, Types, and Treatments
1Tea Tree Oilronstik/Getty ImagesTea tree oil, an essential oil long used in aromatherapy, has been shown in some studies to help reduce the number of pimples for people who have acne.Some commercial body washes use tea tree oil as a key ingredient, which could help alleviate back acne.Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation andallergic contact dermatitisin some people.To avoid problems, test the oil on a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction develops.
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Tea Tree Oilronstik/Getty ImagesTea tree oil, an essential oil long used in aromatherapy, has been shown in some studies to help reduce the number of pimples for people who have acne.Some commercial body washes use tea tree oil as a key ingredient, which could help alleviate back acne.Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation andallergic contact dermatitisin some people.To avoid problems, test the oil on a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction develops.
Tea Tree Oil
ronstik/Getty Images
Tea tree oil, an essential oil long used in aromatherapy, has been shown in some studies to help reduce the number of pimples for people who have acne.
Some commercial body washes use tea tree oil as a key ingredient, which could help alleviate back acne.
Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation andallergic contact dermatitisin some people.To avoid problems, test the oil on a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction develops.
2
Natural Exfoliators
Herb Dehler/EyeEm/Getty Images
Exfoliation—the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin using a chemical, granular substance, or exfoliation tool—can keep pores from getting clogged. With the help of adry brush, you can slough off dead skin cells that can mix with sebum and cause pore blockage.
It’s important to note that exfoliation is a preventative strategy. It is best not to scrub the skin during an active breakout because this can cause inflammation andscarring.
Types of Acne Scars and How to Treat Them
3Botanical EmollientsRuth Jenkinson/Getty ImagesSince body creams and massage oils containing mineral oil, synthetic lanolin, and cocoa butter can aggravate acne, try hydrating with plant-derived products that are oil-free or are less likely to clog pores.These include:Aloe vera gelArgan oilNeem oilShea butterTamanu oilSea buckthorn oilStudies involving the combination of tretinoin (retinoic acid) and 50% aloe vera gel improved symptoms in people with mild to moderate acne. On its own, aloe was soothing but was not seen to offer any significant relief of an outbreak.
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Botanical EmollientsRuth Jenkinson/Getty ImagesSince body creams and massage oils containing mineral oil, synthetic lanolin, and cocoa butter can aggravate acne, try hydrating with plant-derived products that are oil-free or are less likely to clog pores.These include:Aloe vera gelArgan oilNeem oilShea butterTamanu oilSea buckthorn oilStudies involving the combination of tretinoin (retinoic acid) and 50% aloe vera gel improved symptoms in people with mild to moderate acne. On its own, aloe was soothing but was not seen to offer any significant relief of an outbreak.
Botanical Emollients
Ruth Jenkinson/Getty Images
Since body creams and massage oils containing mineral oil, synthetic lanolin, and cocoa butter can aggravate acne, try hydrating with plant-derived products that are oil-free or are less likely to clog pores.
These include:
Studies involving the combination of tretinoin (retinoic acid) and 50% aloe vera gel improved symptoms in people with mild to moderate acne. On its own, aloe was soothing but was not seen to offer any significant relief of an outbreak.
4Anti-Inflammatory FoodsWestend61/Getty ImagesBecause inflammation and acne are closely linked, focusing your diet onanti-inflammatory foodssuch as berries, certain kinds of nuts, whole grains, and beans may help reduce future outbreaks of back acne.Studies have shown that eating foods rich inomega-3 fatty acids(like fatty fish andchia seeds) and decreasing omega-6 fatty acids (found in canola and soybean oils) can help reduce inflammation, androgen levels, and acne symptoms.Foods That Could Be Sabotaging Your Skin Health
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Anti-Inflammatory FoodsWestend61/Getty ImagesBecause inflammation and acne are closely linked, focusing your diet onanti-inflammatory foodssuch as berries, certain kinds of nuts, whole grains, and beans may help reduce future outbreaks of back acne.Studies have shown that eating foods rich inomega-3 fatty acids(like fatty fish andchia seeds) and decreasing omega-6 fatty acids (found in canola and soybean oils) can help reduce inflammation, androgen levels, and acne symptoms.Foods That Could Be Sabotaging Your Skin Health
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Westend61/Getty Images
Because inflammation and acne are closely linked, focusing your diet onanti-inflammatory foodssuch as berries, certain kinds of nuts, whole grains, and beans may help reduce future outbreaks of back acne.
Studies have shown that eating foods rich inomega-3 fatty acids(like fatty fish andchia seeds) and decreasing omega-6 fatty acids (found in canola and soybean oils) can help reduce inflammation, androgen levels, and acne symptoms.
Foods That Could Be Sabotaging Your Skin Health
5
Low-Glycemic Foods
John Anthony Rizzo/Getty Images
Filling up on foods with a highglycemic load, such as candy, sugary drinks, white rice, french fries, and low-fiber cereals, can increase your risk of acne.
Low Glycemia Index Snack Ideas
6Zinc-Rich FoodsWestend61/Getty ImagesSome research indicates that the essential mineralzincmay help tame acne-related inflammation and curb your skin’s production of sebum. Zinc is known to reduce the production of the pro-inflammatorcytokinecalled tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).You can boost your zinc intake with foods such as wheat germ, oysters, pumpkin seeds, and spinach.
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Zinc-Rich FoodsWestend61/Getty ImagesSome research indicates that the essential mineralzincmay help tame acne-related inflammation and curb your skin’s production of sebum. Zinc is known to reduce the production of the pro-inflammatorcytokinecalled tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).You can boost your zinc intake with foods such as wheat germ, oysters, pumpkin seeds, and spinach.
Zinc-Rich Foods
Some research indicates that the essential mineralzincmay help tame acne-related inflammation and curb your skin’s production of sebum. Zinc is known to reduce the production of the pro-inflammatorcytokinecalled tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).
You can boost your zinc intake with foods such as wheat germ, oysters, pumpkin seeds, and spinach.
7Reduced Dairy IntakeKristin Duvall/Getty ImagesEasing up on dairy could help fend off back acne. Research suggests that androgens and growth hormones found in milk products can stimulate acne development.According to a 2018 study in the journalNutrients,the daily consumption of one glass of milk is linked to a 1.25-fold increase in the risk of an acne outbreak, increasing to a 1.43-fold if more than two glasses are consumed.
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Reduced Dairy IntakeKristin Duvall/Getty ImagesEasing up on dairy could help fend off back acne. Research suggests that androgens and growth hormones found in milk products can stimulate acne development.According to a 2018 study in the journalNutrients,the daily consumption of one glass of milk is linked to a 1.25-fold increase in the risk of an acne outbreak, increasing to a 1.43-fold if more than two glasses are consumed.
Reduced Dairy Intake
Kristin Duvall/Getty Images
Easing up on dairy could help fend off back acne. Research suggests that androgens and growth hormones found in milk products can stimulate acne development.
According to a 2018 study in the journalNutrients,the daily consumption of one glass of milk is linked to a 1.25-fold increase in the risk of an acne outbreak, increasing to a 1.43-fold if more than two glasses are consumed.
8Stress ManagementHero Images/Getty ImagesThere is some evidence that stress can make acne worse. One study found that a group of medical students had more severe acne with increased stress.For help in keeping back acne at bay, try taking upstress-reducing practiceslike yoga and meditation.Although stress was believed to be a factor, other issues such as heat and humidity contributed to the effect.
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Stress ManagementHero Images/Getty ImagesThere is some evidence that stress can make acne worse. One study found that a group of medical students had more severe acne with increased stress.For help in keeping back acne at bay, try taking upstress-reducing practiceslike yoga and meditation.Although stress was believed to be a factor, other issues such as heat and humidity contributed to the effect.
Stress Management
Hero Images/Getty Images
There is some evidence that stress can make acne worse. One study found that a group of medical students had more severe acne with increased stress.
For help in keeping back acne at bay, try taking upstress-reducing practiceslike yoga and meditation.
Although stress was believed to be a factor, other issues such as heat and humidity contributed to the effect.
A Word From VerywellIt is important to be aware that the research supporting these natural acne remedies is limited. If you decide to pursue a natural approach to managing your acne, speak with your healthcare provider or adermatologistto determine if it is safe and won’t end up causing more harm than good.
A Word From Verywell
It is important to be aware that the research supporting these natural acne remedies is limited. If you decide to pursue a natural approach to managing your acne, speak with your healthcare provider or adermatologistto determine if it is safe and won’t end up causing more harm than good.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Woo YR, Kim HS.Truncal Acne: An Overview.J Clin Med. 2022;11(13):3660. doi:10.3390/jcm11133660Cao H, Yang G, Wang Y, Liu JP, Smith CA, Luo H, Liu Y.Complementary therapies for acne vulgaris.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015 Jan 19;1:CD009436. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009436.pub2de Groot AC, Schmidt E.Tea tree oil: contact allergy and chemical composition: TEA TREE OIL.Contact Dermatitis. 2016;75(3):129-143. doi:10.1111/cod.12591American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 Skin Care Habits that can Worsen Acne.Nasri H, Bahmani M, Shahinfard N, Nafchi M, Saberianpour S, Kopaei MR.Medicinal plants for the treatment of acne vulgaris: A review of recent evidences.Jundishapur J Microbiol.2015 Nov;8(11):e25580. doi:10.5812/jjm.25580de Souza Pereira R.Treatment of resistant acne vulgaris in adolescents using dietary supplementation with magnesium, phosphate and fatty acids (omega 6 and 7): Comparison with 13-cis-retinoic acid.J Diet Suppl.2022; 25:1-11. doi:10.1080/19390211.2022.2100550Daszkiewicz M.Associations between diet and acne lesions.Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2021;72(2):137-143. doi:10.32394/rpzh.2021.0164Kucharska A, Szmurło A, Sińska B.Significance of diet in treated and untreated acne vulgaris.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016;33(2):81–86. doi:10.5114/ada.2016.59146Juhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, Jemec GBE, Kanters JK, Ellervik C.Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults.Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1049. doi:10.3390/nu10081049Zari S, Alrahmani Dana.The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:503-506. doi:10.2147/CCID.S148499
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Woo YR, Kim HS.Truncal Acne: An Overview.J Clin Med. 2022;11(13):3660. doi:10.3390/jcm11133660Cao H, Yang G, Wang Y, Liu JP, Smith CA, Luo H, Liu Y.Complementary therapies for acne vulgaris.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015 Jan 19;1:CD009436. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009436.pub2de Groot AC, Schmidt E.Tea tree oil: contact allergy and chemical composition: TEA TREE OIL.Contact Dermatitis. 2016;75(3):129-143. doi:10.1111/cod.12591American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 Skin Care Habits that can Worsen Acne.Nasri H, Bahmani M, Shahinfard N, Nafchi M, Saberianpour S, Kopaei MR.Medicinal plants for the treatment of acne vulgaris: A review of recent evidences.Jundishapur J Microbiol.2015 Nov;8(11):e25580. doi:10.5812/jjm.25580de Souza Pereira R.Treatment of resistant acne vulgaris in adolescents using dietary supplementation with magnesium, phosphate and fatty acids (omega 6 and 7): Comparison with 13-cis-retinoic acid.J Diet Suppl.2022; 25:1-11. doi:10.1080/19390211.2022.2100550Daszkiewicz M.Associations between diet and acne lesions.Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2021;72(2):137-143. doi:10.32394/rpzh.2021.0164Kucharska A, Szmurło A, Sińska B.Significance of diet in treated and untreated acne vulgaris.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016;33(2):81–86. doi:10.5114/ada.2016.59146Juhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, Jemec GBE, Kanters JK, Ellervik C.Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults.Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1049. doi:10.3390/nu10081049Zari S, Alrahmani Dana.The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:503-506. doi:10.2147/CCID.S148499
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Woo YR, Kim HS.Truncal Acne: An Overview.J Clin Med. 2022;11(13):3660. doi:10.3390/jcm11133660Cao H, Yang G, Wang Y, Liu JP, Smith CA, Luo H, Liu Y.Complementary therapies for acne vulgaris.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015 Jan 19;1:CD009436. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009436.pub2de Groot AC, Schmidt E.Tea tree oil: contact allergy and chemical composition: TEA TREE OIL.Contact Dermatitis. 2016;75(3):129-143. doi:10.1111/cod.12591American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 Skin Care Habits that can Worsen Acne.Nasri H, Bahmani M, Shahinfard N, Nafchi M, Saberianpour S, Kopaei MR.Medicinal plants for the treatment of acne vulgaris: A review of recent evidences.Jundishapur J Microbiol.2015 Nov;8(11):e25580. doi:10.5812/jjm.25580de Souza Pereira R.Treatment of resistant acne vulgaris in adolescents using dietary supplementation with magnesium, phosphate and fatty acids (omega 6 and 7): Comparison with 13-cis-retinoic acid.J Diet Suppl.2022; 25:1-11. doi:10.1080/19390211.2022.2100550Daszkiewicz M.Associations between diet and acne lesions.Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2021;72(2):137-143. doi:10.32394/rpzh.2021.0164Kucharska A, Szmurło A, Sińska B.Significance of diet in treated and untreated acne vulgaris.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016;33(2):81–86. doi:10.5114/ada.2016.59146Juhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, Jemec GBE, Kanters JK, Ellervik C.Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults.Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1049. doi:10.3390/nu10081049Zari S, Alrahmani Dana.The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:503-506. doi:10.2147/CCID.S148499
Woo YR, Kim HS.Truncal Acne: An Overview.J Clin Med. 2022;11(13):3660. doi:10.3390/jcm11133660
Cao H, Yang G, Wang Y, Liu JP, Smith CA, Luo H, Liu Y.Complementary therapies for acne vulgaris.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015 Jan 19;1:CD009436. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009436.pub2
de Groot AC, Schmidt E.Tea tree oil: contact allergy and chemical composition: TEA TREE OIL.Contact Dermatitis. 2016;75(3):129-143. doi:10.1111/cod.12591
American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 Skin Care Habits that can Worsen Acne.
Nasri H, Bahmani M, Shahinfard N, Nafchi M, Saberianpour S, Kopaei MR.Medicinal plants for the treatment of acne vulgaris: A review of recent evidences.Jundishapur J Microbiol.2015 Nov;8(11):e25580. doi:10.5812/jjm.25580
de Souza Pereira R.Treatment of resistant acne vulgaris in adolescents using dietary supplementation with magnesium, phosphate and fatty acids (omega 6 and 7): Comparison with 13-cis-retinoic acid.J Diet Suppl.2022; 25:1-11. doi:10.1080/19390211.2022.2100550
Daszkiewicz M.Associations between diet and acne lesions.Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2021;72(2):137-143. doi:10.32394/rpzh.2021.0164
Kucharska A, Szmurło A, Sińska B.Significance of diet in treated and untreated acne vulgaris.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016;33(2):81–86. doi:10.5114/ada.2016.59146
Juhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, Jemec GBE, Kanters JK, Ellervik C.Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults.Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1049. doi:10.3390/nu10081049
Zari S, Alrahmani Dana.The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:503-506. doi:10.2147/CCID.S148499
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