skincare

Back Acne Treatments: How To Get Rid Of Bacne

Thursday, 27 April 2017 – 5 min read

Our latest survey found that 66% of people worry their acne won't clear up. Acne can effect more than our faces, it can appear on the body too, commonly on our backs and...

FTF Team Content Editor

Last reviewed: 28.04.2026

Our latest survey found that 66% of people worry their acne won't clear up. Acne can effect more than our faces, it can appear on the body too, commonly on our backs and can cause just as much of an emotional toll. Bacne (AKA body acne, affecting the back and/or chest) usually occurs when our hair follicles become clogged.

In the summer months when they can suddenly feel more noticeable, from being around the pool on holiday to trying on a backless option.

Alongside how they look, they can also come with discomfort like sensitivity or inflammation, and in some cases lead to longer-term marks or scarring. It can feel frustrating, especially when they’re harder to reach and not always as easy to treat as facial breakouts.

But the good news is there are treatments available that can help manage breakouts and support clearer, more balanced skin over time.

What Causes Bacne?

So, what’s actually going on here?

It mostly comes down to how your skin produces and manages oil. The back has a higher concentration of oil glands than many other areas, which means it’s naturally more prone to congestion.

These glands produce sebum (oil), travel through the hair follicles and combines with lipids and natural moisturising factors creating the skin's protective layer.
Normally, this works well. But when that balance is disrupted, whether through excess oil, dead skin cells, or external factors, it can start to cause problems.
The follicles can become blocked, trapping oil and dead skin inside. This creates the kind of environment where acne-causing bacteria can build up, leading to inflammation and breakouts.

Why won't my back acne clear up?

Because the skin on the back is thicker, and often harder to cleanse and treat effectively, those breakouts can sometimes feel more persistent or slower to heal than those on the face.

What Triggers Bacne?

While excess oil is the main cause, certain factors can make bacne and oil worse or trigger flare-ups:

Friction: Tight clothing, sports bras or bag straps can trap sweat and irritate the skin.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during puberty, periods, pregnancy or PCOS can increase oil production.
Genetics: If acne runs in your family, you may be more prone to it.
Stress: Can disrupt how your skin functions and trigger breakouts.

How Do You Get Rid of Bacne?

Our skin expert Kimberley Medd explains, "When it comes to bacne, it’s rarely just one thing that makes the difference. It’s about using the right combination of products to keep pores clear, manage excess oil and support the skin consistently, so breakouts become easier to control over time. Treat your back with the same care as your face, and results will follow".

Swap to An Acne Body Wash

Look for body washes including salicylic acid or AHAs like lactic acid to exfoliate the skin and help tackle excess oil causing the breakouts.

The Some By Mi 30 Days AHA BHA PHA Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser does exactly this while calming your skin from any irritation caused by breakouts.

Benefits Include:

Combines AHA and BHA to exfoliate your skin
Controls sebum production to minimise pores
Soothes and calms acne prone skin

Use a Targeted Serum

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum uses salicylic acid to exfoliate away dead skin cells, dirt and debris on the surface to stop them blocking the pores.

Benefits Include:

Smooths and clarifies blemish-prone skin
Helps minimise pore congestion
Encourages your skin's natural shedding

Make Sure You Have a Non-Comedogenic Moisturiser

Non-comedogenic (AKA non clogging) means your not putting any extra unnecessary products onto your skin that can clog your pores. Eucerin Dermopure Clinical Correcting Body Care is part of a specifically targeted range for acne.

This moisturiser targets blemishes, post-acne marks, excess shine, stubborn parks and any irritation.

Benefits Include:

Helps to reduce persistent blemishes on your body
Soothes and moisturises your skin
Dermatologically tested formula

Opt for An Easy to Use Spray

For easy application on hard to reach areas like your back, the BIODERMA Sébium Kerato+ Body Spray makes sure you can cover your back in the areas you can't quite reach. Lightweight and quickly absorbed, this spray reduces body blemishes, post-imperfections, marks, redness and soothes the discomfort they can cause.

Benefits Include:

Visibly reduces imperfections, redness and marks
Helps soothe and reduce discomfort sensations
Improves the appearance of skin texture
Non-greasy, non-sticky and quickly absorbed

Some By Mi 30 Days AHA BHA PHA Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser 400g

$31.00 $43.00 28% offsaving

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum 240ml

$26.00 $28.00 7% offsaving

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Eucerin Dermopure Correcting Body Care tube on a white background

Eucerin Dermopure Clinical Correcting Body Care 200ml

$30.00 $43.00 30% offsaving

Bioderma Sebium Kerato+ Body Spray 150ml

$39.00 $49.00 20% offsaving

Does Bacne Go Away on Its Own?

Bacne may not go away on its own, but there are solutions. With the treatments above, there are a few things you can also do to help prevent and manage bacne...