Here's What's Really Causing Your Back Acne

Waking up to a new breakout can really sour your happy morning vibes. You can feel your confidence start to seep away as your skin throbs and the day's social plans are suddenly blurred with thoughts of being forced to bring your uninvited pimples along. Unfortunately, we're not just talking about acne that can happen on your face. This skin condition can also be found on your back. And even though you don't have to face this area in the mirror, back acne, or "bacne," may still cause you concern.

So why does acne so often like to make an appearance on our backs? Consultant dermatologist Justine Kluk, London's go-to dermatologist for acne medicine, explained to Marie Claire why our backs are often prone to acne. Kluk blamed "a build-up of dead skin cells." She continued, saying, "These dead skin cells mix with the sebum and get trapped in our pores. The skin on our backs is extremely thick, so the potential for blocked pores is very high." It could also be a result of bacteria caused by an accumulation of oil and dead skin cells, as well as possibly from hair or skin products that haven't been properly washed away. Nevertheless, there is yet another reason to consider. Let's get to it.

Can you blame your breakouts on your diet? Though people are affected differently by what they eat, high sugar intake and dehydration will almost always be a foe and not a friend to your skin (via GQ). And while you can control what you eat, you don't have as much control over your body's hormones. These chemical messengers are often a likely suspect. However, bacne can also be attributed to irritation.

"The back is additionally irritated and occluded by rubbing by items like backpacks and the back of chairs," Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group told Byrdie. "The production of sweat and oil on the skin throughout the day, and the inability of the skin to aerate well under clothing makes it a prime location for acne to sprout."

Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent these unwelcome guests. GQ recommends wearing clean shirts, washing your bed sheets at least once a week, and committing to a healthy and sustainable skincare routine.