Say Goodbye to Bacne Embarrassment !!
by Lisa Young – Salon Director
Hurrah for the arrival of the summer months and lighter clothes, but what if you suffer from bacne (back acne) ? What if you feel self-conscious about baring your back, neck and shoulders ?
Well, here are a few tips to get you ready, see you through the summer and then right through to the Christmas season.
According to the IDI (International Dermal Institute), who are responsible for the education of Dermalogica Skincare Therapists, 85% of people have at some time in their life suffered from problem skin and it’s not just restricted to the teenagers !
Acne occurs in areas where there are more sebaceous glands i.e. on the face, neck , shoulders, back and upper arms, which is why acne affects these areas.
The causes of acne or problem skin differ according to age. In your teens it’s caused by an increase of testosterone that causes excess oiliness. When combined with typical teenage hygiene practices and the temptation to squeeze, will result with an eruption of angry problem skin with congestion (breakouts or spots) typically all over the body.
With age, the cause is much different, with hormones, stress and slower skin cell turnover being the most common causes of adult acne. Breakouts or spots tend to be more around the lower face, jaw line and neck.
Whatever your age, if you are unfortunate enough to suffer breakouts on your face you will know how self-conscious it makes you feel. If you suffer from spots on your back or “Bacne”, as it’s referred to, you will know how equally self-conscious that feels and how much it can also restrict what you wear.
However, do not despair, because there is something you can do about bacne. By following a few simple rules, you will soon alleviate the symptoms and be on the way to a blemish free skin.
Bacne Rule No 1 – No Blocking
Treat your back and chest like your face. Don’t put anything on it that you wouldn’t put on your face. We often fob the rest of our bodies off with cheaper products, but they should still receive the same attention and quality products that you give to your face!
Go soap free and fragrance free. Choose body products that contain non comedogenic ingredients such as:
- Salicylic acid.
- Tea Tree extracts.
- Citrus extracts.
Avoid ingredients such as:
- Pure lanolin.
- Mineral oils.
- Petroleum based products (baby oil, petroleum jelly).
- Artificial colour.
- Myristates.
Bacne Rule No 2 – No Stripping
It’s so tempting to use products that strip the oil away such as mentholated and alcohol astringents or abrasive scrubs. These can often have a negative effect and exacerbate the oiliness making it worse.
Astringents strip the skins lipids, which makes the skin more sensitive and produce more oil.
Choose toners that reduce oil with ingredients such as:
- Balm mint.
- Witch hazel.
- Salicylic acid.
For zapping spots, try ingredients that reduce oil production, dissolve dead skin cells and are anti-bacterial. The following ingredients are the newest and hottest in skincare:
- Lactobacillius Ferment.
- Collofial silver.
- Zinc sulphate.
- Magnolia bark.
- Niacinamide.
Bacne Rule No 3 – Keep it Clean
Check what detergent you are using as some ingredients can aggravate skin in the same way that sensitivity causes allergies, dermatitis and eczema. Problem skin can also be aggravated by fabric conditioner as this can coat and block the skin when you wear the clothes.
Ensure you maintain a regular showering and wash routine (every morning and last thing at night).
Choose clothes with natural fibres such as organic cotton, which allows the skin to breathe. Avoid synthetics such as polyester as it traps sweat and moisture. which is a good breeding ground for bacteria.
Treatments that we would recommend for Bacne at Studio 8 Beauty include:
- Mineral salt scrub or Body Foliation Therapy.
- Microdermabrasion.
- Galvanic deep cleansing and exfoliation.
- Skin Clearing back facial with option for electricals.
Quote of the Day
” Sun, sea and sand and a drink in my hand ! “
Anon