I was in Sephora yesterday and overheard a woman returning a spot treatment acne gel. Apparently, the $18 product aggravated her bacne. I relayed it to a friend whom I know is using the same product and found out that she has quit using it — she said it’s way too expensive for what it can do. Just recently, she discovered cost-efficient yet effective ways to treat her bacne:
- Bathe in the morning, after exercising or if you have had excessive sweating, and at night before going to bed — make sure that the back is clean. Some areas of the back may be difficult to reach, so use a long-handled gentle brush to thoroughly clean it.
- Use an exfoliating body scrub containing salycilic acid*, AHA* or benzoyl peroxide*. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes before rinsing. [*Actives that help dry out existing pimples and remove dead skin that clogs pores.]
- After each bath, apply a pimple cream that contains 10% benzoyl peroxide on each bump.
While bacne is known to be hereditary, some acquire it from bacteria. In addition, when pores are clogged by dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants, the skin may be more prone to breaking out. Here are some tips to avoid having bacne:
- Don’t wear tight clothes like tank tops, sport bras or heavy backpacks especially when you sweat easily. Tight clothes cause your perspiration to stay on your skin, and this may cause your pores to clog. Use natural fabrics like cotton to help wick sweat away.
- Change your towels, pillowcases and bedsheets frequently. In washing them, do not use detergents and fabric conditioners that contain irritating ingredients.
- Avoid hair conditioners containing panthenol, because it can clog the pores. Also make sure to rinse off conditioner residue on your back every time you take a shower.
- Get a back cleansing (the steps are the same as a facial). It is so relaxing, and can really deep clean your skin.
Best of all, see a dermatologist as soon as you notice something different on your skin. Remember that prevention is always better than cure :)
“good post”