Back acne, also called truncal acne, affects about 61% of people, according to studies. It’s a pervasive skin issue. While there are ways to treat this condition, you’ll find that back acne scars can be the issue you need to address as the pimples start to go away. These scars can have an impact on the appearance of your back, so you might want to know how to treat and prevent them. That’s what we’ll be looking at in this article.
What are Back Acne Scars?
Back acne scars refer to marks that pimples leave behind once they go away. When we talk about pimples, we usually think about those bumps that develop on our faces. However, it’s important to understand that acne can affect any part of your body - including your back.
When you have a breakout on your back, you’ll often see the marks once the acne is healed. These are acne scars, and they can sometimes take a long while to fade.
Types of Back Acne Scars
It’s worth noting that not all back acne scars are the same. That’s why you must know about the different types:
- Hypertrophic scars: This type of scar has a thick appearance[1], and the area will likely be raised. Hypertrophic scars happen when your skin responds abnormally to the healing of a wound - in this case, the pimple would be the wound.
- Atrophic scars: An atrophic scar is quite the opposite of a hypertrophic one. This type of scar is indented[2] instead of raised and heals below the upper layer of your skin.
- Keloid scars: When a scar continues to grow to the point where it’s bigger than the pimple, then it’s called a keloid scar.
What do Back Acne Scars Look Like?
The appearance of a back acne scar depends on a couple of things. How they appear will help you determine their type.
Usually, these scars will have a different color than the rest of your skin. They can cause your skin to appear raised or indented and may vary in size.
Primary Causes of Back Acne Scars
Knowing what causes back acne scars can help you understand your risks and work on a strategy to overcome them. Let’s take a closer look at some of these potential causes:
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Family history: Genetics can play a role, so if you have a family history of acne, then you’re more likely to notice this acne scar problem yourself as well.
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Friction: Another cause for these scars is friction. When you wear tight clothing, they can cause friction on your skin, which may pop your pimples and lead to scarring.
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Hormonal fluctuations: Hormones play a role in acne. If you have fluctuations in hormone levels, then this can lead to breakouts. In turn, the breakouts contribute to these scars.
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Medications: Some medications may affect wound healing or even contribute to acne breakouts - both of which can affect your risk of scars.
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Poor hygiene: Failure to take proper care of your skin and wash regularly results in dead skin cells and debris accumulation. This can cause your pores to become clogged and result in breakouts.
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Skin care products: Using the wrong skincare products can damage your skin, clog your pores, cause acne, and increase the risk of having scars when the pimples begin to clear up.
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Stress and anxiety: While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it is considered to be a contributing factor. Keep this in mind when looking at potential factors behind acne and scars.
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Trapped sweat: You should also understand that trapped sweat clogs your pores and creates an environment that’s ideal for bacteria to thrive. In turn, this leads to pimples filled with pus, and scarring of your skin in the process.
Prevention of Back Acne Scars
While it’s possible to treat back acne scars, you should take the necessary steps to prevent them in the first place.
This way, you won’t have to find a way how to get rid of back acne scars, as you’ve taken steps to ensure they don’t develop. Let’s take a closer look at several strategies that you can use.
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Proper skincare routine: The way you care for your skin has a big impact on your risk of developing breakouts. With the right skincare routine, you can reduce breakouts - which, in turn, will help to prevent acne scars from forming.
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Gentle cleansing: Start with a high-quality cleanser. Skin products like the Rejuvoderm Clarifying Cleanser can be a great option. It’s gentle on your skin but still effective at removing debris, dirt, and dead skin cells. Make sure any material you use, like a washcloth, isn’t rough on your skin.
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Exfoliation: You should exfoliate your skin regularly. Keep in mind that it’s not something you should do daily, a few times a week can keep your skin clear and healthy. Use a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type, and make sure it’s not harsh.
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Moisturization: After cleansing your skin, using a good moisturizer is another important step that you should take. A moisturizer helps to add moisture to your skin and can also contribute to hydration. Consider the Infusoderm Deep Hydration Daily Moisturizer as the best option that’s great for most skin types and won’t leave behind an unpleasant, greasy layer.
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Use serum: If your skin is prone to breakouts, then using a serum to help address this issue is also a good idea. The Zeroblem Blemish Treatment Serum, for example, can help prevent breakouts and treat them. Plus, this type of serum also minimizes the chances of acne leaving behind scars.
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Avoid picking or squeezing: It’s tempting to pop acne when you see that yellowish head - but this is a habit that increases the risk of breakouts spread which could make the pimples more likely to leave scars behind.
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Sun protection: Another thing that you have to keep in mind is how well you protect your skin against UV rays. Using sun protection can help to lower your risk of skin damage caused by the sun. This also contributes to healthier skin that can heal and repair itself.
FAQs
Are back acne scars serious?
In most cases, they’re not serious. These scars are left behind by back acne. However, it’s important to monitor the scars for signs of an infection.
Do bacne scars fade?
Yes, scars that acne causes tend to fade over time. It’s important to remember that your skin is constantly creating new cells and getting rid of old ones.
How long do back acne scars take to fade?
It depends on how severe the scars are. Minor back acne scars may take a short while to fade, but deeper ones can last for well over a year.
At what age do back acne scars disappear?
There isn’t a specific age, although as teenagers progress to young adults, acne starts to clear up. This also means your skin will begin to heal, and scars will start to fade.
Do back acne scars go away?
Most people find that they go away over time. However, you can do a couple of things to speed up the process.
Can back acne scars be cured?
Yes, by using a high-quality skincare routine, you can get rid of back acne scars.
Conclusion
If you have acne scars on back, you might be concerned about their appearance. The good news is, that these scars can fade over time, but it can take as well a while before they are no longer visible. However, you can do a couple of things to speed up the process, such as a good skincare routine and using the right products.
References
1] ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470176/
2] ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4295858
Dr. Ahmed Zayad
Dr. Zayed, has years of experience in the field and has been contributing to public health awareness. Dr. Ahmed Zayed holds a baccalaureate of Medicine and Surgery. Egypt. Dr. Zayed believes in providing knowledgeable information to readers. His articles were featured on many websites like HuffingtonPost, Chicagotribune . Other than his passion for writing, Dr. Zayed spends his time outside the hospital, either reading or at the gym.
