No idea how those annoying, unsightly pimples travelled from your face to your back?
You’re not alone because bacne is more common than we may think, especially in hot and humid weather like Singapore.
The tricky part? Back acne is hard to eliminate without proper treatment and it should be treated early to prevent any scarring regardless if you’re in your 20s, 40s, or beyond.
If you’re dreaming of the day when you’ll dare to bare your back with confidence, read on for the ultimate bacne guide, including tips on managing the condition and the best bacne treatments Singapore has to offer.
What is Back Acne (AKA Bacne)?
Credit: Depositphotos
Back acne, also known as “bacne,” is a common skin condition that causes pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads to develop on your back.
It’s similar to regular acne that appears on the face but can be more challenging to treat due to its location and the friction from clothing.
According to Fazila Rajab in Dermatology Times, bacne has “a global lifetime prevalence of 70% to 85%”. This condition “affects about 48% to 52% of patients with facial acne and is slightly more prevalent in men than in women”.
It was noted that acne usually affects the upper back, upper chest, lower back, shoulders and extremities, and even the neck.
Additionally, approximately 9.4% of people live with the condition worldwide, which makes it among the top ten prevalent diseases worldwide.
Types of Back Acne
Credit: Depositphotos
What are the signs you’re suffering from back acne? Take a closer step towards your mirror and look for these symptoms:
- Blackheads: Small, dark bumps that form when sebum and dead skin cells clog the opening of a pore.
- Whiteheads: Closed comedones or pimples that haven’t yet reached the surface of the skin. They appear as small, white bumps.
- Papules: Small, red bumps that develop when the walls of a clogged pore become inflamed.
- Pustules: Pimples with a white or yellow head filled with pus, which is a mixture of white blood cells and dead bacteria.
- Nodules: Large, painful bumps that develop deep within the skin.
- Cysts: The most severe form and are large, pus-filled bumps that can leave scars.
What Causes Back Acne (Bacne)?
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Not sure if you might have caused your own bacne issues? Here’s a checklist of internal and external factors that could contribute to pesky zits on your body.
- Excess oil production: Just like facial acne, back blemishes are triggered by sebaceous glands producing too much sebum, the oily substance that keeps your skin hydrated. This excess oil can clog pores and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Dead skin cell buildup: When dead skin cells don’t shed properly, they can mix with sebum and clog pores, leading to pimples and blackheads.
- Sweat: Sweating can irritate the skin and worsen acne, especially if you wear tight-fitting clothes that trap sweat against your back.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during puberty or menstruation, can contribute to increased oil production and acne breakouts.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as steroids, lithium, and some anticonvulsants, can have a side effect of acne.
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Back Acne
The age-old question we should all be asking is: “how can we banish bacne from our lives forever?”.
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Well, here are some things you can do to manage and prevent back acne:
- Keep your back clean: Wash your back twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubs, which can irritate the skin.
- Exfoliate regularly: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or brush to remove dead skin cells. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing: Avoid tight-fitting clothes that trap sweat and rub against your back. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Shower after sweating: If you sweat a lot, shower after exercise or physical activity to remove sweat and bacteria from your skin.
- Manage stress: Stress can worsen acne. Try relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to manage stress levels.
- See a dermatologist: If your blemishes are severe or doesn’t improve with home care, see a dermatologist. They can prescribe medication or other personalised treatments to help clear your skin.
With proper care and treatment, bacne can be managed and controlled. Here are some additional tips for dealing with bacne:
- Avoid using oil-based moisturisers on your back.
- Don’t pick at the acne. This can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring.
- Wash your hair regularly, as oily hair can contribute to clogged pores.
- Change your bedsheets and towels frequently.
Remember, patience is key, as it may take several weeks or even months to see significant improvement.
Back Acne vs. Face Acne: Treatments Tailored to Different Battlegrounds
Credits: @ainaalie/TikTok, @zett.k/TikTok
Both forms of blemishes are unwelcome guests on our skin, but when it comes to fighting them off, the “weapons” in your arsenal might need some adjustments.
While the basic premise of dealing with both is similar — cleansing, managing oil production, and treating inflammation — the unique properties of your back require a slightly different approach.
That means that your typical acne facial wash may not be the solution for your bacne!
Understanding the Enemy
The back has thicker skin, more sebum production, and constant friction from clothing. This makes back acne more stubborn and prone to deeper, painful lesions.
While the face also battles oil and dead skin cells, facial acne tends to be more superficial, presenting as blackheads, whiteheads, and papules. However, hormonal factors and stress can play a bigger role here.
Treatment Tips
When it comes to treating acne, consider using body washes containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for your back, while salicylic acid alone or glycolic acid might be gentler for your face.
Topical products with benzoyl peroxide are a mainstay for both areas but can be more irritating on the back. Retinoids are also effective but oil-free formulas are better for your back.
Professional Treatments
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At times, you may not see any or many improvements from your at-home skincare and body care routine. Here’s when we appoint the help of professionals.
Treatments like chemical peels can be helpful for both facial and bacne. The same goes for extractions, but it’s more common for stubborn facial acne.
There are also micro-needling and light therapy, both gaining popularity, which may require more sessions for the back due to its thickness.
Best Back Acne Treatments in Singapore
Sozo Aesthetic Clinic Cystic Acne Treatment
If you’re looking at cystic acne, the most severe form, try Sozo Aesthetic Clinic’s treatment. Unlike superficial acne, cystic acne is deeper and more intensely inflamed which can result in visible scarring due to its depth.
This clinic offers a myriad of acne-treating solutions: facials, lasers, oral medications, medical skincare, anti-acne injections, sebaceous gland treatment, and drainage of acne cysts.
These interventions aim to control inflammation, reduce bacterial presence, and prevent recurrence.
Here’s what a satisfied customer, Rachel, had to say about their experience:
“I recently experienced the acne and acne scar treatment at Sozo Aesthetic Clinic, and I am thrilled with the results. As someone who has struggled with acne for years, I’ve tried numerous treatments from other clinics, but to no avail.
The acne and acne scar treatment targets my existing acne and helps fade away my stubborn acne scars that had been bothering me for years. I started noticing visible improvements in my skin’s texture and tone after just a few sessions. I totally recommend this.”
Sozo Aesthetic Clinic Cystic Acne Treatment is priced from S$80 for an acne injection to over S$850 for an INFINI Fractional RF treatment. Prices for oral medications start from S$60.
MEROSKIN Back Acne Treatment
Nestled at 10 Anson Road and 201 Joo Chiat Road, this beauty and wellness spa caters to modern men and women. Boasting experienced skin specialists with over a decade of expertise in both cutting-edge technologies and traditional treatments, the spa is well-equipped with the latest technologies for state-of-the-art comfort and services.
One MEROSKIN treatment to indulge in is their back acne treatment which features a thorough cleansing, deep exfoliation for the removal of dead skin cells, targeted application of hot steam to unclog pores, gentle extraction, and a concluding detoxifying mask.
This fast and effective procedure aims to reduce back acne without causing harm to your pores. It’s suitable for individuals with mild acne, acne scars, or general congestion, but may not be the ideal choice for those dealing with large cystic inflammatory acne.
As a bonus, this non-invasive procedure also stimulates blood flow which can improve new cell production, at the same time improving skin elasticity, appearance, and texture.
Here’s what a happy customer, Jia Yi, had to say about their experience:
“I have been with MEROSKIN for the past few years and it’s my go-to solution for any skin issues. From pre- to post-pregnancy, they have ensured my skin condition is at its tip-top condition. Every visit was such a pleasant and relaxing one, and I used the facial time to really wind down from my busy work and mum’s life.
Professional staff, reasonably priced, clean environment, and most importantly, effective facial treatments! What more can I ask for? Definitely gonna recommend more friends to MEROSKIN!”
Get the MEROSKIN Back Acne Treatment (60 minutes) at a trial price of S$128 instead of S$188 here!
Pure Tincture Organic Beauty Organic Detoxifying Back Treatment
A pioneer in the organic skincare industry, Pure Tincture Organic Beauty specialises in tailored facials and beauty treatments suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive.
They’re all about utilising clean, organic products free from harmful substances and partnering with skincare brands that embody cleanliness, sustainability, and cruelty-free practices.
Indulge in their 45-minute non-invasive back acne treatment that’s designed to tackle those stubborn spots on your back. The session comprises a thorough back cleansing, followed by exfoliation, and extraction, and concludes with the application of a purifying back mask.
If you wish, you can also enhance your experience with a Professional Machine Exfoliation for an additional S$100. This gentle, non-invasive apparatus ensures the removal of all dead skin cells from the outer layer, preventing future acne breakouts, without the need for vacuum suction.
Here’s what a happy customer, Eunice, had to say about their experience:
“Have been going to pure tincture for a few years now and have full trust in them with my sensitive, acne-prone skin. I still go back to them (even as I relocated overseas) whenever I visit Singapore. Thank you Clarice and Minna for taking care of my skin.”
Pure Tincture Organic Beauty Organic Detoxifying Back Treatment is priced from S$140 to S$240. You can also pay in instalments via Grab.
Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic Back Acne Treatment Facials
At Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic, you can expect three types of doctor-designed and cost-effective back acne treatment facials that are bound to deliver results: Back Laser Therapy (Eeva patients’ favourite), Ultrasonic Acne Clear Back, and Acne Clear Back Facial.
These facials target concerns such as blackheads, whiteheads, comedones, clogged pores, and blemished skin on the back.
You can put your trust in Dr Grace Ling and Dr Lim Luping who both bring over 40 years of collective experience in family practice and medical aesthetics!
Additionally, their dedicated doctors and medical team are committed to providing unbiased advice on the most suitable acne facial for you, taking into consideration your needs, schedule, and budget.
Here’s what a satisfied customer, Kate, had to say about their experience:
“I have been with Eeva Medical since 2016 and they have helped my skin condition improve tremendously in terms of acne, pigmentation, scarring as well as proneness to breakouts.
Environment wise it’s always relaxing and aesthetically pleasing. There’s no hard selling and Dr Lim will only recommend the necessary based on my skin condition which fluctuates throughout the year.
Ever since I started my treatment at Eeva, I have received endless compliments on my skin. Really thank you to Dr Lim and my clinic assistant Peggy for making skin treatment comfortable and less daunting.”
Back Laser Therapy (10 to 15 minutes) is priced at S$350+ GST, Ultrasonic Acne Clear Back (15 to 20 minutes) is priced at S$180+ GST, and Acne Clear Back Facial (75 minutes) is priced at S$260+ GST.
Medical Aesthetics Back Acne Treatment
The inception of Medical Aesthetics took place in 2002, driven by a distinct objective of providing reliable, safe, and affordable aesthetic treatments, as well as comprehensive healthcare services aimed at improving overall well-being.
Medical Aesthetics doctor, Dr Robert Ong, offers reliable back acne scar removal treatments in Singapore, backed by over 20 years of medical and aesthetics expertise.
Known for his attentive and friendly approach, Dr Ong discusses suitable treatment options tailored to your needs during a consultation before recommending affordable solutions with various budget-friendly options.
For instance, antibiotics gel would cost about S$35, benzyl peroxide products would be priced at S$30, and retinoid from S$20.
Here’s what a happy customer, Jenny, had to say about their experience:
“Reasonable price, no hard-selling. I’m having back acne treatment here and can see improvement after two months. Thank you, Doctor Robert Ong!”
Contact Medical Aesthetics via WhatsApp for rates of the Back Acne Treatment and to book an acne consultation that will cost from S$35 to S$65. Chemical peels and fractional laser treatments for acne scars are priced from S$105 and S$400 respectively.
The Clifford Clinic Long Pulse Laser Treatment for Back Acne
You can surely trust The Clifford Clinic to grant you a clear, smooth, and acne-free back since one of the frequent requests they get is to address back acne.
The Long Pulse Laser Treatment is a highly reliable solution for addressing back acne as laser technology has emerged as a trusted method for treating various skin concerns, such as hair removal, uneven skin tone, and acne.
Research indicates that long-pulsed laser treatment is particularly effective in clearing back acne. By employing a single-wavelength laser, it can precisely target acne without causing harm to the surrounding skin.
Clinical studies demonstrated a substantial enhancement in inflammatory acne among patients after undergoing three treatment sessions, spaced one to two weeks apart. Subsequent follow-up treatments have consistently resulted in further improvements.
They even offer specialised solutions to address persistent chest acne, breast acne, and buttocks acne.
Here’s what a satisfied customer, Andy, had to say about their experience:
“Both my wife and I have been patients at Clifford Clinic for hair transplant and acne issues respectively. The doctors, especially Dr Gerard Ee, and nurses there have been nothing less than terrific and customer-centric. Fully recommended.”
Contact The Clifford Clinic for rates of the Long Pulse Laser Treatment for Back Acne.
Freia Aesthetics Purity Detox Treatment
Freia Aesthetics prides themselves on their unique and comprehensive approach to skincare and beauty. They believe that the key to achieving the best results lies in combining various treatments and products, rather than relying on just one.
The clinic carries discerning skincare brands and medical-grade machines like Exilis Ultra, LED, Intraceuticals, Hydrafacial MD, NeoGen, Revage Hair Laser, and more.
If you’re tired of dealing with acne caused by stress, pollution, a poor diet, hormonal imbalance, or more, Freia Aesthetics’ Purity Detox Treatment is specifically designed to address the root cause of acne on both the face and back.
Through deep cleansing, state-of-the-art smart peeling, and gentle yet effective exfoliation, it helps resurface your skin and unclog congested pores.
The special formulation of active ingredients used regulates and balances the oil in your skin, while the exclusive cooling mask, enriched with diatoms and marine algae extracts, locks in all the goodness.
Here’s what a happy customer, Linxi, had to say about their experience:
“Warm and patient staff who ensured I was comfortable throughout the entire facial. Totally no hard selling. Even though their products and treatments are pricey, the quality of their services is top notch and my acne-prone skin seems to be in a much better state after one treatment.”
Freia Aesthetics Purity Detox Treatment (60 minutes) is priced at S$175 per session.
Mirage Aesthetic Flawless Back Treatment
Conceived by industry veterans with over a decade of experience, Mirage Aesthetic promises to offer you the “ticket to the perfect you”. Renowned for excellence, the spa has garnered multiple awards for its outstanding service and treatments.
Other than immersing you in an aesthetic wonderland, they also integrate cutting-edge non-invasive aesthetic technology and premium skincare products from Korea!
The Flawless Back Treatment provides transformative benefits and is designed to eliminate and lighten acne scars, smoothen imperfections, hydrate the skin, inhibit the growth of melanin, control oil glands, and even out skin tone.
Tailored for all skin types, especially individuals dealing with bacne, the treatment lasts for a refreshing 60 minutes, promising a revitalised and radiant back complexion.
@mirageaesthetic Experience the ultimate solution for back acne, also known as “Bacne,” which commonly appears on the back, upper arms, and chest. Our flawless back treatment is designed to effectively eliminate and smooth out imperfections, providing you with the confidence to flaunt bare-backed clothing. 🤍 Indulge in self-care and pamper yourself with a treatment that offers the following benefits: ⭐️ Regulates oil glands ⭐️ Smoothens imperfections ⭐️ Inhibits melanin growth ⭐️ Fades and lightens acne scars ⭐️ Hydrates the skin and evens out skin tone It’s time to boost your confidence and achieve clear, radiant skin with our tailored back treatment! ✨ Sign up for your first trial today! $98*for half back, $128* for full back
Here’s what a happy customer, Shaz, had to say about their experience:
“Kelly and Jasmine were amazing throughout the process of my back acne treatment. It was my first time and they were so nice and patient with the questions that I had. I could see the obvious difference in my back before and after the treatment.
Payment was great as well, Kelly was understanding of my financial stability so she recommended me according to my needs. Can’t wait for my next appointment.”
EstheClinic Intensive Acne Removal Treatment
EstheClinic’s back acne treatment promises to let you achieve #nofilter perfection and experience visible results from the very first session!
A powerful dual-action approach, combining LED and IPL technologies, this two-step treatment safely and effectively addresses inflammatory adult acne and acne scars.
First, the clinic’s award-winning IPL and patented “No Pain System” are applied for guaranteed comfort. This stimulates collagen production, minimises pores, and erases acne scars — promoting a calmer, even skin tone with no downtime.
Then, non-thermal blue and red light pulses are used to target acne-causing bacteria, soothe inflammation, and initiate skin repair.
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This intensive bacne treatment is designed for mild to moderately severe acne, ensuring lasting results with progressive improvements noticed after each session.
Here’s what a happy customer, Yen Yang, had to say about their experience:
“I’ve been here for regular IPL Acne Treatment and LED. Love their service and the environment is so clean and relaxing. Treatments have also been very effective for my acne scars. Thank you!”
EstheClinic Intensive Acne Removal Treatment is priced from S$220 per session with a free initial consultation. Packages are also available.
My Cozy Room Customised Detoxifying Bacial Treatment
This award-winning spa prides themselves on being a tranquil beauty spot and a mini oasis for the treatment of various skin concerns like acne and clogged pores.
To fix your back acne issues, try the Customised Detoxifying Bacial Treatment. Also referred to as the “Back Facial,” it is specifically tailored to purify and deeply cleanse your skin, leaving your back with a radiant, hydrated, and supple glow.
The treatment begins with a thorough deep pore cleansing and exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, followed by their signature extraction technique to unclog pores and prevent future bacne breakouts. There’s even a detoxifying mask and soothing back massage included!
Plus, My Cozy Room exclusively uses products from renowned German skincare label BABOR and their luxurious in-house skincare brand BeKind — both known for their natural products and innovative active ingredients.
Here’s what a satisfied customer, Monice, had to say about their experience:
“I’ve seen so many great reviews online about My Cozy Room, and I can understand why. They are really the best facial I’ve been to.
Acne and clogged pores have been my biggest skincare issue for the longest time, but I find myself going back to My Cozy Room again and again for my facial treatments.”
Contact My Cozy Room for rates of the Customised Detoxifying Bacial Treatment (75 minutes).
How Fast Can I See Results From Back Acne Treatments?
The number of treatments needed to treat bacne varies greatly depending on severity, individual response, and treatment type.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, and the number of treatments you need is unique to you.
It’s best to work with your dermatologist to determine the best approach and track your progress to adjust the treatment plan if needed!
@estheclinicsg Acne on your face is already frustrating enough 🥲 Luckily EstheClinic provided painless and non-invasive acne treatments! Remember ~ Extractions can temporary improve the appearance of the skin, but often leaves you looking red and swollen, not to mention that improper aftercare at home can lead to infections and which often means more breakouts! IPL technology uses heat and light energy to remove acne bacteria at the source, while also lightening acne scars! #estheclinicsg #aestheticclinicsingapore #singapore #bacne #acnescars
Severity
Mild cases may only require topical medications like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids used for a few weeks or months while moderate cases might require a combination of topical treatments, oral medication like antibiotics, and light therapy for several months.
Those with mild cases may see improvement within four to six weeks with consistent treatment. Meanwhile, improvement in moderate cases might take six to 12 weeks.
As for severe cases, it usually involve longer treatment plans with stronger medications and possibly procedures like extraction or laser therapy, potentially spanning several months to a year.
Individual Response
Some people’s skin responds quickly to initial treatments, while others may need a more extended course or adjustments to the routine.
Underlying factors like hormonal fluctuations or stress can also impact your overall treatment time.
Treatment Type
Topical medications generally take longer to show results than oral medications or procedures but require more consistent application.
Procedures like injections may offer faster results but might need repeat sessions.
Featured image credit: @mirageaesthetic/TikTok, @oxecure.ph/TikTok, @estheclinicsg/TikTok
