For people with seriously oily skin, back acne can be another battle to fight, on top of managing facial blemishes. While it is possible to cover up back acne in cooler weather, pimples on the back and shoulders can be extremely embarrassing when it is time to wear sleeveless shirts and bathing suits. Try these home remedies for back acne. They are all safe, natural solutions that can help you on your path to clearer skin.
The Miracle of Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is inexpensive, natural and a powerful remedy for oily skin and acne. You can find a bottle of distilled witch hazel in any drugstore. This herb has excellent astringent properties, meaning that it will tone the skin and reduce pore size. It also is an anti-inflammatory.
With a cotton ball or clean cotton cloth, wipe witch hazel over your back and shoulders twice a day. This will remove excess oil that can clog pores and lead to blemishes, while also tightening pores and preventing future breakouts.
Balance Skin with Apple Cider Vinegar
Witch hazel is an excellent natural treatment that you can use to control oily skin on a daily basis. For an intensive, temporary treatment try apple cider vinegar. It will not only destroy bacteria on the skin, but it will also help to balance the skin’s pH. Dilute equal parts of vinegar with water. Dab on acne prone skin before going to bed for two weeks.
Lavender Oil Bath
A lavender oil bath is one of those home remedies for back acne that works on more than one level. Lavender essential oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts to normalize the skin. While benefiting the skin, lavender also relieves stress and calms the mind. The less stress you have the less likely you are to experience hormonal shifts which can trigger excess oil production and more acne.
Add seven drops of lavender essential oil to a carrier substance, such as one cup of water, milk, sea salts or epsom salts. Swirl into warm bath water and soak for twenty minutes. Try this home treatment once or twice a week to improve the condition of your skin.
These home remedies can greatly reduce back acne and help to clear up your skin. Remember to also eat a healthy diet, packed with high-fiber whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Also get plenty of rest. With good skin care habits and a healthy body, you can help to balance your skin’s oil production and minimize blemishes on your back and shoulders, as well as your face.
Sources:
Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Page, Linda. “Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone, 11th Edition” (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).