It can be frustrating, even painful dealing with bodily acne, making you uncomfortable in your own skin. I’ve had moderate acne on my back for three years, and it has now left a lot of scarring. Some people are just more prone to acne than others, but there are things you could try to minimise it. Accepting that this may be a long battle is the first step. I have decided to share what has personally worked for me in avoiding new acne outbursts, as well as dealing with existing scarring. 

● Drinking water - Aim to drink as much water as you can; the more you drink, the better it is for your acne. The toxic build-up and product waste needs to be flushed out because this is usually the main reason for breakouts. 

● Gentle exfoliation - Body scrubs with microbeads help to unclog your pores. Just be sure to be extremely gentle as there’s the chance of irritating any active acne. Use small circular motions and be sure to wash all residue off and pat the area dry. 2% salicylic acid also helps to unclog pores without over-drying the skin. However, you may wish to begin with a lower concentration first and build your way up if you have particularly sensitive skin. 

● Benzoyl peroxide - This comes in many forms and can be found in various products. Personally, I have opted for a paste with 5% benzoyl peroxide and it has done wonders for my scars. There are higher and lower concentrations depending on the severity of your acne and sensitivity of your skin, therefore please consult a doctor. A downside with using this is that it can bleach clothing, so have some unwanted vests on hand. It’s also very drying, so a good moisturiser is a must. 

● Peter Thomas Roth Firm X Peeling Gel - Leaves skin feeling clean and smooth, as it removes dead skin cells. It also brightens your complexion, helping you on your road to a clearer back. 

Other tips:
● Wear clean loose-fitting clothing that allows your back to breathe.
● As hard at it may be, do not touch or pick at your skin.
● Regularly change your bedsheets; these can harbour excess oil, dust and sweat.
● Pay attention to your diet. Good food helps externally as well as internally - don’t forget your fruits and vegatables.

Please remember that this may not work for everyone; we are all different!
Good luck,