Back acne, or “bacne” as it’s often called, can be a real pain in the back. Not only is it unsightly and embarrassing, it can also be quite uncomfortable and even painful.
The good news is there are many effective natural remedies you can try at home to clear up back acne fast. In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the best home remedies for getting rid of back acne without harsh chemicals. From soothing oatmeal baths to clarifying apple cider vinegar, these natural back acne treatments can help reduce breakouts and alleviate irritation.
Let’s get started!
1. Sea Salt Soak
Sea salt is naturally antibacterial and can help dry out excess oil on the skin that contributes to acne. Dissolve 2-3 cups of sea salt in warm bath water and soak for 20-30 minutes. For very oily skin, don’t moisturize afterwards. Repeat 1-2 times daily as needed. The sea salt bath can help clear blemishes within a week or two.
2. Epsom Salt Bath
Like sea salt, Epsom salt also has antimicrobial properties that make it a great home remedy for body acne. Add 1-2 cups Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 15-30 minutes. Epsom salt helps draw out toxins from the skin to unclog pores. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking water afterwards.
3. Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal has natural anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits that make it ideal for treating bacne. Grind up 3 tablespoons of plain oats into a fine powder. Mix with warm bath water until well dispersed. Soak for 20-30 minutes to allow the oatmeal to work its magic, then rinse clean.
4. Baking Soda Scrub
As a natural antiseptic, baking soda can help eliminate bacteria on the skin that contribute to acne. Make a paste with 1 tablespoon baking soda and a small amount of water. Gently scrub onto bacne-prone areas and let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. The exfoliating action also helps remove dead skin cells.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar balances the skin’s pH levels, creating an environment less friendly to acne-causing bacteria. Mix 1 part ACV to 2 parts water and apply to back acne with a cotton ball. You can also fill a spray bottle with the solution for easy application. Let sit for 10-20 minutes before rinsing.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial that can destroy acne-causing bacteria. Mix 5-10 drops of tea tree essential oil with 1 tablespoon carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Use a cotton swab to apply just on blemishes, not all over. Be careful not to overuse as tea tree can cause dryness.
7. Aloe Vera Gel
Fresh aloe vera gel provides antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Break open a leaf and rub the clear gel directly onto bacne. Allow to absorb fully. Repeat 2-3 times a day. Store any leftover gel in the fridge.
8. Mint Leaves
Crush fresh mint leaves into a paste and apply to back acne. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Mint provides a cooling, anti-inflammatory effect to help soothe irritation. Use 2-3 times daily.
9. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel makes an excellent natural astringent for acne treatment. Soak a cotton ball with drugstore witch hazel and dab onto blemishes after cleansing. You can also mix in a couple drops of tea tree oil for added antibacterial power. Use 2-3 times a day.
10. Honey & Cinnamon Mask
Honey’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties pair perfectly with the antibacterial effects of cinnamon. Mix 1 tsp cinnamon powder with 2 tbsp raw honey. Apply to bacne and leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Use 1-2 times per week.
11. Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a natural exfoliant to help unclog pores and shedding dead skin cells. Soak a cotton ball in fresh lemon juice and apply to bacne. Start with 10 minutes contact time and rinse. Increase to overnight as skin adjusts to the acidity.
12. Orange Peel
Orange peel contains citric acid like lemons, making it another handy natural exfoliant for back acne. Simply take a small piece of orange peel and gently rub it over blemishes. Rinse after 10 minutes. Repeat daily.
13. Clove Oil
Clove oil provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Mix 2-3 drops with a tablespoon of coconut oil and dab onto pimples with a cotton swab. Be careful not to overuse clove oil as it can be irritating.
14. Sandalwood Powder
Sandalwood powder promotes wound healing and has natural antibacterial effects. Make a paste with 1-2 tsp sandalwood powder and water. Apply to bacne and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing clean.
15. Indian Lilac
Also known as neem, Indian lilac can help dry out blemishes and reduce acne-causing bacteria. Make a paste with neem powder and water. Apply to back acne for 15-20 minutes and rinse. Use 2-3 times per week.
In addition to these home remedies, proper skin care and a healthy lifestyle are key for preventing and treating back acne. Drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, avoid tight clothing, and keep your skin clean by showering after sweating. With some diligent effort, you can outsmart bacne for good!