Back facial: when it helps with breakouts and when you need a dermatologist

Why breakouts appear on the back

The back and chest have many oil glands, so acne can appear there too, in teenagers and adults alike. It works the same way as on the face: pores get clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, blackheads form, and when a pore becomes inflamed, spots appear. Hormones and genes play a part, and on the back friction and pressure add to it: tight synthetic clothing, backpack straps, sports gear. Heavy body creams and oils can also clog pores. Sweat and heat after a workout irritate the skin as well, especially if you stay in sweaty clothes for a long time.

Not everything that looks like spots is acne. Small, uniform bumps that itch can be caused by inflamed hair follicles, including a fungal infection. Red dots after heat or exercise often turn out to be heat rash. These conditions are treated differently from acne, and cleansing won’t help them.

When a back facial helps and when to see a dermatologist first

Cleansing is a good fit when the back or chest has blackheads, clogged pores and the occasional inflamed spot. It’s hard to clean your own back, so this area is best left to a cosmetologist. Cleansing clears the pores but doesn’t affect hormones or how much oil the skin produces, so with moderate or severe acne it’s planned alongside treatment.

See a dermatologist first if:

• painful, deep nodules appear;
• there are many inflamed spots;
• breakouts leave scars or dark marks;
• the rash appeared after you started a new medication, such as a hormonal one;
• the rash itches, appeared suddenly or is spreading quickly.

If breakouts come with irregular periods, extra hair growth on the body or hair loss on the scalp, the dermatologist may bring in an endocrinologist or gynecologist. In these cases a doctor prescribes the treatment, and cleansing complements it. A Viva Clinic dermatologist sees patients in Slavuta at 27a Sobornosti St or 3 Danyla Halytskoho St, and the exact address is confirmed when you book. Our article on what acne is explains in detail how acne develops and how it’s treated.

How a back and chest cleansing goes

Back cleansing is part of the body treatments at Viva Clinic, done at the aesthetic medicine center at 16b/3 Kuzovkova St. Before the treatment, the cosmetologist examines the skin on your back and chest and asks about medication and any allergy to cosmetics. Tell them if you’re taking tablets for acne, as this affects which products can be used. For a few days beforehand, avoid tanning and scrubs at home, and wear clean, loose clothing to the appointment so it doesn’t rub your skin afterward.

The cleansing is done with special peeling products. They remove dead skin cells and help clear clogged pores. Your cosmetologist will advise how often to come after the first treatment: it depends on how quickly the pores clog again and whether there’s inflammation.

The cleansing is postponed if your back has cuts, acute inflammation or sunburn, if your skin is freshly tanned or if you have a cold. Avoid tanning and the sauna for a few days afterward.

How to care for the skin on your back at home and why you shouldn’t squeeze spots

Simple habits help at home:

• shower after workouts and hot weather, and change into dry clothes;
• choose loose clothing that doesn’t rub your skin;
• wash your back with a gentle cleanser, without rough washcloths, scrubs or alcohol-based lotions that irritate the skin;
• rinse shampoo and conditioner out of your hair before washing your back, since their residue can clog pores;
• choose body creams and sunscreens labeled “non-comedogenic”;
• change your bed linen often.

Don’t squeeze spots on your back, either yourself or with someone’s help. Squeezing pushes part of the contents deeper into the skin, the inflammation spreads, and a dark mark or scar is more likely to remain. You also can’t see your back well, so it’s easy to damage the skin and introduce an infection. If redness spreads after squeezing, swelling and worsening pain develop, or you get a fever, see a doctor the same day. Call an ambulance on 103 if you have a high fever with chills, a racing heart or dizziness.

You can book a back and chest cleansing by phone, on Viber or Telegram.