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Dealing with back acne scars can be challenging, impacting self-confidence significantly. Whether you’re aiming to improve uneven skin texture or reduce the visibility of persistent marks, understanding the available treatments and their costs is crucial for making informed decisions.
From topical remedies to advanced laser treatments, there are various effective options to explore. This guide provides an in-depth look at these treatments, including insights into associated costs and practical tips for effectively managing and minimizing back acne scars to achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Additionally, for those seeking comprehensive skincare solutions, considering options like Botox injections in NYC can complement your journey towards enhancing overall skin appearance and boosting confidence.
What Are Back Acne Scars (Bacne)?
Back acne scars refer to bacne scars. These are the marks left on the skin after severe acne on the back that has been healed. These scars can be as distressing as facial acne scars and take longer to heal due to the thicker skin on the back.
In other words, Bacne is a breakout on your back. Like the skin on the face, the back has lots of sebaceous glands that excrete oil known as sebum. When bacteria, dead cells, and sebum build-up, they can inflame the pores, leading to a Bacne breakout.
What Do Back Acne Scars Look Like?
Back acne scars can vary in appearance. They may be:
- Depressed scars: Dented or rough as an ice-pick or boxcar acne scars.
- Raised scars: Known as keloid or hypertrophic scars, these are thick and raised above the skin’s surface.
- Discolored scars: Appeared as red, brown, or black spots due to hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory erythema.
Back acne can also range from mild to severe active acne. There are multiple treatments to prevent acne, you can get microneedling paired with hyaluronic acid into scars. This way will allow an immediate cosmetic improvement of the scars.
What Are The Types of Back Acne Scars?
There are three types of back acne scars:
Atrophic or Depressed Scars
- Ice-pick scars: Deep and narrow pits.
- Boxcar scars: Broad and rectangular depressions with sharp edges.
- Rolling scars: Wave-like depressions with smooth and sloping edges.
Hypertrophic or Raised Scars
- Keloid scars: Raised and often grow beyond the original wound site. Keloid scars can sometimes be itchy or painful.
- Hypertrophic scars: Raised but confined to the area of the original injury.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This is more common in people with darker skin tones. They are the dark spots left after acne heals
What Causes Back Acne in Males and Females?
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Genes
Genetics are the primary reason for acne development. You’re more likely to develop aches if your parents had acne, including on your back.
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Hormones
Hormonal fluctuations can trigger back acne in both males and females, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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Infections
Bacterial infections can lead to inflammation and acne. Fungal infections can also contribute to back acne.
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Diet
Certain foods have been linked to acne outbreaks, such as high glycemic index foods, dairy products, and processed foods. However, this varies from person to person.
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Stress
Stress increases cortisol levels, which can lead to acne flare-ups. Chronic stress can exacerbate back acne and hinder healing.
Other Factors
- Sweat and Friction: Tight clothing, backpacks, and sports gear can trap sweat and irritate the skin.
- Poor Hygiene: Frequent washing or harsh soaps can lead to clogged pores and worsen acne.
- Medications: Some drugs, like steroids, can contribute to acne.
How To Treat Acne Scars?
You can treat your back acne scars with topical treatments like silicone gels, retinoids, and OTC creams. Besides, you can go for medical procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy. However, these processes are also applicable to darker skin.
What are the Best Treatments for Acne Scars on Your Upper Back?
- Topical Treatments: Retinoids, salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help smooth the skin and reduce discoloration.
- Chemical Peels: These can help remove the top layer of skin, promoting new skin growth and reducing the appearance of scars.
- Microneedling: Creates micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production and skin repair.
- Dermal Fillers: This method is used to lift depressed scars.
- Laser Treatments: Effective for both raised and depressed scars.
Best Back Acne Scars Laser Treatment
There are several types of laser treatments used for treating back acne scars:
- Fractional CO2 Laser
The fractional CO2 laser is a non-surgical treatment that focuses on acne scars, fine lines, and other skin issues. It removes damaged outer skin layers to boost collagen production, resulting in firmer, healthier, and more youthful-looking skin with little downtime. You can get fractional CO2 laser treatment at an average cost of $1500-$3000 per session.
- Erbium YAG Laser
This has been used for laser resurfacing of human skin, promoting new skin growth and improving texture without as much heat damage as CO2 lasers. The average cost of an Erbium YAG laser is $1500 – $2500 per session.
- Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)
A Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) uses a beam of yellow light to target abnormal blood vessels in the skin. The light changes into heat that causes the red color from blood vessels to fade. The rest of the skin in the area is not damaged. The average cost of pulsed dye laser is $600 – $2500 per session.
- Nd:YAG Laser
The Nd:YAG laser emits a type of light that goes deep into the skin without harming the surface. It’s used for hair removal, improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles, removing pigmented spots, and treating veins like spider veins. The average cost of Nd:YAG laser is $1200 – $4000 per session.
- Fractional Laser (Non-Ablative)
In non-ablative resurfacing, fractional lasers use tiny beams of heat that go deep into the skin through thousands of small columns. This treatment removes old surface skin cells and heats the deeper layers to tighten the skin and encourage collagen production. The average cost of fractional laser (non-ablative) is $1000 to $3000.
Back Acne Scars Laser Treatment Before and After
Before undergoing laser treatment, scars are often more prominent and discolored. After a few sessions, patients typically notice a smoother skin texture and more even skin tone.
How to Get Rid of Bacne Fast and Black Spots?
To quickly reduce back acne scars and black spots:
- Use medicated body washes containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
- Apply topical treatments like retinoids.
- Consider professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy.
- Maintain good hygiene and avoid tight clothing that causes friction.
How to Get Rid of Acne Hyperpigmentation?
Treating hyperpigmentation involves:
- Topical treatments: Use products containing ingredients like hydroquinone, niacinamide, or vitamin C.
- Chemical peels: To exfoliate and renew the skin.
- Laser acne scar treatment: Target pigmentation and improve skin tone.
What Do Dermatologists Recommend for Back Acne?
Dermatologists often recommend:
- Use topical retinoids to reduce acne and improve skin texture.
- Prefer oral medications, such as antibiotics or isotretinoin for severe cases.
- Go for professional acne scar treatment like chemical peel, microneedling, and laser therapy.
How to Remove Pimples and Body Acne Scars Naturally?
Natural remedies can complement medical treatments:
- Use Aloe Vera to smoothen your skin and promote healing.
- Apply tea tree oil. It has antibacterial properties.
- Consider honey and cinnamon masks to reduce inflammation and bacteria.
- Spread on lemon Juice for its bleaching effect on hyperpigmentation.
What Not to Do with Back Acne?
- Avoid picking or squeezing. This can worsen scars and lead to infections.
- Don’t go for harsh scrubbing. It irritates the skin and can exacerbate acne.
- Reduce usage of comedogenic products. They can lead to clogged pores and cause back acne breakouts.
Do Chemical Peels Help Back Acne?
Yes, chemical peels help by exfoliating the top layer of skin, promoting new skin growth, and reducing the appearance of scars and pigmentation.
What is Good for Acne Scars?
Effective treatments include:
- Retinoids
- Chemical Peels
- Laser therapy
- Microneedling
Red Acne Scars Remedies
To reduce red acne scars:
- Use anti-inflammatory Creams, containing ingredients like niacinamide.
- Get laser treatments to reduce redness.
- Go for topical Retinoids to improve skin texture.
Celebrities with Back Acne
Many celebrities have dealt with back acne, proving it’s a common issue. Stars like Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Kendall Jenner have spoken about their struggles with acne, raising awareness, and reducing stigma.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cover back scars for a wedding?
To cover back scars for a wedding, you can use several methods:
- Use a high-coverage concealer or foundation specifically designed to cover scars. Make sure to choose a shade that matches your skin tone.
- Consider using body makeup or airbrush makeup for a flawless finish that lasts throughout the event.
- If your dress allows, you can also use accessories like shawls or scarves to strategically cover the areas with scars.
Are back acne scars permanent?
Back acne scars can vary in their permanence. Some scars may fade over time, while others may be more stubborn and persistent. Factors such as the severity of the acne, skin type, and individual healing process can influence the permanence of back acne scars. In some cases, professional treatments may be necessary to effectively diminish or remove the scars.
Do back acne scars go away?
Back acne scars may fade over time, especially with proper skin care and treatment. However, the complete disappearance of scars is not guaranteed for everyone. Mild scars may diminish significantly with time and proper care, while deeper or more severe scars may require medical interventions such as laser therapy, chemical peels, microneedling, or dermabrasion to improve their appearance.
Is it possible to get rid of acne scarring?
Yes, it is possible to reduce or eliminate acne scarring through various medical treatments and skincare interventions.
How to treat pimple scars?
Treating acne scars requires patience and consistent skincare. Some effective treatments for acne scar removal include topical treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, laser therapy, and dermabrasion.
Is there a link between dead skin cells and back acne?
Certainly, there is a link between dead skin cells and back acne. This condition occurs because dead skins mix with oil and bacteria clog the pores causing pimples to be formed. Regular exfoliation and proper skin care help to prevent these blockages hence reducing back acne. You can use body wash containing salicylic acid, helping you gently exfoliate your skin, remove dead skin cells, and unblock your pores.
– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation.
For any symptoms or medical advice, please consult with your physician, Or Book an appointment with our certified aestheticians at Syra Aesthetics.
About The Author
Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.
Board Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Hanif is the Director of Aesthetic Medicine. She is a board-certified physician in Aesthetic Medicine who specializes in using non-surgical alternatives in order to enhance one's appearance through Botox and fillers.
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