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Pimples on the back can ruin your plans to don that sexy new bikini or backless dress, but you don’t have to resort to harsh chemicals to keep your back free from a breakout. There are plenty of natural methods you can try to help get rid of unsightly pimples on your back, so you can put away the cover-up and slip into your favorite back-baring outfit.
Tea Tree Oil
Slather a gel containing 5 percent tea tree oil onto your back to reduce puffy pimples and destroy the bacteria that cause them. In studies, this natural ingredient has been shown to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide at reducing acne, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It’s more soothing than its chemical counterpart, too, so you’re less likely to notice itching, burning, stinging or dryness.
Nutrition and Back Acne
What you put in your mouth can affect whether your back breaks out, but contrary to what you might have heard, chocolate and caffeine don’t actually cause breakouts -- so you can’t blame today’s back pimples on last night's chocolate binge. However, MayoClinic.com notes that some studies indicate that certain dietary factors, including dairy products and carbohydrate-rich foods — such as bread and bagels, which increase blood sugar — may trigger acne. If you notice your back acne worsens after eating certain foods, you should avoid consuming them. Further, eating a healthy diet, rich in essential nutrients, can help keep your body in top shape for fighting off the bacteria that infect pores and create pimples. What you add to your diet can matter, too. A zinc or vitamin A supplement may be helpful for reducing back acne, but you should talk to your doctor first because too much of either of these nutrients can cause side effects.
Natural Skincare Ingredients
Some of the ingredients in the anti-acne products you see on store shelves might sound like chemical compounds, but they are really all-natural acne fighters. Alpha hydroxy acids come from citrus fruits and help unclog pores when used as an ingredient in lotion, cream, or serum. Creams containing 20 percent azelaic acid are another option. Azelaic acid is an antibacterial that comes from whole grains and animal sources; it kills skin surface bacteria to keep pimples at bay.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine may help improve acne systems, although further studies are needed to confirm this, notes the UMMC. This ancient Indian practice would involve a combination of topical and oral herbal treatments to reduce your back acne. In past studies, tumeric and ginger were among the herbs that helped reduce acne lesions, according to UMMC. Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen your body's systems, but before beginning any herbal treatment, you should consult with your doctor.
