As an adult, you may have banished acne from your teenage years and the decade of your 20s (thank goodness), but hey, even adult acne still creeps up sometimes. (Hello, hormones.)

Maybe you’re switching to more natural skin care products and your skin is purging—or perhaps your skin is just craving certain ingredients. But what about other forms of acne like back acne?

If you live with back acne or “bacne,” here are some tips on getting rid of bacne with some easy at-home back acne treatments.

What is back acne?

What is bacne? Well, simply put, bacne is back acne or acne that develops on the back. According to the Cleveland Clinic, bacne can form when bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt, oil (aka sebum), and sweat get trapped in the skin’s pores.

Things like backpacks, sports equipment, sweaty shirts, and other clothing that rubs against sweaty skin can create friction on the back, which can essentially agitate back acne and ultimately make it worse.

Back acne can appear as pimples like blackheads, red bumps, or whiteheads, which can all be annoying, painful, and unsightly. Anyone can get back acne, but it’s most common in teenagers and young adults, especially males.

Acne, including back acne, is incredibly common. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, it’s the most common skin condition in the United States. Around 50 million people in the U.S. alone have acne and that includes acne on the face as well as back acne and acne that appears on places like your beautiful bum, chest, neck, and shoulders.

The good news is, there are some back acne treatments that can help keep skin clear, smooth, and free of back acne.

How to get rid of bacne

1. Avoid picking, popping, or squeezing

Though it can be super tempting, avoid picking, popping, or squeezing back acne. Picking a pimple can lead to an infected zit and constant popping or squeezing can damage the skin and ultimately lead to acne scars. Instead, it’s best to use another method for back acne treatments. (Keep reading.)

2. Be selective about sunscreens and skin care products

Protecting skin from the sun is important, which means slathering on that SPF, people. But greasy sunscreen can also contribute to back acne and clogged pores. Make sure to choose sunscreen products that are light on the skin and oil-free. The same goes for all skincare products. Oil-free and non-comedogenic is the way to go across the board!

3. Clean skin daily

Don’t neglect washing your back daily. Use an oil-free body wash that’s noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores. Resist the urge to scrub your skin with harsh cleansers as scrubbing can make acne worse.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of benzoyl peroxide (emollient foam wash). This helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Used daily, it can help control back acne and reduce flare-ups. Studies show benzoyl peroxide works best if left on the back for two to five minutes, so plan your shower time accordingly.

You can also try a gentle exfoliating scrub with ingredients such as salicylic acid to remove extra dirt and oil from your skin. This can help reduce the amount of dead skin that could potentially clog pores and lead to back acne.

In some cases, you may even consider the use of a retinoid gel. When in doubt, ask your dermatologist which back acne treatments are best for you and your skin.

4. Consistency counts

“It is important to remember that treating back acne takes time, and what works for one person might not work for another,” shares Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and published author based in Miami. “Consistency is key, so stick with your skincare routine, and over time, you should see improvements.”

5. Pay attention to how food affects your acne

Chacon also says food can play a role in bacne. “A diet high in processed foods and sugars can trigger acne,” and that includes back acne. “Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains.”

6. Keep hair off of your back

Long hair touching the skin on your back may be contributing to back acne from dirt, natural oil, and sweat. This may cause back acne breakouts. Be sure to wash hair regularly, and put it in a bun or ponytail during sweat sessions.

If possible, don’t allow conditioner or shampoo to run down your back when showering. Some ingredients in these products can contribute to clogged pores as well.

7. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist

If back acne keeps coming back or lingers, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. They may recommend other prescription skin care products to treat severe acne including antibiotics or other oral medications.

8. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from the body and keeps your skin hydrated, which is why Chacon recommends drinking plenty of water daily. It sounds easy, but it may actually be a little bit trickier than you expected.

9. Use clean linens

Just like you want to change your clothes immediately after a workout (see point below), you also want to keep up with laundry and use clean pillowcases, sheets, and towels so bacteria, dead skin, dirt, oil, and sweat don’t build up on these items. Aim for rotating linens like sheets and towels at least once a week.

10. Wear appropriate workout attire

When working out, wear cotton shirts or loose-fitting, sweat-wicking fabrics. After exercise or a workout, shower and change into clean clothes immediately. Don’t just sit there in that sweaty sports bra and top. (Your skin will thank you.)

Depending on your training schedule, limit the use of sports equipment (like football pads) and heavy backpacks. You’ll also want to wash workout clothes after each use, so be sure not to double up on wears. (Yeah, yeah, guilty!)

The bottom line on how to get rid of backne

Back acne, or bacne, isn’t an uncommon occurrence, though it can be annoying. The good news is, there are a few simple at-home remedies you can try as back acne treatments to banish it for good. Buh-bye, bacne!