How to Prevent Breakouts on Your Back

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Breakouts don't only occur on the face. Pimples can also pop up on the back, chest and other areas of the body. Your back releases oil onto the skin, called sebum, which traps bacteria and can clog hair follicles, the Mayo Clinic says. If these hair follicles become clogged and infected, a red, swollen and sometimes painful lump forms. This lump is a pimple. If bacteria spread and more hair follicles become infected, a breakout occurs. Stop back acne in its tracks by using an effective treatment regimen.

Wash your back in the shower with a body wash containing an active ingredient that fights acne. Glamour magazine recommends over-the-counter body washes that contain salicylic acid, which dries out pimples and oil on the skin.

Take a shower immediately after going to the gym or sweating. Sweating can cause bacteria and oil to collect on the skin, which clogs pores and can make back acne worse.

Ditch the synthetic shirts. Shirts and dresses made of synthetic fibers such as polyester hold sweat and oil against the skin, clogging your pores. Instead, switch to natural fibers such as 100 percent cotton, suggests Marie Claire.

Shower in cool or warm water. Avoid scalding your back with hot water, which can irritate hair follicles, burn your skin and make acne worse.

Dab a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide on large, painful pimples before bed. Benzoyl peroxide may reduce oil on the skin and encourage exfoliation of the skin, the Mayo Clinic says.