Ewww....back zits!

[tradygirl]

OK, I know this is a little gross, but I've noticed that three years in a row now I've been breaking out along my upper back below my neck during ski season. Thank goodness it's covered by almost anything I wear, but I'd rather not deal with it!!

I think it's probably related to the long days I spend in sweaty synthetic clothing with a pack on my back. I try to shower ASAP after all of my ski days, but there's got to be something else I can try. Any ideas about prevention/treatment? I'd rather not use the same stuff I use on my face since that could get expensive!

 

[Robyn]

Yeah, unfortunately I deal with acne both face and back. I like this stuff from Clinique:

 

[ski now work later]

Try switching the layer you wear right next to your skin. I used to wear Under Armour and my skin got dry and itchy and sometimes broke out. I wear a different underlayer now (North Face XTC which I think has Bamboo in it), and no problems, and I try not to wear Polartec right next to my skin either.

Some salons will offer a back treatment, similar to a facial, with exfoliation, steaming, extraction, and a mask. I'm sure there must be some good salons around SLC with all the resorts. These treatments are great for hydration too.

P.S. Don't ya just love this site, I mean where else can you post this stuff?

 

[michpc]

Neutrogena makes a line of body washes called "body clear" and I believe they all run around $7 or $8 unless there's a sale going on. Haven't tried them personally, but I know a lot of people who like their products.

 

[altagirl]

What do you wear as your base layer against your skin? Maybe switching to a wool layer would help?

 

[LilaBear]

Depending on the type of zits that they are they may respond to a different treatment, I have found that moisturizing is effective as prevention. My zits were lower down, on the seating area, and after several weeks of diligent moisturising they went as did the bumpy zits at the top of my arms in back.

Yes, gotta love this site when you can ask these types of questions!

 

[num]

I agree with the baselayer switching, and to try to have a little exfoliant and perhaps salicylic acid in your body wash. If it's not more effort than you can muster, maybe give your neck/upper back a quick midday wipe with facial wipes (medicated or not) or even baby wipes so sweat/grime sitting on your skin is minimized.

 

[Gumbelina]

I am prone to sports related bacne too, the Nature's Cure body acne treatment spray works well for me. It's cheaper than the Clinique stuff, and lately I have been finding it in the grocery store for $3-4 off. It has really helped with my arm bumps (KP) too.

 

[tradygirl]

You guys rule - only here could I feel comfortable posting this question!

I'll try a few of these things for sure. Changing base layers will suck since I love the system I have right now, but it might help. I wear Patagonia capilene against my skin. I need to look for a super lightweight wool layer!

 

[PNWSkier]

Seems totally strange but I have been plagued with this and two different things have helped.

1. Wash your back with Head and Shoulders. Leave it on while showering and then rinse off at the end. Something about the same bacteria that causes dandruff can also cause acne.

2. Wipe with prescription strength otc benzoyl peroxide wipes. Then put on Alpha Hydrox Cream. It stings but kind of in a cleansing way.

 

[toughgirl]

i get them too from working out and it gets worse right before my period. I find that a loofah (spelling?) helps alot .

 

[Telluride Ski Babe]

I've suffered from various forms of break-outs my entire adult life...

My sister gave me a Clarisonic for Christmas this year, and my-oh-my, what an enormous God-send this thing is. They're not cheap, but my skin has never been clearer!

 

[michpc]

Another possiblity that I just thought of would be if you want to go the more "natural" route: some sort of body wash or lotion with tea tree oil in it. I've become a HUGE believer in this. I used to used benzoyl peroxide on my face, which worked well, but I had problems with bleaching pillows, or my comforter when I made my bed, etc. I got sick of that and tried tea tree oil, which basically works in the same way: it's an antibacterial, but no bleaching and my skin hasn't been this clear in YEARS!

 

[Swissly1]

Acne treatment

I just found this information that might be of your interest.
Milk of Magnesia for Acne
Apart from being a laxative, milk of magnesia can be used for curing acne too. Though, milk of magnesia comes in the form of tablets, capsules and in a syrup form, milk of magnesia for acne is meant for topical application only. Milk of magnesia for acne helps by controlling the oil level on the skin, which is many times the reason for acne. The product works for curing cystic and nodular growths too.

How does Milk of Magnesia for Acne Work?
Milk of magnesia has an alkaline base. Thus, it nullifies the acid level in the skin, which is the main cause of acne. It absorbs the excess of oil and protects the skin from acne growth. Even in the case where the acne bursts and becomes septic, milk of magnesia can be used as a disinfecting agent.

How and When to Use Milk of Magnesia for Acne?
Milk of magnesia for acne is only meant for external application. It can be used as a cleaner and toner. For topical application, take some milk of magnesia on a cotton ball and gently apply it on the affected area. A regular application of the same will reduce the oiliness of the skin, thus reducing the probability of acne infection. Milk of magnesia can be used as a toner, as well. Apply after your shower and rinse it off after some time. As a cleanser, apply on the affected area, like any other cleaner and wipe it with a wet cloth or wash it off.

Side Effects of Milk of Magnesia
Obviously, the desired effect of milk of magnesia is that the acne will disappear. Oil content on the skin will reduce. When we speak of the side effects of milk of magnesia, you may experience some dryness and tightness of the skin but there's no worry, stop the application for a while and it will return to normal.

Milk of magnesia for acne may cure acne, but it is not a permanent cure. To bring about a permanent change, watch what you eat. Diet has a major role to play in acne formation on the skin. Acne is also associated with behavioral patterns, such as hyperactivity. A total cure for acne is yet to be found, hence preventing them is the only cure for now!
By Mukta Gaikwad