Swimsuit season is on its way, and that means we’re about to show a lot more skin. If you’re bothered by acne on your back (or bacne, as we call it), keep reading. We may be able to help you clear up your skin in time for swimsuit season.

Some people can develop acne on their back in addition to their face. Scratching and picking at the acne on your back can result in scarring and can even make your acne worse! Before treating the scars caused by acne, it’s important to treat all active blemishes. Some scar treatments can’t be done if you have an active breakout.

Types of acne scars

Hypertrophic scars are the most common type of scar caused by back acne. They are characterized by extra layers of scarring on top of your skin. Keloid scars are shiny and smooth growths of scar tissue. Occasionally, back acne can produce a scar that looks sunken in or resembles a puncture wound. These scars are called atrophic scars.

At-home treatments

At-home treatments are a good starting point if you have a smaller number of scars and they aren’t very deep.

In-office procedures

There are many types of in-office treatments that a dermatologist might recommend to treat the scars left on your back from acne. Some have been clinically proven to reduce scarring, while others need more research to confirm their effectiveness.

Chemical peels have often shown to help acne and certain types of scarring from acne. Strong chemical peels containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other hydroxyl acids can be used to treat acne scarring. This method can be used on your face, and it can work on back acne scars, too.

During a chemical peel, a single acid or a mixture of numerous powerful acids is applied to your skin and allowed to penetrate your skin cells. Many of these acids will be allowed to remain on the skin for a small amount of time.

If you have recurrent breakouts that result in scarring, make an appointment with us to learn more about how we may be able to help. Give us a call today at (480) 419-9605 to schedule a consultation about acne, scarring, and chemical peels.