It's a skin condition that can be hard to treat, but there are ways to help it

Sydney Morning Herald

14-06-2025

This story is part of the June 15 edition of Sunday Life. See all 15 stories.
Let's start at the beginning. What actually causes acne? Skin produces sebum that comes from glands connected to your hair follicles. The sebum travels up the follicles to add moisture to your skin and hair. Acne forms when extra sebum and dead skin cells build up at the base of the follicle. This build-up then clogs the pores and traps bacteria, causing the follicle to swell, which leads to pimples and blackheads.
Dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta says acne can flare up on the face, chest and back and be caused by four main things. 'Family history; a hormonal surge of oestrogen and progesterone; bacteria that lives in the oil glands and which can stimulate the body to react against it; and when the lining around the hair follicle forms comedones [bumps on the skin].'
Parts of the back are difficult to reach, which makes them a cleansing and treatment nightmare, and a breeding ground for pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. The skin's pores get clogged as a result of sweating, hormonal fluctuations, skin rubbing against clothes, and stress. To help tackle this cluster, try showering with a body wash that contains salicylic acid, like Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment ($50), and use a handy back-exfoliating tool like Manicare Exfoliating Back Scrubber ($17) – it has stretch fabric and handles, which helps with those hard-to-reach areas.
Back sprays are also a great addition to your bodycare collection as they contain active ingredients, such as tea-tree oil and salicylic acid, and come with nozzles that swivel to reach difficult spots. Try Murad Clarifying Body Spray ($74).
If the dedicated body wash and sprays aren't shifting the acne, head straight to your GP for a prescription for a treatment such as a peroxide foam, which kills inflammation-causing bacteria. If this doesn't do the trick it might be time to seek advice from a dermatologist
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Even if you don't suffer from bacne, a back facial is a well-deserved treat. A therapist can give your back the attention it deserves with a thorough scrub to clear clogged pores, a deep cleanse and condition, plus extractions. In Melbourne, try the Artemis Medispa B-Acne Facial ($199), which includes deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam and extraction, a purifying mask, and massage with a rich moisturiser.
Once your back is a clean slate, it's time for some dedicated care, starting with a perfectly applied fake tan. For a professional application, try Tan Temple in Sydney and Beauty & Bronze in Melbourne. For DIY, try Bondi Sands One Hour Express Foam ($19). As with all fake tanning, preparation is key, so exfoliate well before application. To apply the mousse at home, invest in Loving Tan Easy To Reach Back Applicator ($25) and to extend the life of your fake tan, apply moisturising Spray Aus Tan Extender ($30) before bed each night.