Back acne, or “bacne”, can become more pronounced in the summer. Heat, humidity, and increased sweating all create the perfect environment for breakouts. At Vie Aesthetics, we regularly support clients dealing with back acne using advanced aesthetic and wellness treatments. If this is something you struggle with, understanding the root causes and knowing what really works can help you regain control.
Understanding the Triggers
Back acne is caused by a combination of factors that clog the pores and irritate the skin. Common causes include:
Excess sweat and oil production: Especially after exercise or in humid conditions, this can block hair follicles and trigger breakouts.
Synthetic or tight-fitting clothing: Traps heat and moisture against the skin, preventing it from breathing.
Residue from hair products: Shampoos, conditioners, and sprays can run down your back and leave a pore-clogging film.
Hormonal fluctuations: Especially around menstruation, puberty, or stress – which is where our Hormone Clinic can provide personalised guidance.
Stress: Can trigger excess oil production and inflammation.
Overwashing or scrubbing harshly: This weakens your skin barrier and can cause more breakouts.
Dietary triggers: While not the case for everyone, high-sugar diets or excess dairy can aggravate acne in some people.
Heat, Sweat and Sunscreen
Warmer weather can make existing acne worse, and even trigger new outbreaks. Here’s why:
Heat and humidity raise your skin’s oil production.
Sweat, particularly if not washed off promptly, clogs pores.
Sunscreens, oils, and heavy body lotions can create a barrier that traps debris.
Physical friction from gym clothes, sports bras, backpacks, or car seats causes irritation.
Daily showers (or more than one) with harsh soaps strip natural oils, pushing your skin to overcompensate.
Targeted Treatments at Vie Aesthetics
Rather than relying on harsh body scrubs or over-the-counter acne washes, we offer solutions that treat bacne safely, holistically, and effectively.
| Issue | Vie Aesthetics Solution |
|---|---|
| Inflammation and redness | LED Light Therapy – Dermalux stimulates healing and calms inflammation |
| Scarring or congestion | Microneedling or Mild Peels for the body to resurface and decongest |
| Hormonal acne triggers | Wellness & Hormone Consultations – Balance underlying causes with a tailored plan |
| Oily, acne-prone skin | Medical-Grade Skincare – Prescribed formulations targeted to your skin type and concerns |
| Stubborn, recurring breakouts | Polynucleotides, PRP, or Carboxytherapy – To boost repair and restore balance |
Skincare, Lifestyle and Product Advice
Simple adjustments can also help prevent breakouts or make your treatment more effective:
Use non-comedogenic sunscreen: Lightweight SPF formulations won’t clog pores.
Shower promptly after sweating: Don’t let sweat dry on your back. Use gentle cleansers.
Avoid using hair products before exercise: They’re more likely to run onto your back when you’re hot and sweaty.
Swap synthetic fabrics for breathable cottons: Particularly when working out or sleeping.
Don’t over-scrub: Use a soft cloth or hands – friction aggravates your skin.
Introduce active cleansers gradually: Look for products with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
Support barrier health: Barrier-repair lotions (available in clinic) help soothe and protect your skin post-treatment.
Sometimes – Especially Sugar and Dairy
While diet isn’t the main cause of bacne, in some people, it can make it worse:
Sugar spikes insulin which increases sebum (oil) production.
Dairy can influence hormones and has been linked to breakouts in some studies.
Highly processed foods may promote inflammation in the body, including in the skin.
We often include nutrition advice in your treatment plan, especially if your breakouts seem linked to certain habits.
Professional consultation, personalised treatment planning
If you’re struggling with bacne, your first step is a thorough consultation with one of our trained skin specialists.
At Vie Aesthetics, we follow a structured 7-step consultation process to understand not just your skin – but your lifestyle, triggers, and goals. This includes:
A full medical history
Analysis of your current skincare and treatments
In-depth skin assessment, including sensitivity and barrier health
Evaluation of contributing factors such as hormones, diet, and stress
Discussion of concerns and desired outcomes
Education about potential treatments, with clear expectations
Creation of a personalised treatment and skincare plan
This consultation ensures your plan is fully tailored to your body and skin type. We don’t guess. We use clinical knowledge, diagnostic insight, and evidence-based treatments.
Our skin team is trained in advanced techniques and accredited to prescribe medical-grade skincare as well as deliver cutting-edge technologies like PRP, Polynucleotides, Dermalux LED, and Carboxytherapy.
No matter how persistent or frustrating your bacne feels, you’re not alone — and effective, professional support is available.
Book Your Consultation Today
If bacne is affecting your confidence this summer, you’re not alone. Book a consultation and we’ll help you get your skin – and your comfort – back on track with a plan that works for your body.
2 Harley Street,
Marylebone,
London,
W1G 9PA, UK
