by Acne doesn’t always show up on your face. Rashes may also appear on the back. This is back acne or simply “bacne”. It is not just a teenage problem, as women of different age groups can suffer from it. If you already suffer from back acne, you can try a home remedy. You must have noticed that tea tree oil is an ingredient found in various anti-acne skin care products. This is because tea tree oil is effective in clearing back acne. Read on to find out what makes tea tree oil a great natural acne remedy.
Health Shots reached out to Mumbai-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Akanksha Sanghvi, founder of Oprava Aesthetics, to find out all about tea tree oil and its use in fighting back acne.
Causes of Back Acne
Here are the many reasons for back acne:
• Obstruction of the pilosebaceous unit due to an abnormal accumulation of dead cells triggering inflammation and the formation of acne.
• Excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands of the back leads to oily and acne-prone skin.
• Increased predominance of certain types of cutibacterium acids leading to inflammation and an imbalance between pathogenic bacteria and the skin’s natural microbiota.
• Hormonal fluctuations in the body leading to alterations in the cutaneous production of sebum.
• Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis can be a possible trigger for back acne.
• Lifestyle and poor hygiene habits.
Some women may be more prone to acne
1. Young girls
Teenage age groups and girls in puberty are more prone to acne due to hormonal changes and changes in sebum production, says the expert.
2. Pregnant women
Women during pregnancy can also suffer from back acne due to progesterone, causing increased production of sebum by the sebaceous glands, leading to clogged pores and the formation of comedones and acne.
3. Athletes
They are also more prone to acne due to increased sweating and frequent friction and blockages from sports equipment, which can lead to folliculitis, Dr. Sanghvi says.
4. Women with PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a health condition that can trigger acne on the skin of the back and chest as well as the face due to increased androgen levels leading to increased sebum buildup.
Tea tree oil to treat back acne
Tea tree oil is good for the hair and also helps reduce mild acne. But it is not a main line of treatment for back acne, explains the expert. Exfoliating cleansers rich in alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), or benzoyl peroxide are most effective in treating back acne. You can always topically apply tea tree oil, which is derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia through a process of distillation.
The benefits of tea tree oil include the fact that it has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying tea tree oil twice daily to mildly acne-prone and acne-prone skin can significantly reduce bacteria on the skin with reduced pore size after 12 weeks.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil to Treat Acne
Tea tree oil is used as a common ingredient in cleansers, alongside glycolic acid and lactic acid, which can help exfoliate the skin without having to use harsh scrubs. It can help reduce blackheads and mild acne by reducing the buildup of dead skin cells and clogged pores, says the expert. You can also try anti-return sprays, which are easy to apply.
It’s not just about applying tea tree oil or any other ingredient. It’s also important to maintain good hygiene after exercise and sports, such as showering with a pH-balanced shower gel or salicylic acid cleanser.
