Fighting Back(acne)

Everyone suffers with body spots from time to time and the back and chest are two of the most common areas to experience breakouts. I've had problems with this in the past, so have come up with a master plan to treat and prevent body acne.

Keep it Clean

It sounds simple, but it’s important you keep your back well-cleansed as sweat can clog pores (mmm). When I’ve been in the gym, I come home and scrub my back using a natural bristle brush from TKMaxx. The ones with detachable heads are best as you can use them to simultaneously battle cellulite. Steam from the shower makes for a deeper clean.

Cleansing products I like to use:

Quinoderm Antibacterial Facewash (I use this on my face and body) www.quinoderm.com

Organic Colour Systems Soothe Plus (gentle, smells great) www.organiccoloursystems.com

Biolife medicleanse (for serious breakouts and rashes)

Cleanse with Caution

Shampoo and conditioner can get caught in your pores on the way to the plughole. Use organic formulations to maintain skin balance. I’ve been using Organic Colour Systems Status Quo shampoo and conditioner, which also protects from colour fade and UV damage.

www.organiccoloursystems.com

Scrub it

A nice back scrub is a great twice-weekly treat. I’m using Ark Invigorating Body Scrub at the moment. Use a back brush to reach the ‘behind the bra strap’ bits which are prone to clogging.

http://www.arkskincare.com

Spray for a Miracle

A good treatment spray is a great idea, both as preventative and cure. I like Clarifying Body Spray by Murad. It has a clever nozzle which allows for a good wide spray. No piece of back is left uncoated.

www.murad.co.uk

Hermione Lawson, spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation says: “Acne is a very common skin condition that varies in severity from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest, which most adolescents will get at one stage or another, to a more significant problem that may cause scarring and impact on self-confidence. Judging from the emails and phone calls we get, we know there are a large number of people out there who are deeply affected by their acne, yet don’t always have an obvious person or place to turn to about it. If you are struggling to control your acne using over the counter medication, our advice would be to take action sooner rather than later, and visit see your GP or dermatologist. They can advise you what treatments are available which can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring”.

The British Skin Foundation is running a survey at the moment; take some time to take part if you can!

Thanks to womenshealthmag.co.uk for the image.