Hey everyone,

I was wondering if i could ask for opinions of what people have tried or could might recommend for body and back acne. I started getting them entering into puberty and until now at the age of 21 despite using Roaccutane and many other alternatives such as the pill, peels, topical creams and even an Avon spray called Body Squad Body Acne Treatment. I am of olive to dark skin so so many scars have left my back and shoulders looking very blemished and left me quite frustrated and helpless about it.. :'(
Any feedback would be much appreciated and i'm sure it may help other people along the way with a similar problem.. thanks.

- Mia

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if i could ask for opinions of what people have tried or could might recommend for body and back acne. I started getting them entering into puberty and until now at the age of 21 despite using Roaccutane and many other alternatives such as the pill, peels, topical creams and even an Avon spray called Body Squad Body Acne Treatment. I am of olive to dark skin so so many scars have left my back and shoulders looking very blemished and left me quite frustrated and helpless about it.. :'(
Any feedback would be much appreciated and i'm sure it may help other people along the way with a similar problem.. thanks.

- Mia

Mia,

I know your frustration. I suffered terribly during and after both of my pregnancies. It was obvoiusly hormonal, but I did use ProActiv and those Clearasil pads to try and control it. It sounds like you have tried a lot of treatments...I know what a bummer it is. I remember not being able to wear anything that showed my shoulders, and forget about getting into a bathing suit.

I hope you get some better advice than what I have to offer. Just know that I completely sympathise with you!

Mia, not sure if this would help you or not, but I had great luck with the Neutrogena body wash with salicylic acid. Also benxoyl peroxide worked well too but apply it only at night and wear white T shirts as it will bleach your clothes. Make sure to rinse it off in the morning before you get dressed to to avoid the bleaching.

I had a horrible problem with this during my first pregnancy so my issue was hormonal too like the previous poster. And I didn't know then that you're not supposed to use salicylic acid during pregnancy but, oh well.

Also, look at youir hair conditioner and shampoo and make sure they don't have any pore clogging ingredients. Wash and condition your hair first, then clean your body after to make sure there's no residue. This has helped me immensely. When I don't do this I will break out.

Also try avoiding shamppos, conditioners, and body washes containing soduim laurel sufate. Most have it and it can aggrevate acne in some people. Check out the topic by searching this Forum for "Sulfate-free". I know it has been discussed elsewhere

I thought my shampoo & conditioner had something to do with it but not to this extent. I did stop using conditioner all together and noticed quite an improvement ever since. I will actually try some sulfate-free hair products from now on - thanks for that tip/s..
Another question is what kind of body washes do you use or recommend for body acne ? I've tried Clearasil and Neutrogena and didn't notice too much of an improvement on my skin.