It would be great if we could all leave acne in our early teenage years, but for most guys in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, breakouts are still a common nuisance. One of the most stubborn and frustrating areas to manage? The back. Back acne, usually shortened to just “bacne,” can show up out of nowhere and stick around longer than it should. If you’re noticing random spots or full-blown flare-ups, just know that acne in male adults is far more common than most men realize.
So, why am I getting acne in my 30s, you ask? And more importantly, how can you actually treat it? Let’s break down back acne causes, preventative measures, and which of Anthony’s products you can use to help get rid of back acne for good.
What Causes Back Acne In Males?
Many people contact us with the same question: When does acne stop? There’s no definitive answer, because it varies from one man to the next. For some, it never really starts. For others, it’s a lifelong issue. If you’ve ever asked yourself what causes back acne or why you’re still breaking out as an adult, the answer usually comes down to a few key things.
For starters, hormonal acne doesn’t vanish just because you’ve passed your teen years. Testosterone increases oil production, and for some men, those hormone fluctuations continue well into adulthood. That excess oil clogs pores, especially in areas like the back, where sweat and friction from clothes can trap bacteria.
Your lifestyle might be making things worse, too. Tight workout gear, heavy backpacks, skipping showers after the gym — these all contribute to bacne. And then there’s the not-so-obvious culprit: your body wash. Using hard body wash, soap, or similar products not designed for men’s skin can dry it out, which causes your body to overcompensate with more oil, creating the perfect storm for bacne breakouts.
Another contributing factor is stress. When your body is under pressure, whether physical, mental, or emotional, it can trigger inflammation and hormone shifts that worsen acne. Poor sleep and a lack of proper skin hygiene only amplify the problem. Genetics may also play a role, making some men more prone to back and body acne, no matter how hygienic they are.
Even something as simple as the type of laundry detergent you use can impact your skin. Harsh chemicals and fragrances left behind on your clothes and sheets may irritate your back and lead to more breakouts. Paying attention to all these potential triggers (not just the visible ones) is vital to addressing the root causes of back acne in men.
How To Prevent Back Acne
The first step in learning how to prevent back acne is to create a solid, consistent body care routine. That means washing your back thoroughly (and often) with a body wash for back acne that actually works for your skin type. Choose something that can gently exfoliate without stripping moisture. This makes it easier to stop acne on the back before it can start.
Also: rinse off as soon as you can after a workout. Don’t give sweat and bacteria the chance to sit and settle into your skin. Loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics can also help minimize friction and irritation.
And let’s not overlook your sheets and towels. Wash them regularly, especially if you sleep shirtless or go to bed right after applying lotion or other skincare products.
To go the extra mile in preventing breakouts before they start, you’ll definitely want to use a body wash that refreshes and purifies without over-drying. Anthony’s Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash is a great daily cleanser. It’s packed with eucalyptus and birch leaf to cleanse deeply while leaving your skin balanced and hydrated. For more targeted exfoliation, alternate with our Buff It Hydrating Bar to gently buff away dead skin and surface buildup that can clog pores.
Post-gym or mid-commute, try Anthony’s Shower Sheets for areas prone to rubbing and sweat, like your lower back or areas directly under workout gear. It creates a smooth, friction-resistant barrier to keep skin dry and irritation-free in between showers. The key is to think of prevention as a daily habit, not a quick fix.
How To Get Rid Of Male Back Acne
Now for the good stuff: how to clear back acne once it’s already made an appearance.
You need a two-part approach: exfoliation and protection. Physical exfoliants like scrubs or textured bars help remove dead skin and unclog pores. Products like Anthony’s Blue Sea Kelp Body Scrub or our Exfoliating + Cleansing Bar can gently resurface your skin, improving both tone and texture. Use 2 to 3 times a week maximum, as overuse could cause irritation.
Some of the best ways to get rid of male bacne are also some of the best ways to prevent it. Continue using a body wash that doesn’t just cleanse but also supports healthy skin. Once again, our Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash is a great everyday option. It’s refreshing, friendly to your skin, and doesn’t leave behind residue that clogs pores.
Another super important tip: manage sweat. It doesn’t matter if it’s from exercise or regular summer heat; moisture traps bacteria that can lead to breakouts. Anthony’s No Sweat Body Defense helps keep you dry in high-friction areas, while our Shower Sheets are great for guys on the go who need to freshen up fast.
If your bacne is more inflamed or persistent, consider layering in an extra exfoliation a few times per week. Products with glycolic acid can penetrate deeper into the pores, breaking up blockages and calming inflammation. For an easy glycolic acid treatment, try Anthony’s Glycolic Exfoliating and Resurfacing Wipes. We usually recommend these for the skin of the face and neck, but they can also be applied to the back (particularly the upper back) as needed.
It’s also important to keep your post-shower routine simple and non-comedogenic (i.e., avoid products that will clog up your pores). Stay away from applying heavy lotions or oils to your back. If you’re moisturizing dry skin, stick with lightweight, fast-absorbing products applied only when your skin is clean and dry. And as obvious as it sounds — don’t pick or scratch. It increases inflammation and raises the risk of scarring.
Get the Best Anthony Products to Fight Acne in Male Adults
Like most issues related to the skin, there’s not one specific back acne treatment that will work for every person. However, our team at Anthony has created a lineup of products designed specifically for men’s skin. Our products are powerful enough to tackle breakouts, yet gentle enough to use daily (or several times per week). If you’re serious about learning how to cure back acne or simply want to maintain health, clear skin, these are worth adding to your routine:
Start with the Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash or Buff It Hydrating Bar for everyday cleansing with light exfoliation. On days when your skin needs deeper attention, alternate with the Blue Sea Kelp Body Scrub or the Exfoliating + Cleansing Bar. Then, finish with a few swipes of the No Sweat Body Defense to stay dry, fresh, and breakout-free throughout the day. Don’t forget that our Glycolic Exfoliating and Resurfacing Wipes are a good choice for persistent acne on the upper back that doesn’t respond to other treatments, while our Shower Sheets make it easier to stay clean on the go!
Want to learn even more about back acne in males? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
