Back Acne Treatment Formula (Oily Skin, Sweating, Humidity)

Question

Seeking a suitable formula for inflammatory back acne on oily skin, exacerbated by sweating and humidity (e.g., from driving), as using BHA 4% caused excessive dryness but did not fully resolve the issue. Could you recommend a formula concept (e.g., serum or lotion) combining ingredients like Salicylic Acid (BHA), Glycolic Acid (AHA), Niacinamide, and Zinc PCA, with appropriate usage concentrations and considerations for ingredient solubility?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Back Acne Treatment Formula (For Oily Skin, Sweating, and Humidity)

I understand you are experiencing inflammatory back acne due to driving and excessive sweating, leading to humidity and recurring breakouts. Treating this type of acne requires focusing on exfoliation, oil control, and reducing inflammation. Using 4% BHA might have caused excessive dryness without fully addressing all contributing factors.

I would like to suggest an approach combining ingredients specifically beneficial for back acne problems like yours.

Recommended Ingredients

Salicylic Acid (BHA): Helps dissolve oil within pores, reduces clogging, and has mild antiseptic properties. Suitable for inflammatory and clogged acne.
Glycolic Acid (AHA): Helps exfoliate dead skin cells, smoothing the skin's surface and enhancing the effectiveness of Salicylic Acid. It's advisable to choose a less irritating type.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps reduce inflammation, calm redness from acne, control skin oiliness, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Zinc PCA: Helps control excess oil on the skin, reduces the accumulation of bacteria that contribute to acne, and aids in skin healing.

Formula Concept (Serum or Lotion for the Back)

Combining these ingredients in an easily absorbed format like a serum or lotion for the back will allow the active ingredients to work effectively.

Salicylic Acid (BHA): Use at an appropriate concentration for leave-on products (not exceeding 2%). You might start at 1-1.5% to minimize irritation and dryness.
Ampho-Glycolic™ (Glycolic Acid): Use at a concentration of approximately 2-5% for gentle exfoliation.
Safe-B3™ (Niacinamide): Use at a concentration of 4-5% to control oil and reduce inflammation.
Zinc PCA: Use at a concentration of 0.5-1% to enhance oil control and reduce bacteria.

Note: Powdered Salicylic Acid (Salicylic Acid (BHA)) does not dissolve directly in water. It must be dissolved in a suitable solvent before incorporating into a water-based formula. Ampho-Glycolic™ and Zinc PCA are water-soluble, and Safe-B3™ is also highly water-soluble.

Additional Recommendation

Besides using skincare products, maintaining cleanliness is crucial. You should shower immediately after excessive sweating, especially after driving, to wash away accumulated sweat and oil, which are primary factors triggering back acne. Using a body wash containing Salicylic Acid is another helpful option.

This formula focuses on the synergistic effect of multiple ingredients to manage the various factors contributing to back acne, including exfoliation, unclogging pores, oil control, and reducing inflammation, which may yield better results than using single ingredients.