I've experimented with lotions and spot treatments designed for facial use, yet none managed to eliminate the breakouts. This left me feeling extremely self-conscious, forcing me to avoid backless garments and plunging necklines each summer - until my dermatologist discovered an affordable high-street cleanser, and it's currently 20% off on Amazon.
Back breakouts are widespread, and when temperatures soar, perspiration and heat become the main offenders - clogging pores and creating a build-up of sebum, grime, and deceased skin cells.
Holly Mason, founder of The Skin Investment Clinic, advised me that treating with fundamentals works best, recommending Cetaphil's Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Cleanser. Specifically developed to enhance skin tone and texture, this cleanser suits acne-prone skin whilst also benefiting shoppers with Keratosis Pilaris (more commonly recognised as strawberry legs or chicken skin).
The trio of mild acids - BHAs, PHAs and AHAs - are designed for gradual skin cell renewal, as Holly told me: "As the dead skin on the surface peels away, it helps push the impurities out of your skin and that will work to clear up any blocked pores. Over time, you will see fewer spots and calmer skin on your back."
The Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser is available in two sizes, with the larger 473ml version currently on Amazon at a 20% discount, reducing its price from £22 to just £17.60. The smaller 236ml version also has a 20% discount, bringing it down from £14 to £11.20.
I've been using this cleanser daily as a shower gel on affected areas. It lathers well without any fragrance and is gentle on my skin and crucially, doesn't irritate spots.
While clinical studies claim that the product 'improves skin radiance and appearance of pigmentation in seven days', I found it took about two weeks for me to notice any improvement.
The first sign of bacne healing is a reduction in inflammation, followed by redness and swelling. I made a conscious effort not to touch the spots and after 14 days, they healed, leaving slight pigmentation marks on my back.
Compared to ointments and creams, I found myself reaching for the Cetaphil cleanser much more frequently. However, due to the size, it's not travel-friendly and if I were to use it daily on holiday, I had to re-bottle it.
It did a good job on reducing the appearance of spots but given its gentle formula, it took time to see results, meaning this might not be one for those looking for quick fix.
There are other brands offering solutions to bacne, including Paula's Choice's 2% BHA Body Spot Exfoliant. This moisturising exfoliant leaves skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and soft while improving the appearance of hard, clogged pores on arms and legs. It's now reduced from £34 to £27.20 on Cult Beauty.
At Boots, they stock a Q+A Salicylic Acid Body Wash, and it's marked down from £7.50 to budget-friendly £4.87. Suitable for vegans, this alcohol-free body wash has a delightful watermelon and agave nectar scent.
On the other hand, the Cetaphil cleanser is suitable for both face and body as its formula retains moisture and hydrates the skin. I've stopped finding new spots on my back and now all I have to do is get rid of the marks.