Follow these tips and tricks to prevent bacne without hurting your skin.
Living in sunny Singapore means it’s normal to reach for tank tops and summer dresses whenever you get the chance. But your plans to flaunt a sexy back can get seriously derailed if you suffer from back acne, which is commonly referred to as bacne. If you’ve noticed a smattering of bumps and red spots on your back, you’re not alone. Bacne is annoyingly common in humid and tropical climates like ours. Thankfully, these easy lifestyle habits will help you prevent unsightly bacne once and for all.
WEAR BREATHABLE CLOTHING
Not all clothes are made equal. Picking the right fabrics is crucial if you want to keep bacne at bay and minimise your risk of a breakout. Bacne is caused by the same things that trigger zits on your face, namely a buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria that clog your pores. Wearing non-breathable materials means you’ll be stewing in your own sweat and dirt the whole day and that’s only going to exacerbate any bacne problems. Instead, invest in clothes that are made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that will keep you cool and dry. It also goes without saying that you shouldn’t re-wear clothes in between washes - toss them in the laundry basket after each use, especially if you’ve had a sweaty day.
HIT THE SHOWER
Gym bunnies, listen up! Whether you’ve just finished a tough HIIT session or a chill yoga class, it’s best to take a shower right after your workouts. Perspiration, dirt, and bacteria are triggers for bacne so you want to rinse them off as soon as you can. You can also power up your post-workout showers by opting for an anti-bacterial shower foam like the new and improved EVERSOFT 100% Botanical Anti-Bacterial Shower Foam ($6.50 for 800ml bottle, $3.95 for 600ml refill pouch, available at leading hyper/supermarkets). The non-drying, gentle daily wash is made with plant-based active ingredients to provide natural anti-bacterial protection while nourishing your skin. The formula boasts liquorice extracts, fermented green tea, and lemon myrtle oil that have naturally-occurring antimicrobial and anti-bacterial properties to effectively eliminate germs. This means that you can confidently say goodbye to bacne-causing bacteria once you hit the shower after your sweat sesh.
EVERSOFT 100% Botanical Anti-Bacterial Shower Foam comes in three variants - Bamboo Charcoal to deep cleanse and purify, Ginseng to re-energise, and Peppermint to refresh skin and give it a cooling sensation. What’s more, the entire range is formulated without undesirable ingredients like triclosan, parabens, alcohol and silicone, so you can lather up with ease.
FUEL WITH THE RIGHT FOODS
What you eat can translate into either a healthy glow or dull, blemished skin. A diet high in sugary and processed food can trigger body-wide inflammation that can worsen bacne. Complement your active lifestyle by loading your plate with skin-friendly nosh. The best ones to eat include fermented foods, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and fatty fish that are high in omega-3.
