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back acne on black skin
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #16653
6 days ago
33

back acne on black skin - #16653

Simran

I am really struggling with back acne on black skin and could use some advice. It's been a few months now, and I thought it was just a phase, but it seems like nothing works! I try to keep my skin clean, and I've switched to more gentle soaps, but the back acne on black skin keeps popping up! I even tried over-the-counter treatments but nothing has really helped. At first, I thought it was just hormonal since I started my cycle again, but it hasn’t cleared up even after that ended. Plus, it looks pretty bad in the summer when I wear tank tops or swimsuits and I feel super self-conscious. I just want to know if there are specific methods or treatments for treating back acne on black skin? Like, do certain ingredients work better? I mean, I’ve heard that things like salicylic acid can work for others, but with my skin tone, I worry about irritation or darkening. This back acne on black skin really gets me down some days, especially when my friends don’t seem to have any issues. Is there a dermatologist or someone who specializes in this type of skin condition that can give advice? Thanks!

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Doctors’ responses

Back acne on black skin can be a particularly frustrating issue to manage, largely because certain treatments might lead to irritation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can result in darker patches on the skin. Given your concern about irritation and darkening, it’s important to opt for treatments that are both effective yet gentle on melanin-rich skin. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient useful for unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. You might want integrate a 2% salicylic acid wash or lotion into your routine. Alternating with products containing benzoyl peroxide in low concentrations (like 2.5%), which combats bacteria, could also be effective. These treatments, however, can be drying, so moisturize with a non-comedogenic product to avoid further irritation. Niacinamide serums are a good choice as well as they assist in reducing inflammation and pigmentation change without exacerbating sensitivities. Retinoids, although potentially effective, might pose a risk for increased irritation or darkening when not used cautiously on darker skin tones. For that reason, always test new products on a small area first to ensure they won’t lead to adverse reactions. Adjust environmental factors also play a role—make sure clothes are loose and breathable, particularly during the warmer months, to prevent sweat buildup which can irritate acne. Keep an eye out for any signs of infection or cyst formation, in which case it’s time to consult a dermatologist immediately. They can assess whether prescription medications like topical antibiotics or retinoids are appropriate in your case. If you’re dealing with persistent issues despite trying these approaches, the guidance of a dermatologist is particularly valuable. They’ll offer more personalized assessments, possibly recommending treatments like chemical peels tailored for black skin. Look for dermatologists who specify in treating skin of color to ensure that their expertise aligns with the specific concerns related to your skin type.

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