Summer is here! As if the warming weather and the surge of visitors to our Hawaii home wasn’t enough of an indicator that summer has arrived, the grocery store check out lines are full of magazines touting diets that will make you look great in a bathing suit – in only 2 weeks, no less! They don’t seem to realize that it’s not always a few extra pounds causing discomfort in a bathing suit or backless dress or, for the guys, with shirts off. Body acne can be just as much of a bathing suit deterrent during the summer months as the stubborn 5 pounds we try to lose in April and May. 

Body acne or “bacne” does not discriminate by age, gender or hygiene habits and can be more difficult to treat than facial acne simply because it is harder to reach. If you have a roommate or family member who can help you treat it each evening until it disappears, that is great! If not, read on for some tips to treat this difficult area. 

  • Exfoliate. This is key for every inch of our skin. Dead skin cells tend to build up in areas that we don’t exfoliate. A great shower tool is a long exfoliating towel / cloth you can find at health food stores and most drug stores; loofahs and many back scrubbers harbor bacteria and should be avoided. Dry the exfoliating cloth on a towel bar every time you shower so bacteria do not have a moist place to grow. You can also throw this in the washer or soak it in hydrogen peroxide to kill any bacteria. 
  • Cleanse. Wash your back with an anti-bacterial or acne cleanser formulated for the face. Avoid regular soap and products that strip moisture from the skin and dry out everything they touch. 
  • Treat. If you have a family member who can help you, use acne spot treatments on any back breakouts at night after a shower. Make sure to let the spot treatments dry before putting clothes back on. 

“Bacne” is stubborn, but it can be treated both at home and with the help of a skin care expert. At Pure Skin by Maggie, we have modified our signature bio peel to help clients see beautiful skin on every inch of their body. This treatment utilizes natural spongilla crystals blended with vitamins and minerals to penetrate the skin, deeply stimulating the body’s innate healing abilities and collagen production. The crystals remain in the epidermal layer up to 48 hours, extending the intense healing process long past the time you are in the spa. 

Hard to reach or not, don’t let “bacne” get you down or keep you indoors! Find what works for you & you’ll soon see beautiful skin everywhere you look! 

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