How to Get Rid of Back Acne Scars: Lighten and Heal

We get it: back acne scars can be annoying.

Sometimes, you don’t even notice them—until you want to wear that cute off-the-shoulder top.

Suddenly, those marks are messing with your whole outfit vibe.

It’s normal to get back acne. Every day, things like bras, bags, and gym equipment rub against and irritate our skin.

These factors can disrupt our skin’s natural processes, resulting in back acne (aka bacne).

But there are ways to lighten and heal back acne scars so they’re a thing of the past. It takes just a few easy steps that you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Side note: Hannah and Jo share their bacne treatment tips (along with some other cringey convo topics) in the video below...

Now Here's Some of the Best Ways to Get Rid of Bacne:

1. Body wash for back acne scars

The first step in clearing bacne scars is to use a body wash that targets acne and scarring. This is a non-negotiable step for your daily or post-workout shower to remove bacteria and other impurities from the scar tissue and surrounding areas.

• Alpha-H Clear Skin Face and Body Wash combines antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help soothe, reduce, and prevent breakouts. This invigorating gel wash minimises bacteria production and breakouts with Thyme, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus. Willowbark and Vitamin B3 normalise the skin’s oil levels. And the hero ingredient? Salicylic Acid, a powerhouse chemical exfoliant that removes impurities and cleanses pores to yield overall clearer skin. This non-comedogenic body wash helps balance oil production with regular use.

• Gentle enough for daily use, Pixi Glycolic Body Wash features a unique blend of Aloe Vera and Ginseng to soothe, hydrate, and boost circulation in the skin. Key ingredient Glycolic Acid is a chemical exfoliant that helps reduce the raised appearance and discolouration of acne scars, flattening and lightening them over time. This body wash is also paraben-free and cruelty-free.

2. Body scrub for back acne scars

Next step is your scrub. You may be hesitant to exfoliate those sometimes-delicate scarred areas, but exfoliation is key for lightening any lingering back acne scars. Our skin is constantly turning over cells, creating new skin while old skin cells die off and shed. When you use a body scrub or exfoliant as part of your regular routine, the product will speed up cell turnover. That means your scars will heal faster (perfect for someone who’s super-impatient like me!).

• Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14% is enriched with Glycolic Acid, Jojoba Beads, and Tea Tree Oil to clear and brighten your complexion. Perfect for all ages, Glycolic Scrub 14% also treats acne, congestion, and pigmentation concerns. The combination of Glycolic Acid and biodegradable Jojoba Beads helps resurface the skin and acne scars for a smoother complexion. If you’re still having breakouts in the area, Tea Tree Oil (a natural antibacterial) will soothe and treat them. If you have skin sensitivities and often react to skincare products, we suggest you try a gentler option first to avoid irritation. Skinstitut L-Lactic Cleanser is a great choice.

• Mr. Smith Exfoliating Body Wash uses natural Pumice Stone to remove dead skin cells and other impurities, leaving skin purified, soft, and smooth. This PETA-certified vegan and cruelty-free body wash is also formulated with a cocktail of natural extracts. Mandarin Oil is used to brighten acne scars and hydrate the skin. Beautiful Jasmine Oil delivers nutrients that increase elasticity and moisturise the skin and damaged scar tissue. And Lime Oil, which is rich in vitamin C, helps boost the skin’s circulation. Plus, this body wash is free of microbeads, sulphates, parabens, and silicones.

• Wish you could pour Alpha-H Liquid Gold all over your body and get the same gorgeous effects it creates on your face? Well, you pretty much can! Alpha-H Liquid Gold Resurfacing Body Cloths are luxurious, dual-effect body-exfoliating cloths soaked in Alpha-H's bestselling original Liquid Gold, which contains potent Glycolic Acid. With regular use, these exfoliating body wipes help minimise discolouration from scarring while they give skin a clearer look and smoother feel. The intensive, pre-soaked body cloths can be used daily, although sensitive skin types may want to build up usage as skin adjusts to the potent ingredients. And of course, apply sunscreen afterwards (which you should do regardless!).

• This might look like a normal bar of soap, but girl, it’s so much more! Hunter Lab Exfoliating Hand & Body Bar 220g features Black Clay, Activated Charcoal, and Pumice to deeply cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin to draw out impurities. This easy-to-use body bar also incorporates Peppermint, Clove, and Cedarwood, so your skin will smell amazing. And this cleansing bar is cruelty-free, vegan, sulphate-free and Australian-made.

3. Body lotion for back acne scars

When you have acne and scarring, a body lotion may be the last thing you think of trying. But when your skin becomes dried out from overcleansing, it makes more oil, which can lead to clogged pores, further breakouts, discolouration, and scarring. That’s where lotion comes in. By keeping your skin nourished and hydrated, you help scar tissue remain supple so it can heal and fade more easily.

Infused with refreshing essential oils and resurfacing Glycolic Acid, asap revitalising bodymoist 200ml is a unique treatment that helps tone, tighten, and smooth the skin on the body. To combat back acne scars, this formula deeply hydrates the skin while stimulating cell turnover to minimise discolouration. Nourishing Grapeseed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Avocado Oil, and Olive Leaf Extract penetrate deeply to hydrate skin and lock in moisture. As this formulation can create sun sensitivity, add it to your night-time skincare rotation for best results.

Want to know more about how to heal acne scars? Check out these helpful guides...

• How to Heal Acne Scars

• How to Heal Acne Scars on Dry Skin

• Our Best Natural Products to Clear Acne Scar

• Our Best Face Masks for Acne Scars

• How to Fade Acne Scars

• How to Get Rid of Red Acne Scars

• The Best Chemical Peels for Acne Scars

• The Best Serums for Acne Scars

• Best Acne Scar Removal Products for Sensitive Skin

• Why You Should Try Dermarollers for Your Acne Scars

• Find the Best Acne Scar Treatment for You

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