Five Tips To Care For The Skin On Your Back

a woman standing in the shower

Updated 12/13/14. Do you get breakouts on your back? Or does the skin simply look rough and dry? Here are my five expert tips for ensuring clear, smooth, healthy-looking skin on the back.

1. Wash off all hair conditioner residue.

As someone who used to get tremendous amount of back breakouts, I know that residue leftover from hair conditioner can cause problems. After rinsing out your hair conditioner in the shower, put your hair up in a clip (if it’s long), and use your shower gel on an Exfoliating Body Cloth to wash the back to cut any oil residue that rinsing won’t find. This will ensure that hair conditioners won’t cause any unnecessary trouble. (Read: Can Hair Conditioner Cause Back Breakouts?)

2. Exfoliate twice a week

Just like the face, the body needs exfoliation too. I love using this Exfoliating Body Cloth with a sulfate-free cleansing gel like AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel to gently remove surface dried skin cells to discourage clogged pores and breakouts, as well as keep the skin smooth. I don’t suggest using body scrubs on the back, as they may contain oils that could contribute to breakouts, especially if you’re already acne prone.

3. Schedule a back facial

My favorite thing to do before summer is to get a professional back facial, where the esthetician can exfoliate, extract any clogged pores or blackheads, and prepare the skin for the big reveal. Schedule a Back Facial at Renée Rouleau Skin Care Spas.

4. Practice sun safety.

If you’re prone to freckles or have post-breakout acne scars on the back, sun exposure can make both of these more prominent since the sun increases melanin activity. If you don’t have either of these, it is still important to keep the skin from sunburns, which can damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. Instead, look for oil-free sunless tan products to get your golden glow–the safe way.

5. Spot treat blemishes as needed.

Even when well into your adult years, it’s not uncommon to still get the occasional blemish. Your best approach to treat these is to use blemish spot treatments like our Night Time Spot Lotion to help heal them and make them go away quickly. If you’re prone to acne cysts (the hard, sore underground blemishes that are also commonly found on men’s backs too) use our Anti Cyst Treatment for a speedy recovery.

As temperatures rise and summer sets in, it is important to not neglect your back when it comes to your skin care routine. By following my five tips, you can make sure that when the time comes, your back is ready.

Read: How To Prevent Ingrown Hairs On Your Bikini Line

Which skin care products are best for you? See our nine skin types or take the Skin Type Quiz and get products recommended.

Need expert advice from a licensed esthetician? Schedule a virtual consultation to get customized advice in person, over the phone or online via Skype or FaceTime.

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Disclaimer: Content found on www.ReneeRouleau.com and Blog.ReneeRouleau.com, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website or blog.

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  1. What do you recommend using to scrub/wash the back or body in general on the days we don’t exfoliate with your Exfoliating body cloth?

    Posted By: Daisy  | 

    Reply
    • Just use a gentle, sulfate-free shower gel. Just don’t use a bar soap as it’s too drying.

      Posted By: Renée Rouleau  | 

      Reply
  2. As a new esti with not much experience in skincare lines, what skincare line would you recommend to start off with. Thank you

    Posted By: Denise b  | 

    Reply
    • I’m not familiar with all the professional lines out there but my suggestion would be to attend a trade show and see what line best suits your philosophy.

      Posted By: Renée Rouleau  | 

      Reply
  3. Renee,
    Can you make a sunscreen with 50 spf ? I love your 30sfp but need more protection.

    Posted By: Susan Bonner  | 

    Reply

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