Derms share common shower mistakes that can lead to back acne, from harsh products to hot water.

Plus, find tips to maintain clear skin.

But what if your daily ritual was actuallycausingbreakouts?

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Werent expecting that one, right?

What causes back acne?

When you think about acne, its probably the kind on our face.

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board-certified dermatologist atMedical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgeryin New York

it’s possible for you to even experience painful cystic acne on your back.

It may also have a hormonal component, she says.

Another factor that may contribute to bacne or shoulder acne is sweat.

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When sweat sits on the skin for an extended period of time, it can lead to clogged pores.

And, of course, back acne may be influenced by our shower routines, too.

6 shower habits that can cause back acne

1.

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The waters too hot or too cold

Do cold showers help back acne?

And do hot showers cause acne?

There are a lot of questions surrounding how different water temperatures affect our skin.

Black hair woman wearing a grey and white bra giving herself a deep cleansing session with a face brush and Gatineau skincare face wash lotion, after her shower. Studio skincare portrait over isolated background.

board-certified dermatologist atMedical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgeryin New York

Hot water opens pores and stimulates excess sebum production that leaves it prone to further irritation.

Shampoos, especially those containing sulfates, can trigger back acne as theyre rinsed away, says Dr. Sadick.

Choosesulfate-freeand preferably organic products.

A curvy woman applying cleansing balms and smiling to her reflection in the mirror.

Unfortunately, they can also cling to your skin and clog your pores in the process.

This could not only lead to bacne, but also neck and shoulder acne.

The best way to avoid that?

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Shampoo and condition first, then wash your body afterward.

This gets rid of any residual conditioner that wound up on your back, says Dr. Keaney.

Less is more with exfoliating, echoes Dr. Keaney.

Post-shower, always double-check to rehydrate skin with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

They cant eliminate all heavy metals, but they may help prevent acne.

5 back acne treatments to try

1.

Doing so is only going to make your acne worse, so its best to leave it alone.

This may result in the pimple or breakout taking longer to heal.

While bacne can come about for many reasons, your daily shower could be one of them.

Do hot showers cause acne or make acne worse?

Cranking up the heat feels oh-so-soothing.

But do hot showers cause acne?

According to the experts, you may want to stick to lukewarm water instead.

Do cold showers help back acne?

Now you know that cranking the heat is a no-go.

But do cold showers help back acne?

However, there are some cold shower acne results worth noting.

Cold showers may help to reduce the appearance of redness, says Dr. Garshick.

Colder temperatures help to vasoconstrict the blood vessels, making [acne] appear less red and inflamed.

So, if you want to end your shower with a burst of cold water, go for it.

(Especially since cold showers canboost your mood and energy levels, too.)

Why does my acne look worse after a shower?

One second, your skin looks fine, and the next, its red and inflamed.

If youre wondering why your acne looks worse after a shower, theres an explanation for that.

Avoid super-hot temperatures and instead aim for a gentle, lukewarm shower.

Should I shower twice a day if I have back acne?

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