Jason LaVeris/FilmMagicYou can't see it so it doesn't exist, right? Sadly that's not how it works—especially not when it comes to dreaded back acne.
With bikini season officially behind us, you would think that your skin-baring days are done for the year. Not so fast. Halloween is just around the corner and before you know it will be prime cocktail dress wearing season. So regardless of whether you get bacne on the regular or if you are afflicted only on rare, sporadic occasions, you (like Vanessa Hudgens and Lily Aldridge) deserve to have jaw-dropping, back-baring fashion moments of your very own.
To help ensure that your hard-to-reach skin stays smooth and clear, we consulted celeb aesthetician Renee Rouleau.
Back Facials Can Help (Yes, Really!): Renee's favorite tip? "If you know you are wearing a backless dress a few days in advance, I would schedule a back facial," said Renee. Not only can aestheticians get to those impossible-to-reach spots, but they can give your backside the attention it needs. This includes exfoliating, extracting clogged pores, removing blackheads and fading discoloration—basically addressing all of the same concerns that you might have for your face.
Most Bacne Is Cystic: "Most of the type of back breakouts that people will experience are cystic blemishes," shared Renee. These painful, underground bumps typically need a bit more aid than just topical treatments, so professional attention is usually necessary. To get to the deep-seated root of the problem, Renee recommended a treatment that uses a high-frequency electrical current. This type of service will reduce inflammation and expedite the healing process.
Keep It Clear With at-Home Treatment: Once you've zapped the bacteria and cleared out pores with a professional treatment, Renee assured that maintenance is key to keeping skin clear. "Make sure you wash off all hair conditioner residue," so that it doesn't clog pores in the shower. Also be sure that you are exfoliating twice a week with a sulfate-free cleansing gel, like Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap. A gel made with exfoliating agents like AHA or BHA is milder than a grainy scrub that may exacerbate breakouts. Instead, the gel "gently removes surface dried skin cells…and helps keep the skin smooth," noted the pro.
Heal While You Sleep: Once pores are cleared and skin is clean, soothe and hydrate with an oil-free moisturizer like Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion that's specifically formulated to reduce blemishes and clogged pores. Renee recommended spot treating with Renee Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment at night to further encourage quick recovery.