Beauty’s most-asked: how to avoid ‘bacne’ for a clear, smooth back

“Absolutely! Of all the skin on our body, it’s the most similar to our face. The back even has a T-zone, with a more oily-prone area along the shoulders and down the center. Generally, your facial skin type will be mirrored in the skin on the back, whether you suffer from dryness, breakouts or sensitivity.”

“A daily regimen really helps, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Dry skin brushing absolutely makes a difference – do it before getting in the shower to gently exfoliate the skin, and always brush upwards in long strokes, as it treats the lymphatic system. When you’re in the shower, use a body wash with some type of salicylic acid, which is fantastic for breaking down sebum and clearing pores. If you can’t use salicylic acid, then use something with charcoal – such as my Joanna Vargas Miracle Bar – to help prevent acne. If your skin has broken out, be sure to launder your bath towels after every use, as it’s very easy to spread bacteria. Post-shower, use a glycolic, AHA or salicylic acid-based body lotion – Lancer The Method Body Nourish is great.”

“Again, do the daily body brushing – it helps restore general wellness to the whole area. Hot water is very drying on the skin, so turn down the temperature of your shower or bath and go for warm, not steaming-hot, water. If you want to use a peel, then a lactic acid is more hydrating. Use a soothing, moisturizing body wash or cleansing bar and, after drying the skin, use a rich body cream, such as Augustinus Bader’s The Body Cream. While they’re not wildly popular, I do love body oils – they soothe dry and sensitive skin and, most importantly, hold moisture in all day.”

“Scratchy sweaters sometimes irritate the skin, and woollens can absorb moisture and leave skin drier. What’s more, I often see that the skin is more sensitive in the area where a person carries their shoulder bag, and it can clog the pores. We tend to just cover up and neglect the skin on our back, so any issues we have only get worse. Plus, we tend to treat it badly; I see people reach around to scratch their back, but you would never do that to your face. You have to be more aware, because the skin on your back marks easily and scars.”

“Cleanse, polish and hydrate, as you would for your face – it makes dull skin glow. People seem to think they have to scrub their back really hard, but this is an easy way to spread bacteria if you have a breakout, or may cause abrasions. I prefer a softer scrub or a peeling treatment – ask your partner to apply one that you would use on your face. Then, post-scrub or peel, use a hydrating mask – even a sheet mask if you have someone to put it on for you; there’s usually plenty of product in the sachet that you can massage in to your whole torso and arms. Finally, finish with a hydrating serum, not a cream (unless you have super-dry skin), as the hydrating serum will leave skin looking glowing and plumped up but not greasy. To finish – and if your clothing allows (i.e. you’re not wearing white) – I love the Charlotte Tilbury Super Model Body; a little of this blended over polished and hydrated bare skin looks so beautiful, but you have to have someone else apply it very carefully.”

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