For a very long time, I suffered from pimples on my back. Did it sometimes make me insecure? Absolutely. But that wasn't the worst part. It sometimes genuinely hurt, and that was the worst for me.

When I went to the doctor to ask what I could do about it, I was told: “It might be due to an allergic reaction to your soap and shampoo; try to bend forward when rinsing your hair.” I thought that was a rather bizarre answer. But now I understand the answer. And perhaps it wasn't such a strange answer after all, when you realize what kind of “junk” is used in shampoo and shower gel.

First, let me tell you a little about the cosmetics we buy in the supermarket. Then, I'll tell you what you can do about that acne on your back (another word for pimples on your back). And mind you, I am not a skin therapist. I am just someone who suffered from back acne and figured out how to stop it myself with natural care products.

Shampoo and Shower Gel are Full of Sulfates

Sulfates are added to cosmetics for two reasons. The first reason is for the foam. The second reason is for the cleansing effect. The foam is, of course, very pleasant. The cleansing effect can even be so good that it also washes all the skin's natural oils off your skin.

Of course, there are milder and more aggressive sulfates. The more aggressive, the more they cleanse. The most aggressive sulfates are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS). The milder sulfates we find are sodium coco sulfate (SCS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).

Sulfates are also chemical and therefore bad for the environment.

Now, I don't want to say that sulfates are inherently bad. Many people have no problems using sulfates. But I am writing this article precisely for those who do.

But How Do I Get Rid of That Acne on My Back?

People who suffer from back acne should ideally stop using products with sulfates. These products are too aggressive and cause irritation.

I only use natural soap bars now, and I switch between various types fairly randomly. Aleppo soap, olive oil soap, it's all fine.

I only wash my hair with a natural shampoo now. For example, the scent-free shampoo bar, or the natural shampoo from Evergetikon.

These natural care products prevent new inflammations (acne) from forming. But how can you get rid of existing acne? For that, I use a cosmetic oil. Various types exist, and some of them are anti-inflammatory. I think it also varies from person to person which oil works best for your skin. For me, rosehip oil has made the acne disappear.