Our tummy and back are areas on our bodies that we often just include in our daily bodycare routines. But skin concerns that specifically target our tummies and our backs means that we might have to pay a little more attention to them than we might typically think.
Our back can be a hard to reach place and this can cause many of us to forget this area in our skincare routines and our tummy can be areas prone to stretch marks.
This section teaches you how to help with any common skin conditions like bacne and how to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
WHAT IS BACNE?
Bacne, otherwise known as back acne, are breakouts and blemishes on the back similar to the ones we find on our face. They are often caused by a buildup of dead skin cells and a collection of impurities throughout the day that rub against our clothing.
Acne on the back is a very common skin condition and is prevalent in many age groups, mostly from teenage to 30s.
They can be anything from small pimples to angry cystic acne that can be painful.
HOW CAN I TREAT BACNE?
Bacne can go away on its own but if you want to speed up the process, there are some ways you can help get rid of bacne. There is no overnight cure but consistent care of the skin on our backs will minimise breakouts in the long run.
- Gently exfoliate your back. If you have cystic bacne that is painful, it is probably best to stay away from harsh scrubs. Using an exfoliating toner will do just as good a job without the abrasion. Look out for ingredients such as glycolic acid and lactic acid for surface-level exfoliating and willow bark (salicylic acid) for exfoliation deeper into the pores. At Evolve, we have a facial toner, Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner, that is 100% natural and can be used on your back. Use after cleansing on a reusable cotton pad or on the palms of your hands.
- Shower after exercising. Working out is a great way to maintain a healthy body but doing so can also exacerbate painful bacne. Don’t worry, you can still work out but small changes such as showering after exercising can help to prevent acne on the back. Cleansing the body straight after an intense workout prevents build up of sweat and dirt that would otherwise clog the pores. Use a gentle cleanser that you can use daily so as to not strip natural oils from the skin.
- Wear looser clothing. Friction from tight clothing can rub against painful acne, spreading bacteria to other parts of the skin that will exacerbate bacne. Switching to looser clothing means our skin can breathe more as our shirts aren’t suffocating it, and this can speed up the recovery process.
WHAT CAUSES STRETCH MARKS?
Stretch marks are caused when the skin is overstretched in a short period of the time leaving long and narrow lines on the skin and are often found on the tummy, thighs, shoulders, buttocks and hips. They are completely normal and around 80% of adults have them.
A variety of factors can cause stretch marks including puberty, hormones and pregnancy. We believe that stretch marks are a wonderful marker of how strong the body is and the journey that it has taken and we encourage people to embrace them! However, some do not like the appearance of them and that’s completely fine too!
HOW CAN I GET RID OF STRETCH MARKS ON MY TUMMY?
How can I get rid of stretch marks on my tummy?
There is no way to get rid of stretch marks completely but there are ways you can improve the appearance of them. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with your GP before adding products into your skincare routine as not all ingredients are pregnancy-friendly.
- Add a body oil into your skincare routine. Hydrating body oils will nourish the skin whilst improving circulation. Rosehip oil is one of the best body oil for stretch marks as it aids in cell renewal through its fatty acids and ability to revive. Our Super Berry Body Oil uses rosehip oil, upcycled raspberry oil and pomegranate seed oil to deliver the benefits and reduce visibility of stretch marks in a luxurious and fruity blend that even pregnant women can enjoy. Simply massage your favourite body oil over the affected areas after cleansing.
- Self-tanning products can make stretch marks less noticeable. Tanning naturally can actually increase visibility of stretch marks. This is because, while the rest of your body may tan, your stretch marks will stay the same shade. Using a self-tanning product, such as our organic Sunless Glow Body Lotion, will bronze stretch marks making your skin to achieve a more even complexion. It is important to note that this method won’t get rid of stretch marks but can camouflage them if that is what you want to do.
- Incorporate Vitamin A into your skincare routine. Vitamin A rich products can help the skin in cell renewal that helps decrease the appearance of scars and stretchmarks. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid this step, but for others, this is a great method to incorporate into your skincare routine. You can find natural Vitamin A in our Skin Saviour Body Oil that contains Baobab oil.
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