Back, chest and body acne treatment in Massapequa
Breakouts across your back, shoulders or chest that make you think twice about a tank top or a day at the beach. At Skin Space in Massapequa, we help clients across Long Island clear body acne with back facials, light-based treatment and a routine that fits around workouts, sweat and summer.
Also known as bacne, back acne, chest acne and breakouts on the back.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jimenez, Medical Director. Last reviewed September 2026.
What body acne is
The same acne as on the face, in places that are harder to reach.
Body acne forms the same way facial acne does: oil and dead skin cells clog a pore, acne bacteria multiply inside it, and inflammation turns the clog into a red, sore breakout. The back, chest and shoulders have plenty of oil glands, and skin there is thicker, so breakouts can run deeper and take longer to heal.
Because these areas are hard to see and reach, body acne is also harder to treat at home, which is where professional back facials and targeted treatments help.
Body acne
Blackheads, whiteheads and red bumps of different sizes, often on the upper back, shoulders and chest.
Friction breakouts
Clusters of bumps where straps, backpacks, sports gear or tight clothing rub and trap sweat.
Fungal folliculitis
Small, uniform, itchy bumps that look like acne but are caused by yeast and need different treatment.
Bumps that appear after shaving or waxing are usually ingrown hairs rather than acne. See ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Small rough bumps on the backs of the arms or thighs are often keratosis pilaris.
What causes it
Oil and clogged pores, with sweat and friction on top.
The same four things drive body acne as facial acne: extra oil, dead skin cells that don't shed properly, acne bacteria and inflammation. On the body, a few everyday triggers make them worse.
- Sweat left on the skin after workouts, sports or a hot day.
- Friction and pressure from backpacks, bra straps, sports equipment and tight or synthetic clothing.
- Hair and body products, such as conditioner and styling products that rinse down the back, or heavy body lotions.
- Hormones, which raise oil production in the teens and around monthly cycles.
- Some medications and supplements, including corticosteroids and testosterone or anabolic steroids.
- Family history, since acne on the body tends to run in families.
Body acne treatments at Skin Space
Your Skin Space provider will match treatments to the area, the type of breakouts and your skin tone.
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Back Facial
A facial for the back and shoulders: deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions and a calming mask to clear congestion in an area that's hard to reach and treat on your own.
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Acne IPL
A light-based treatment that targets the bacteria and inflammation behind red, angry breakouts and can soften the redness they leave behind. It works well on larger areas like the back and chest.
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BioRePeel
A gentle professional peel that exfoliates, helps regulate oily, congested skin and can fade early marks left by breakouts, usually without visible peeling. Suitable for the back and chest.
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Peach Perfect Booty Facial
A facial for the buttocks that exfoliates, clears clogged pores and calms bumps and breakouts, leaving skin smoother.
Also used alongside these
- Face Reality Acne BootcampA structured program with in-spa treatments and a home routine, for body acne that keeps coming back.
- LED Light TherapyBlue and red light added to a back facial to target acne bacteria and calm inflammation.
What to expect at Skin Space
From your first visit in Massapequa to clearer skin.
Consultation
We look at the affected areas, ask about your workouts, products and medications, and check whether the bumps are acne or something that needs a doctor.
Your plan
Your provider recommends treatments for each area and a simple shower routine to use at home.
Treatment and check-ins
You come back to Skin Space every few weeks so we can treat, see how your skin is responding, and adjust the plan.
Maintenance
Once breakouts are under control, visits space out and the focus shifts to keeping skin clear and fading any marks left behind.
Caring for body acne at home
Small changes to your shower routine go a long way.
- Shower soon after sweating. Rinse off after workouts and sports rather than letting sweat dry on your skin.
- Use an acne body wash. Washes with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide help keep pores clear. Leave them on for a minute before rinsing, and note that benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and clothing.
- Wash your body after your hair. Rinse conditioner off your back before you cleanse so it doesn't sit on the skin.
- Choose breathable clothing for workouts, and wash sports bras, gear and sheets often.
- Don't pick or squeeze. Body breakouts are more likely to leave dark marks and scars.
- Plan for Long Island summers. Heat, humidity and beach days mean more sweat, so rinse off after swimming and use an oil-free sunscreen on your chest and back.
When to see a dermatologist
Body acne scars easily, so don't wait if it's severe.
In-spa treatment works well for many people with body acne, but see a dermatologist or your doctor if you have:
- Deep, painful nodules or cysts across the back or chest
- Breakouts that are leaving scars, especially raised scars
- Small, itchy, uniform bumps, which may be fungal and need medical treatment
- Acne that started with a new medication, testosterone or other supplements
- No improvement after a few months of consistent care
Prescription treatment and spa care often work well together. The Skin Space team is glad to coordinate with your dermatologist, and we'll refer you if something needs medical care first.
Common questions
Why do I get acne on my back but not my face?
The back, chest and shoulders have many oil glands, and they spend the day under clothing, straps and sweat. That mix of oil, heat and friction clogs pores easily, so some people break out on the body even when their face stays clear.
Is it bacne or fungal acne?
They can look alike. Acne usually shows a mix of blackheads, whiteheads and red bumps of different sizes. Fungal folliculitis, often called fungal acne, tends to be small, uniform, itchy bumps across the chest and upper back, and it needs different treatment. Your Skin Space provider will look at your skin and refer you to a doctor if it seems fungal.
How long does it take to clear body acne?
Most people see a change within several weeks, with clearer skin building over two to three months. Skin on the back is thicker and renews more slowly than the face, so steady treatment and home care matter.
Can you treat my back and chest in the same visit?
Often, yes. Your provider will plan which areas to treat together and which treatments suit each area, since the chest can be more sensitive than the back.
Will the marks on my back fade?
Flat pink or brown marks left by breakouts usually fade with time, sun protection and treatment. Indented scars are different and need their own plan. Clearing active breakouts first helps prevent new marks from forming.
Where can I get body acne treatment near Massapequa?
Skin Space is a med spa in Massapequa, NY, serving clients from across Long Island. Every plan starts with a consultation so we can look at your skin in person and recommend the right treatments.
Reviewed by Dr. Jimenez
Medical Director at Skin Space in Massapequa, NY. This page was reviewed for medical accuracy in September 2026.
