A dark spot left behind after ance is also called "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation" (PIH). There are many ways to treat PIH on the back at home using natural ingredients or specialized products. Below are some effective home remedies for treating PIHs that you can consider, apply, and keep in mind when using.
1. How to treat back PIH at home
Lemon: Cut a lemon in half or extract its juice, then apply it directly to the skin. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. This is one of the most effective methods for treating PIHs, and you should apply it once or twice a week. Additionally, you can mix lemon juice with honey or unsweetened yogurt to apply on the skin, which will sooth the skin and also provide additional nutrients.
Tomato: After washing, slice the tomato into medium-thick pieces and place them on your back. Leave them on for about 15–20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. This method is suitable for oily skin as tomatoes help remove excess oil. Furthermore, tomatoes are rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Egg and Vinegar: Mix an egg with rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) and refrigerate for about three days. Once the egg softens, apply the mixture evenly on your back after showering. Gently massage for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You can apply this treatment twice a week to help reduce acne swelling and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Mint Leaf: Wash mint leaves, crush them and extract the juice, then apply it to the acne areas on your back. Leave it on for about 10–15 minutes before rinsing off. Mint leaves can help reduce swelling, inflammation, itching, and tighten the skin.
Green Tea Leaf: Similar to mint leaves, wash the green tea leaves and boil them in water. Mix the tea water into your bath and soak your body for about 10 minutes. Applying this method 2–3 times a week for about a month helps detoxify the skin, prevent inflammation, brighten and smoothen the skin, and slow down aging.
Salt: Add about one tablespoon of salt to a warm bath to soak in. This is a simple yet effective home remedy for treating PIH on the back. Salt is gentle on the skin, helping to lighten the pigmentation, prevent acne, remove dead skin cells, and cleanse pores. However, avoid using too much salt, as it may dry out and irritate the skin.
Turmeric: Wash fresh turmeric, then either cut it into small pieces or crush it to extract the juice. Gently rub or apply the turmeric on your back for about 15 minutes before rinsing off. This method is highly effective in reducing PIH, brightening the skin, and preventing scarring.
Medical Ointments or Creams: Besides natural ingredients, you can also use specialized products at home. These products often contain key ingredients such as vitamin B6, C, and E, which help fade the PIH and prevent inflammation.
2. Notes when treating back PIH at home:
Daily Hygiene: The back tends to sweat a lot, especially when working, exercising, or in high-temperature environments. Therefore, keeping the back clean is crucial to remove sweat, excess oil, and dead skin cells, which helps enhance the effectiveness of the aforementioned treatments and prevents future breakouts. Using exfoliating body washes and back scrubbing tools can aid in keeping this area clean.
Choosing the Right Clothing and Changing Clothes Regularly: In addition to maintaining hygiene, paying attention to daily clothing is essential. Change clothes daily to prevent sweat and dirt from clogging pores, which can prevent acne. The type of fabric also matters—opt for cotton clothing that absorbs sweat to reduce acne formation and improve the effectiveness of PIH treatments. Also, ensure that clothes are washed and dried properly to prevent mold growth, which can contribute to acne breakouts
Using Body Lotions for Acne Prevention: Apart from treating PIH, consider using acne-preventing body lotions to care for your skin. For oily skin, choose oil-free lotions to prevent excess oil from clogging pores and causing acne. Some acne-preventing lotions contain ingredients such as lactic acid and salicylic acid.
Exfoliating the Back: Alongside the PIH treatments, exfoliate the back 2–3 times a week to remove accumulated sebum and prevent acne recurrence. You can use natural exfoliants like coconut oil or green tea powder or purchase exfoliating products from pharmacies and cosmetic stores. However, avoid scrubbing too harshly, as this may damage the skin and increase the risk of bacterial infections.
Healthy Diet and Lifestyle: A diet rich in fiber from vegetables and fruits, while limiting starchy, sugary, and greasy foods, as well as avoiding stimulants, not only promotes overall health but also improves skin condition. Combining PIH treatments with a healthy diet, proper sleep, and a well-balanced work and rest schedule will help your body detox effectively and prevent acne from returning.
By consistently applying these home remedies and using either natural ingredients or specialized treatments, you can gradually restore smooth, healthy skin on your back.
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