Image via Neutrogena

Uh, I could make a bunch of silly jokes about "bringing sexy back" and all that, but I'll just skip to the pertinent information. I always love the adorable and informative emails my favorite facialist Lulu of Scientifica sends out now and then. Her last one had some tips about treating bacne (pesky, horrifying breakouts on your back), and I remembered that it was just about that time of year again...or it's right around the corner, anyway. Like a bad tattoo on your bum, breakouts on your back can be especially frustrating because you can't always see them, but you know they're lurking there behind you, making you feel totally self-conscious in a bathing suit and backless summer dresses. Here's how to get pro-active about treating bacne, and even better, preventing it altogether.

When temperatures start warming up, you should switch from your normal soap or body wash to one that's anti-bacterial, like Cuticura, which is like $2, or Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash, both available at most drugstores. Regular exfoliation is helpful too, but it only works as a preventative measure and not a treatment. If you're breaking out really bad, skip it so you don't irritate things or worse, spread the bacteria around. Now, if the latter situation is the case, you have to get a little more aggressive. In addition to the body wash, treat your back like your face, and know that your body skin isn't usually as sensitive as thinner facial skin, so you can rub copious amounts of benzoyl peroxide on it. Spas have gotten the message, and if there's a Bliss Spa near you, go in for a Chestical treatment, which is basically a facial for your back. And of course, dear Lulu at Scientifica offers one as well. Go in for a professional Scientifica Back Treatment, or follow her directions for at-home DIY back facial (products available through the spa):

1. Apply Clarity Calming Mask to the face, chest and back for 10-15 minutes. Rinse in the shower with tepid/cool water.
2. In a shatter-proof bowl, mix 2 oz. Raspberry Lactic Scrub with 2 oz. Cherry Wash as a body scrub! Apply to face, chest and back. Double the proportions for the entire body. Use gentle, circular motions. Rinse with tepid/cool water.
3. Dry off (and I mean pat-dry the face). Apply Hydra-Pure Toner to face, chest and back or any areas that need comfort (HPT can be used on the entire body).
4. Apply Fruit Enzyme Body Cream to the body, emphasizing elbows, knees, and feet.
5. Apply Clear & Bright Serum as a spot treatment to blemishes on the face, chest and back.
6. Finish with application of Solaris SPF 30 on the face, neck, chest and back.
   

And do let us know your recommendations and/or how this works out for you.