7 Best Back Scrubbers for Acne-Prone Skin

Unless you have double-jointed elbows, the chances are that you’re not cleaning your entire back when you shower. If you have acne-prone skin, keeping a consistent schedule of exfoliating and cleansing your skin is essential to keeping blemishes and pimples at bay.

There are many back scrubbers to choose from, but it can be difficult to filter through the different shapes, sizes, materials, and textures available. You should always follow your dermatologist’s recommendations for the best acne routine, but having a high-quality and effective back scrubber is necessary for acne-prone skin.

While we love the Silicone Back Scrubber offered by Oceans Edge 11, there are plenty of other tough competitors to choose from.

Best Back Scrubbers for Acne-Prone Skin: Our Top 7 Picks

Here are our top seven favorite back scrubbers for acne-prone skin.

1. Best Overall: Oceans Edge 11 Silicone Back Scrubber

  • The double-sided design has soft bristles on one side and massage beads on the other
  • Silicone material dries quickly and reduces the ability for bacteria to breed
  • Food-grade silicone is hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly
  • Has two handles for easy handling in the shower and hanging afterward
  • Comes in three different colors: blue, teal, or purple

Silicone back scrubbers are sweeping the market, and the body brush by Oceans Edge 11 is no exception. As opposed to cloth and loofah-material scrubbers, silicone is hypoallergenic, easy to clean, quick-drying, and, most importantly, prevents an accumulation of bacteria or mold.

On one side of this back scrubber is tightly-packed silicone bristles that help exfoliate your skin and lather quickly. Oceans Edge 11 uses longer and more comfortable bristles than its competitors. The other side has a collection of hemispherical massage dots, which are great for stimulating blood flow, and most importantly, clearing away surface dirt and dead skin.

From handle to handle, this back scrubber measures approximately 30 inches, so you don’t have to worry about missing any spots. The surface area is larger than that of a standard shower brush, so you don’t need to spend as much time in the shower.

2. Most Versatile: Bymore Shower Brush

  • Dual-head brush has a soft nylon side, the other with cactus bristles great for exfoliating
  • Can be used as a dry brush to exfoliate prior to a shower
  • Easy to clean, just rinse and hang up between bathing
  • The polished wood handle is easy-grip with non-slip rubber patches
  • Great for taller people or those with a longer torso because of the long handle

For anyone who prefers traditional shower brushes, Bymore’s Back Scrubber exceeds expectations. You can use it in the shower or as a dry brush.

The handle measures approximately 17 inches, with the dual brush head measuring 5 inches; altogether, this is 22 inches, which provides better coverage than the typical shower brush. Tough cactus bristles on one side give a scrubbing sensation and exfoliate deeply, while the natural nylon bristles are ideal for delicate skin and routine washing.

Dry brushing with Bymore’s Shower Brush not only improves the quality and health of your skin but also provides lymphatic support and stimulates your immune system.

3. Most Popular: Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber

  • Machine washable and quick-drying
  • Dual-textured for varied exfoliation
  • Better for lathering than silicone alternatives
  • Two handles allow for flexible cleaning and storage

The Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber has been a staple in many customer’s homes for years, and they don’t like to hop into the shower without it.

Dual textures provide optimal exfoliation. The textured, loofah-like side exfoliates deeply, while the other soft, microfiber surface massages and cleans your skin. Two handles are on each end of this 30-inch scrubber, which makes it easy to reach your entire back.

If you’re worried about the cloth-like material, don’t worry. It’s quick-drying to prevent mold and bacteria, and you can throw it in with your weekly wash cycle without worrying about deterioration or damage. Aquis recommends using their back scrubbers two to three times a week for improved, healthier skin.

4. Best Budget Option: Pretty See Silicone Body Brush

  • The high-quality silicone is quick-drying and reduces bacteria breeding
  • Dual-sided for versatility
  • Cylindrical touchpoints increase circulation and deep massage
  • The silicone bristles lather well for deeper cleaning
  • Comes in three colors: blue, green, or pink, and two different shapes, circular or hand-shaped

Pretty See has put a twist on the traditional shower brush by producing an all-silicone scrubber. The handle is shorter than other back scrubbers, measuring approximately 15 inches, so you’ll need to work harder to reach all areas of your back. Despite the shorter size, though, the double-sided head provides an all-around great shower experience.

Pretty See also offers the same brush with a hand-shaped head instead of a circular one. The hands cover a slightly larger area than the circular head and give a different feel. Both designs come in three different colors: blue, green, or pink. The brushes with hand-shaped heads are the most affordable option out of the entire list.

The silicone bristles are tightly packed, which creates a foamy, long-lasting leather. When you’re done, simply hang the brush using the hanging hole and allow it to dry anywhere you wish.

5. Most Durable: Weiken Silicone 360° Back Scrubber

  • Rotating and tilting head makes it easier to clean hard-to-reach spots
  • The wavy handle makes the scrubber non-slip and easy-grip
  • Can withstand both frigid and hot temperatures
  • Silicone prevents bacteria buildup

The Silicone Back Scrubber by Weiken looks like an average shower brush but introduces a unique experience with their 360° rotating head.

The brush’s head is secured with a 304 stainless steel shaft, so you don’t have to worry about breaking or rusting after extended exposure to water. The rotating head does not only spin but can be tilted in all directions for difficult angles. The opposite side of the rotating head is a small collection of massage circles.

The handle has wavy ridges for a more comfortable grip, and the overall length of the back scrubber is 15 inches. It can withstand both hot and cold temperatures ranging from 14°F up to 194°F. The silicone bristles exfoliate, remove dead and dry skin, and promote blood circulation.

6. Best Alternative: Supracor Body Scrubber

  • Honeycomb structure provides a multitude of benefits
  • Cells create a foamy lather from little soap
  • Flexing action helps exfoliate and stimulate blood flow
  • Can be used wet or dry
  • Naturally antifungal and antibacterial

The Supracor is the most unique back scrubber we’re covering, but it’s also the most expensive. Instead of following the trend of standard silicone and cloth body scrubbers, Supracor uses medical-grade TPU plastic. This is the same material used in artificial heart valves and wound dressings, so it is naturally antifungal and antibacterial.

The unique honeycomb structure provides a foamy, stable lather from a small amount of soap. One side is coarse for exfoliating while the other side is softer and more refined. To prevent mildew, simply hang it up after your shower and allow it to dry in a low humidity environment. It can also be washed on a delicate setting with cold water and air-dried afterward.

7. Best for the Environment: SisalWorks Exfoliating Back Scrubber

  • Sisal fibers are naturally coarse and provide a more powerful clean than loofahs
  • Ideal for all skin types
  • All-natural, biodegradable, and comes in eco-friendly packaging
  • Wide, long, and flexible for deeper cleaning

Nowadays, the demand for eco-friendly products is rising, and SisalWorks has answered the call. Their Exfoliating Back Scrubber is made of all-natural sisal fibers. Sisal is naturally coarse and has been used for exfoliating long before artificial loofahs entered the market.

The sisal fibers will change shape as they’re used with soap and water for the first time, and with extended use, will shed and become softer. It’s recommended you replace it after three to six months of usage, which isn’t budget-friendly, but you can throw it away without having to worry about the waste. Since it’s biodegradable, it will break down naturally over time with no additional damage to the environment.

The chain-like design makes for easier lathering and takes less than an hour to dry after showering when hung up in a low-humidity area.

Back Scrubbers for Acne-Prone Skin: Buyer’s Guide

Here, we debunk common questions regarding back acne, acne-prone skin, and frequently asked questions regarding shopping for a back scrubber.

What is Back Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that causes blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or deep, painful breakouts that involve acne cysts and nodules.

While everyone deals with face acne at least once in their life, the struggle of back acne often goes unspoken. It’s been given the moniker of “bacne,” and it can be rather frustrating to deal with. Even though it goes unseen, severe bacne can be incredibly painful and can contribute to low self-esteem.

Various reasons can cause acne. The most common causes are genetics, dirty skin, clogged pores, and stress. The back has a higher number of sebaceous glands, which contributes to the presence of back acne.

Will a Back Scrubber Get Rid of My Acne?

A back scrubber will not be the be-all or end-all solution for your bacne, but it will certainly help. It’s a known fact that the average person cannot scrub every part of your back by yourself, and if you don’t have anyone to do it for you (or you’ve been graced with double-jointed elbows), then you need to invest in a shower brush or scrubber.

Most back scrubbers are designed to help exfoliate your skin, which in turn clears up clogged pores, removes dead skin, and overall keeps a clean environment that prevents new acne from forming. The best way to treat bacne is to use a back scrubber combined with a dermatologist-approved soap or topical treatment.

What Should I Use With a Back Scrubber?

Using the same soap you use to wash your face may not be effective in battling bacne. Now that you’ve decided on a back scrubber, choosing an equally-great soap or topical treatment will help clear up your skin.

While we can’t recommend any specific soaps (because everyone is different!), there are still some rules of thumb that you should consider:

  • An exfoliating cleanser, in combination with physical exfoliating (back scrubber), will provide the best results but should only be done once a week because over-exfoliation can permanently damage your skin.
  • Products that include benzoyl peroxide will kill acne-causing bacteria but tend to bleach anything they come into contact with, so use caution with any towels that aren’t white
  • Anything with tea tree oil will help reduce inflammation and naturally battles acne

Anything that is dermatologist-approved should be safe and effective, but to be on the safe side, try a trial-sized option before opting in for a large supply to determine whether or not it will work for you.

What to Look for in a Back Scrubber When You Have Acne

Everyone’s skin is different, and this includes the type of acne they get as well. Your acne may be concentrated on your shoulders while another person may deal with acne on their lower back and hips. Moreover, you may deal with whiteheads while someone else struggles with blackheads.

Consider the material. If you don’t want to worry about bacteria buildup and washing your back scrubber every week, you most likely want to go with a low-maintenance silicone brush. On the other hand, if you have sensitive skin, sticking with a softer scrubber that is closer to fabric will reduce possible inflammation.

If you’re on the taller side or have a longer torso, then the scrubber’s size will be more important to you than someone who is shorter. A dual-handled scrubber will reach more areas than a traditional brush.

Back Scrubber Materials

Back scrubbers most commonly come in either silicone or microfiber. Other scrubbers, like the Supracor Body Scrubber, use alternative materials like medical-grade TPU plastic. These materials perform the same function but are different in regards to cleaning and durability.

  • Silicone bristles are non-porous as opposed to natural nylon bristles, which prevents bacteria buildup and has a quicker drying time. The high-quality silicone is also gentler on the skin than coarse brushes and bristles.
  • Microfiber material, like that used for the Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber, provides more flex to reach difficult areas and is softer on the skin than any other material. Though, anything on the fabric spectrum is prone to bacteria and mold buildup and needs to be washed frequently and kept in a non-humid area for drying.
  • Medical-grade TPU plastic is fungal and bacterial resistant but may come apart easier after extended use.

Cleaning a Back Scrubber

Inefficiently cleaning and drying a back scrubber will lead to a buildup of harmful bacteria or mold. Continuing to use a dirty back scrubber can lead to more acne instead of helping get rid of it.

Depending on your back scrubber’s material, you will need to hang it up in a low-moisture environment so that it dries quickly and evenly. Fabric scrubbers and brushes with nylon bristles are more prone to bacteria buildup than other materials. Many fabric back scrubbers can be tossed in the washer with the rest of your laundry without getting damaged.

If you have a silicone back scrubber, you will still need to make sure it has a safe space to dry. Silicone is bacteria-resistant but can experience gunk buildup if it isn’t laid out correctly to dry.

Is Exfoliating Important for Battling Acne?

Exfoliating provides a plethora of health and beauty benefits besides helping getting rid of acne. There are many causes of acne, but the main culprits are clogged pores and dirty skin. A buildup of sweat, oils, and dead skin creates an optimal breeding ground for bacteria, and ultimately, acne.

As your body produces new skin cells, older skin gets pushed to the surface and shed. As you age, the shedding process slows down, which is where the need for exfoliation enters. Exfoliation is also necessary for battling ingrown hairs.

More often than not bacne goes unnoticed by many people because it’s unlikely you’re spending hours inspecting your back in the mirror. A good body scrubber goes a long way to not only exfoliate your back but also helps to optimally spread soap or acne-battling products in hard-to-reach areas.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Back Scrubber

If you have acne-prone skin, merely running over your back once with the scrubber while in the shower may not be effective at battling acne. To get the most out of your scrubber, follow these tips and tricks:

  • The best results come from using a back scrubber in combination with an approved soap or chemical exfoliator.
  • You should only use the rough exfoliating side of the back scrubber once or twice a week, or you risk permanent damage to your skin. On the days where you don’t exfoliate, use the softer side with light soap.
  • Some back scrubbers, such as the Bymore Shower Brush, can be used dry outside of the shower. This is great for shedding dead skin and promoting internal bodily functions such as blood flow and circulation.

Final Verdict

All of the back scrubbers we listed are great choices if you’re struggling with acne-prone skin, but the Oceans Edge 11 Silicone Back Scrubber stands out from the rest.

You get great coverage from handle-to-handle with an overall length of 30 inches. The flexible silicone helps you reach every bend and area. It is also bacteria-resistant and quick-drying, which is great for a low-maintenance routine or someone who doesn’t have the time to properly clean and dry their scrubber after each shower.

You can use it for exfoliating a few times a week, and other times, switch to the low-profile massage circles to wash away surface dirt and cleanse your skin. While it isn’t an important feature, you can choose between three colors depending on your preference.

Overall, the Oceans Edge 11 Silicone Back Scrubber is one of the best back scrubbers for acne-prone skin that you can buy at an affordable price and great results. If you’d like something higher-quality, then consider Supracor’s Body Scrubber as an alternative.

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