Back Facials in Sunnyvale: Back Acne Care & Cost

A back facial is a facial-style cleansing treatment for the skin on your back, the part of your body that is hardest to reach and look after yourself. At JH Beauty in Sunnyvale it is the Back Smoothing & Cleansing Care, a 60-minute session for $168. This guide covers what the treatment is, who it suits, and the at-home habits dermatologists recommend for back breakouts.

Why the Back Is Hard to Look After

Most skincare routines stop at the jawline. The back is difficult to see, difficult to reach and easy to forget, yet it deals with a lot: sweat, friction from clothing and straps, and hair and body products that run down it in the shower.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) points to several of these as triggers for back breakouts. It advises that you "shower and change clothes ASAP after working out (or doing anything that causes you to sweat)," wear "loose-fitting workout clothes made of cotton or sweat-wicking fabric," and notes that "anything that rubs against your back can irritate your skin, causing back acne to flare," which includes backpacks and tight straps.

The AAD also notes that "skin is thicker on the back than on the face," so back care is its own job rather than an afterthought to a face routine.

JH Beauty's Back Treatment

On JH Beauty's menu, the back treatment is the Back Smoothing & Cleansing Care: 60 minutes, $168. The menu describes it as a treatment that "combines the finest Italian professional skincare products with advanced body machinery," using products from the Italian brand Oway. As the name says, its focus is cleansing and soothing the skin on your back.

JH Beauty describes its approach to every treatment as personalized: "We understand that each of our clients is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to every treatment we offer." Tell your esthetician what bothers you about your back, what products you use, and whether any area is sore or sensitive, and ask what the session will include for your skin.

If your concern is breakouts or marks on the back specifically, two other menu services are offered for the back as well as the face: the Chemical Peeling Series Treatment (Acne, Anti-aging, Lightening), $278 for 90 minutes, and the Italian DPL PhotoTherapy, $288 for 75 minutes. Our DPL light therapy article and chemical peel page explain those options, including who they suit.

Who a Back Treatment Suits, and Who Should See a Doctor First

A back cleansing treatment is a reasonable choice if you want the skin on your back cleaned and cared for, if you find it hard to reach yourself, or if you simply want an hour to relax before an event or after a busy stretch.

It is not a substitute for medical care. See a dermatologist, rather than booking a spa treatment, if your back acne is painful, deep or leaving scars; if you have a rash, an infection, broken skin or a sunburn on your back; or if breakouts continue despite good home care. The AAD says that if you "don't see any difference in six to eight weeks, you may need a dermatologist's help."

If you are taking isotretinoin (Accutane), JH Beauty asks you to wait at least six months after finishing before booking a facial. If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether a treatment involving massage or body devices is suitable, Cleveland Clinic's advice on massage applies: "check with your doctor and have a conversation with your massage therapist."

Back Acne Habits Dermatologists Recommend

What you do between appointments matters. The AAD's advice on acne habits applies to the back as much as the face:

• Pat sweat away, don't rub it. "When working out, use a clean towel to gently pat sweat from your skin."
• Be gentle when you wash. "Be gentle when washing your face and other skin with acne." Scrubbing hard irritates skin that is already breaking out.
• Check your hair and body products. Conditioner and body lotion can run down your back in the shower. The AAD advises using "only makeup, sunscreen, skin, and hair-care products that are labeled 'non-comedogenic.'"
• Don't pop or squeeze. "Resist the temptation to pop or squeeze acne."
• Give a product time. "You want to use a product for 6 to 8 weeks."
• Protect your back from the sun. For back skin that is exposed, the AAD suggests a "non-comedogenic, SPF 30, broad-spectrum, and water resistant sunscreen."

For treatment at home, the AAD's back-acne guidance names a benzoyl peroxide wash, which "helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne," and an over-the-counter retinoid, noting that "using this along with benzoyl peroxide can improve your results" and that the retinoid "can help unclog pores." If you keep breaking out after giving these a fair trial, the AAD says "a dermatologist can help."

The Relaxation Side

A back treatment is also an hour lying still in a quiet room, and for many people that is part of the appeal. Cleveland Clinic says a massage "can release stress, soothe muscles and alleviate pain," and that "that feeling of calm after a massage can aid in reducing stress and anxiety." Whether and how much massage is part of your session is worth asking about when you book, since the Back Smoothing & Cleansing Care is described on the menu as a cleansing and soothing treatment rather than a massage.

If relaxation is your main goal, JH Beauty's menu also lists the Nano Water + Essential Oil scalp treatment ($168, 60 minutes) under "Relax & Balance."

After Your Treatment

Follow the aftercare your esthetician gives you for the treatment you had. The general back-acne habits above still apply afterwards: shower after sweating, choose loose, breathable clothing, keep hair and body products non-comedogenic, and use sunscreen on exposed skin. If you notice redness or irritation that doesn't settle, contact the studio and see a dermatologist.

How Back Breakouts Affect People

Back breakouts can make people self-conscious about backless clothing, swimwear or the gym, and that concern is a fair reason to look after the skin there. The AAD's habits above are the foundation; a professional cleansing session now and then is an optional extra on top of them, and a dermatologist is the right call for acne that is persistent, painful or scarring.

FAQ: Back Facials

What is a back facial?

It is a facial-style treatment for the back, focused on cleansing and caring for skin you can't easily reach yourself. At JH Beauty it is the Back Smoothing & Cleansing Care, 60 minutes for $168, using Oway Italy professional products and body machinery.

Who should book one?

People who want the skin on their back cleaned and cared for, or who want a relaxing hour. If your back acne is painful, deep, scarring or not improving after six to eight weeks of good home care, see a dermatologist instead. Don't book with a rash, infection, broken skin or sunburn on your back.

Is it uncomfortable?

Tell your esthetician if any area is sore or sensitive so the treatment can be adjusted, and ask beforehand what the session will involve.

How often should I get a back facial?

There is no fixed rule for back treatments. JH Beauty's general guidance for facials is every four to six weeks; ask your esthetician what suits your skin.

What aftercare should I follow?

Follow your esthetician's instructions, and keep up the AAD's back-acne habits: shower after sweating, wear loose, breathable clothing, use non-comedogenic products and use sunscreen on exposed skin.

Can a back facial treat back acne?

It is a cosmetic cleansing treatment, not acne treatment. For breakouts, the AAD recommends home care such as a benzoyl peroxide wash and an over-the-counter retinoid, and a dermatologist if you see no difference after six to eight weeks.

Are there other back treatments at JH Beauty?

Yes. The Chemical Peeling Series ($278, 90 minutes) and the Italian DPL PhotoTherapy ($288, 75 minutes) are both offered for the back as well as the face. Ask at your consultation which, if any, suits your skin.