How to wash your back properly in the shower
Rachael Martin
Wellness
Reading time: 5 minutes
When was the last time you gave your back a good scrub? If you’re not quite sure, here’s what you need to know about keeping this often overlooked body part fresh, clean & congestion-free
Let’s be real. Our back, we have to admit it, really is one of our more neglected body parts. But as the weather heats up and skimpier clothes and even swimwear become the norm, it's fair to say that our out-of-sight-out-of-mind back will be getting more airtime than usual.
Given that Boots is a safe space, we’ll be completely honest with you. We’re not 100% sure if we’re washing our backs adequately (or our belly buttons for that matter?) and we suspect you might feel the same.
In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, we’re totally guilty of jumping in and out of the shower at record pace. And, according to Dr Sonia Khorana, a GP with a special interest in dermatology, this really isn’t good enough.
Luckily, it’s never too late to revisit your back-washing technique. Scroll on for all you need to know.
Why is it important to wash your back in the shower?
We’ll scrub our pits (and our bits) until we’re squeaky clean, but for many of us, our back area may not see that much cleaning action.
“It really is important to wash your back in the shower,” says Dr Khorana. “Washing your back and body properly can be really helpful when dealing with skin congestion or clogged pores.
“It will also stop you developing bacterial and fungal infections. These can occur if you sweat a lot and the moisture gets trapped by tight clothes. Fungi thrive in moist, warm environments.”
Been to the gym? Don’t forget to wash your back.
If you don’t wash your back, you may have to contend with serious sweat and dead skin build-up
What may happen if you don’t wash your back?
While it may not signal the end of the world, your skin may not look or feel very fresh.
“If you don’t wash your back well, you may have to contend with serious sweat and dead skin build-up, which can eventually clog pores,” says Dr Khorana. This could give rise to spots and even back acne (while usually caused by genetics, hormonal changes and certain medications, diet and stress can cause ‘bacne’, too).
Are you suddenly taken aback by what might be going on back there (ho ho)? If so, we've got you covered…
How do you clean your back properly?
Scroll on for Dr Khorana’s top tips and tricks for a squeaky clean back, as well as our edit of some of the best products to add to your regular wash routine.
Shop more top body wash products in our full range.
Top tips for how to wash your back
1. Cleanse your back regularly
Try: Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Shower Gel
• Size: 450ml
• Suits all skin types
• Soap free
• No artificial perfume or colour
• Cruelty free
Kind to backs and easy on the bank balance, this shower gel’s gentle lather answers a range of top-to-toe needs, including those with sensitive skin. Its generous 450ml size means it’ll go the distance, too.
2. Choose showers over baths
While we love the rituals of bath time, it may be more beneficial to shower, says Dr Khorana.
“Sitting in the water for too long makes it harder to thoroughly wash away the natural oils and microorganisms,” she explains.
3. Always shower after exercising
Worked up a sweat in your HIIT or yoga class? Don’t skip the shower. All that sweat trapped by your sweaty clothes can create the perfect pore-clogging environment.
4. Wash thoroughly
Cover all areas – the upper back, lower back and the middle, not forgetting the back of your neck, too.
And if you can’t reach? Opt for a long-handled loofah.
Try: Botanics Long Handled Body Polisher
• Helps to create a thick, soapy lather
• Long handle allows for ease of use
Make those hard-to-reach spots more accessible with your new shower staple: a long-handled loofah. You can also use it to gently massage your body all over for an extra relaxing – and low-effort – treat.
5. Always use lukewarm water
It’s bad news for those who love a steamy hot shower – very hot or cold water can make skin congestion worse. Lukewarm water, on the other hand, is much gentler and less irritating for delicate skin.
6. Ensure loofahs, washcloths & sponges are dried correctly
“The damp bathroom environment can be a breeding ground for microorganisms,” says Dr Khorana. “If you use a loofah, washcloth or sponge, it’s so important that you let them air dry after use.”
7. Avoid heavy & greasy products
“Skincare products that are too heavy or greasy have the potential to clog the pores in your back,” warns Dr Khorana. Try swapping richer moisturisers for lightweight lotions or ‘non-comedogenic’ products that are less likely to congest pores.
Try: CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
• Size: 473ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Oil free
• Fragrance free
This non-greasy body lotion is both fast absorbing and moisturising, thanks to its oil-free formula containing nourishing ceramides and hyaluronic acid. If you’re looking for hydration without the heaviness, this product hits the sweet spot.
How to wash your back in the shower step by step
Now you have all the back-ground info (sorry), here’s how to put our skincare tips into action:
1. Get your water temperature just right. Aim for lukewarm over hot water to make sure you don’t dry out your skin.
2. Wash all over your body. Add a generous dollop of shower gel onto a loofah, washcloth, sponge or long-handled body loofah (our personal favourite) with a little water to work it into a lather. Wash your back, making sure you cover all over.
3. For an extra dose of exfoliation, try a body scrub as a weekly treat. Using a body brush on dry skin before showering will get your blood circulation going, too.
4. Rinse yourself thoroughly and for a little longer than you may think – as your back is a bit of a blind spot you’ll want to get rid of every last sud.
5. Leave your loofah, washcloth or sponge to air dry before its next use
6. Dry your back gently. Avoid over-rubbing and irritating the skin.
7. Do you have dry skin? Apply a slather of a non-comedogenic body lotion to help your back feel and look its best.
What ingredients may help with congestion in the back area?
A congested back area is more common than you’d think, even for those of us who are master back washers.
As this part of the body can be more prone to dead skin build-up, sweat and bacteria, it may be helpful to try ingredients usually reserved for oily skincare to help keep skin feeling extra fresh and clean.
Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid in body wash products, says Dr Khorana. “This can be a good place to start. These ingredients can be used daily to help ease congestion, though this will depend on their strength,” she says.
Avoid using too much, too soon, especially if your skin isn’t used to exfoliating acids, since this can irritate your skin’s barrier function. We’d also recommend slathering an SPF on top as some products can make skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays.
Try: Frank Body Everyday A Clearing Body Wash
• Size: 360ml
• Vegan friendly
• Cruelty free
This non-foaming body wash makes light work of dead skin cells and excess oil. It’s brimming with actives, such as salicylic acid and vitamin C, to leave your body glowing and radiant. And, it’s housed in a pretty pink bottle. Sold.
Feeling inspired? For smooth, radiant skin from the neck up, check out our tutorial with top tips on how to get the most out of your face-saving exfoliator, and how to incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine.
