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2025.08.01
How to treat acne, including on the back and chest
As an Assistant Professor, Associate Ward Director, and Chief of Dermatopathology at the university hospital dermatology department, I deepened my expertise through academic presentations and paper publications both domestically and internationally. I have handled a wide range of treatments, from birthmark therapy in children to adult pigmentation concerns, utilizing various lasers and injection therapies, while also contributing to community healthcare. Through encountering numerous cases, I strongly felt the potential and necessity of aesthetic medicine, resolving to pursue further expertise. Building upon my solid dermatological knowledge and meticulous diagnostic skills, I value treatments that gently support each individual's skin while bringing out its inherent beauty.
I previously shared methods for treating acne on my blog, so please feel free to refer to it.
I am Dr. Aya Hayama, a board-certified dermatologist.
Insurance-covered treatment
It's finally available starting this June! Many of you may already have been prescribed and using it.
Acne is a skin condition caused by clogged pores due to sebum secretion.
Previously, exfoliation required treatments like chemical peels at dermatology clinics or special exfoliating cosmetics. But since Differin's introduction in 2008, exfoliation has become available as an insurance-covered treatment. 🥰
The active ingredient in Bepio is benzoyl peroxide. In Europe and the US, drugstores carry not only 2.5% but also 10% concentrations. However, a drawback is that it tends to cause irritation in Asians. 🥹
While complaints of irritation decreased with the launch of Bepio Lotion—which contains moisturizing ingredients and is easier to apply than the initial Bepio Gel—many users still struggled with its other drawback: the bleaching effect.
I had high hopes for this medication, Bepio Wash, as it incorporates short-contact therapy to reduce irritation and eliminates concerns about bleaching effects.😊
The age eligibility for clinical trials has been lowered from 13 years old to 9 years old. To prevent acne scars from forming, we strongly recommend starting treatment as early as possible.🩷
Furthermore, the study confirmed that Propionibacterium acnes (acne bacteria) is killed within 30 seconds, eliminating the need for concurrent antibiotic use and reducing the risk of developing resistant bacteria.
Additionally, I recently had the opportunity to give a lecture for Maruho, covering everything from how acne forms to treatment, and even self-funded treatments for acne scars that remain. 🥰
Here's a concern: How to treat acne on the torso (back and chest), not just the face
Actually, Bepio can also be used for body acne.
However, excessive old sebum can also lead to an increase in Malassezia, a type of fungus, potentially causing Malassezia folliculitis.
There are also insurance-covered medications available for this condition.
Also, are you making sure to dry nylon towels and such in the bathroom properly?
As a general rule, the acne guidelines also recommend washing your face twice daily using a cleanser.
For the torso, washing once a day is sufficient. However, friction can trigger the formation of comedones (whiteheads and blackheads), so please limit yourself to gently washing by hand.
If you use nylon towels or similar items for lathering or washing, please be aware that if they are not dried properly, bacteria not normally present on the skin of the torso may multiply.
Recommendations for Out-of-Pocket Treatment
For severe acne, oral isotretinoin is also an option.
Currently undergoing clinical trials by the Japanese Dermatological Association, it may become covered by insurance in Japan. However, at this time, it is unfortunately a self-pay treatment.
For those concerned about redness, we recommend tranexamic acid for its anti-inflammatory effects if the redness is from initial inflammation, or vitamin C electroporation or Mesona J for persistent redness.
Unfortunately, for those of my generation who didn't have access to such medications, some may have been left with scars.
While redness will naturally fade over time, acne scars (pits) are not covered by insurance and require out-of-pocket treatment.
Beyond Dermapen, treatments like Juvellook—a hyaluronic acid-based formulation—have emerged. Others include Tri-Fill, which involves peeling away scarred, tightened areas and directly injecting hyaluronic acid, and Potenza, a needle RF device that stimulates collagen production by combining wound healing capabilities with heat application. Both acne treatment and acne scar therapy continue to evolve.
For information on self-pay treatments, please refer to my previous blog post.
I'm also planning to treat my acne scars with Tri-Fil and Potenza‼️
If you are experiencing any difficulties, please do not hesitate to visit us.
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