We can't think of anyone who would pass up a facial. Besides being relaxing and oh-so-decadent, they're also insanely good for your skin. Nothing gives your mug a tune-up like a good facial. But, why do we always stop the skin care at the face and neck? We all know that skin issues like acne, dryness and irritation extend below our necks. Our backs in particular can be areas of skin distress. For this reason, we need to show our backs the same love we show our faces (especially since we'll be showing a lot more of the area during the hot summer months). Check out the benefits of a back facial and why you need one now.

Back Facials: The Why Factor

Think about it. With all the sweat and contact with different fibers and fabrics, our backs go through a lot and often show it via breakouts, rashes and redness. In fact, 60 percent of people with acne have it on the back and chest regions. Just like our faces, our backs have glands that can pocket sebum. When not addressed, this sebum can build up and clog your hair follicles on your back. This leads to acne in the form of whiteheads, blackheads and cysts. Yuck! And, if the skin on your back is prone to dryness and patchiness, your back will most likely follow suit if not treated properly.

How to Give Yourself a Back Facial

The point of a back facial is to cleanse and purify the pores on your back and clear the skin of dead skin cells. The result is fresh, clean, glowing skin. Just like a regular facial, you should aim to do this back treatment every week or so. Here's what you do:

Step 1: Turn on your shower and set the water temperature so that it's nice and warm. While the water should not be scalding hot, you want it warm enough to get some steam going in the shower, which will help soften the skin and open up your pores for deep cleansing. Hop in and wash your back with a gentle body wash. If you have a specific issue (acne, sensitivity, dryness, etc.), try to get a formula that is designed to treat your skin problem.

Step 2: Apply an exfoliant to your back and gently scrub using a loofah or exfoliating mitt. Make sure you use soft, circular motions, as you want to avoid irritating, chafing or breaking the skin.

Step 3: Turn off your shower and apply a mask to your upper back or any area that's prone to irritation or breakouts. Make sure you stay in the shower - you need the steam to keep your pores open and allow the mask's properties to be absorbed into the skin! Allow 10 minutes for the mask to do its magic.

Step 4. Turn your shower back on and rinse the mask off. Hop out of the shower and dry off. Grab a nourishing body oil and back massage tool (like The Body Shop Twin Ball Massager) and give your back a soothing 10-minute massage. Just like your cleanser and mask, make sure you pick an oil that can address the specific skin issue you're dealing with. The benefits of a back massage are two-fold. First, your back absorbs the properties of the solution. Second, it releases tension and encourages blood circulation in the back. Again, make sure you use gentle, circular motions.

Step 5. Finish off your back facial with a body moisturizer and you are good to go!

After you pamper your back, make sure to move on to these vital skincare tips and tricks!

Photo: iStock