Are you irritated with acne and have tried almost everything without any substantial results? The truth is you aren’t the only one. Millions of people like you are irritated and unable to find a solution for their forehead acne.
The forehead is one of the common areas where acne develops. Acne can appear anywhere a pore exists and happens due to the clogging of pores. The good news is you can treat your acne by using the right products. Continue reading to know more about forehead acne, causes, treatment, and tips.
a. Different Types of Acne
i. Papules & Pustules – A papule looks like a small red bump without a white or yellow centre of pus. As the papules accumulate pus, they turn into pustules.
ii. Milia – It resembles acne and can be easily mistaken for it. They are asymptomatic (without any symptoms) papules in yellow or white that usually appear on newborn and women’s faces.
iii. Comedones – These are flesh-coloured acne papules that appear on the forehead and chin area. E.g. blackheads and whiteheads.
iv. Fungal Acne – These are itchy bumps that appear on the forehead and are common in people with dandruff on their scalp.
b. Causes of Forehead Acne
1. Hormonal Imbalances
Changes in your hormones play a central part in generating excess sebum and the chances of acne on the forehead and other parts of the body increases. One of the reasons acne breakouts are frequent during puberty and pregnancy.
2. Hair Products Can Lead to Acne
For those with oily hair or who don’t wash it frequently, oil can quickly deposit on your forehead and clog the pores causing acne breakouts. Even using hair products or the presence of ingredients such as coconut oil or cocoa butter makes skin oily and aids in developing acne.
3. People with Oily Scalp & Dandruff
Dandruff turns scalp oily. As the oil spreads to the forehead, it results in acne breakouts.
4. Extreme Levels of Stress
As per study (1), severe stress can lead to acne breakouts on the forehead. Though, it is too early to prove this.
5. Consuming Certain Medications
An unexpected effect of certain medications can be acne breakouts. If you are on medications and develop acne suddenly, you can connect with your doctor to check if there is a connection.
6. Skincare Products or Makeup
Using oil-based skincare or makeup products can result in forehead acne, mainly in people having an oily T-zone.
7. Poor Hygiene Habits
Poor hygiene can lead to acne breakouts as well. E.g., as we leave our hair and face greasy without washing them at regular intervals, it can leave behind deposits on our face causing acne.
You can start with the treatment as early as possible because this reduces the chances of dark spots and scarring.
c. Different Ways to Treat Forehead Acne
#1
You can use over-the-counter medications such as benzoyl peroxide (2), Salicylic acid (3), and acne spot treatments. These products can reduce bacteria build up in the follicles, making it easier for acne to clear up. People with pustules and papules can use it too.
#2
Topical retinoids (4) are great for comedones as well as those with moderate to severe acne. It unclogs pores, prevents the dead skin cells from clogging the pores, and helps smoothen the pimples.
#3
For natural remedy lovers, there are several natural ingredients/herbs that you can use. E.g., tea tree oil, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar and green tea extract etc. Avoid using natural remedies if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. Always take a patch test before trying any new ingredient.
#4
These days Facial masks are turning out to be popular among the masses. You can try them for your forehead acne. Choose the ones with ingredients such as glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, clay, etc.
#5
There are laser or light treatments that are considered effective in treating forehead acne. Though, a medical professional will be in a better position to share details regarding the procedure.
In-office Methods to Get Rid of Forehead Acne
Chemical peels
These are great exfoliators that take away your skin’s top layer to revive normal skin that lies beneath. It reduces and enhances the texture and tone of your skin.
Extractions
It implies removing blackheads or whiteheads that can at times offer relief from acne.
Microdermabrasion
It includes using a hand-held device to remove the top layer of the skin. It renews your tone and skin texture. According to studies, it can help in healing and decreasing acne.
It’s a Wrap
A majority of us feel embarrassed and frustrated due to acne. The added burden of having flawless and perfect skin can make the situation worse. It can be hard at times, but remember that it is a skin condition/issue that is curable. Don’t wait for things to get worse. Get your acne treatment at the earliest and prevent scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
FAQs
- What are the food items that cause forehead acne?
It is still early to confirm as the research is limited, but there could be a connection between diet and acne. Some of the food items that can cause forehead acne are as follows.
- Dairy products
- Refined Grains
- Sugar
- Fast Food
- Chocolates
- Fried/Oily Food
- Red Meat
- How long does it take for the forehead acne to go away?
It would depend on the severity and type of your acne. You can reach out to a dermatologist as soon as possible. Get it examined and treated to avoid scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
- What is the meaning of forehead acne?
The T-zone, which includes our forehead, does have more oil glands present, making the area prone to develop comedones and acne. You may also develop fungal acne commonly on the forehead area, for which the treatment suggested would be different than a regular acne treatment.
- How to treat forehead acne overnight?
Sadly, there is no way to treat forehead acne overnight. It will depend on the extent and severity of your acne. On average, it takes about 8-10 weeks to get acne under good control.
- Can toothpaste work on acne?
It might seem like an exciting and easy hack to try on your acne. Honestly, it is neither safe nor a good idea to dab some toothpaste on your acne. It has ingredients that are extremely harsh for your skin, that will cause dryness and skin irritation.
