Where You Break Out On Your Face And What It Means
If you’re meticulous about your skincare regime but you keep seeing zits that pop up in certain areas of your face, you might wonder what’s going on. It’s worth taking some time to figure out why you’re breaking out because it’s telling you that there’s a specific issue you need to resolve to achieve clearer skin.
So, why are you getting pimples on your forehead, jawline, or nose? Here’s the lowdown so you can send them packing — for good!
1. Forehead
It’s common to experience pimples on your forehead because it’s an area of the face that has larger pores and oil-producing glands. Basically, it’s a recipe for breakouts! These glands can become blocked from dead skin cells and oil, so prevent buildup by using an exfoliator that contains salicylic acid twice a week.
2. Chin
Although pimples on the chin can occur because of oily skin, they’re mainly caused by hormonal fluctuations, specifically androgens. These hormones trigger sebum production that clogs the skin’s pores. And, if you’re wondering why chin pimples crop up from time to time, it’s because androgen production fluctuates, especially in women and teenagers. Other conditions that can cause chin pimples include rosacea and ingrown hairs.
3. Near your ears
If you love wearing your earphones or headphones, they could be what’s triggering pimples on the cartilage of your ear because they trap bacteria and sweat, causing breakouts. Similarly, if you’re getting earlobe breakouts, you could be suffering from a jewellery allergy or your dirty cell phone could be to blame. If you’re having breakouts near your ears that are showing up in other areas, such as your cheeks, you could be dealing with hormonal acne.
4. Cheeks
Pimples on your cheeks could be due to unhygienic practices, such as never cleaning the cell phone that you press against your cheek daily. Gross! Keep it clean with disinfectant wipes so you don’t spread bacteria to your face. Another common culprit of cheek acne is consuming lots of sugar, which causes inflammation. Restrict high-sugar foods like refined carbs (think white bread, table sugar, and soda) that spike your blood sugar.
5. Jawline
If you notice some pimples cropping up along your jawline, it’s worth looking into your lifestyle habits. Using comedogenic makeup and skincare products along the jawline can be the culprit, but other items that make contact with this area of the face can also cause breakouts, like violins or headgear with chin straps. For men who experience acne, shaving along the jawline can trigger breakouts, especially if their razor blades need to be changed!
6. Nose
Since your nose is part of your T-zone, it tends to get oilier than the rest of your face, so it’s a hotspot for breakouts. Choose non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products that won’t clog the pores on your nose. Another reason for nose pimples is acne rosacea, which produces redness and bumps that resemble pimples. If you have rosacea elsewhere on your face, check in with your dermatologist who can prescribe medication to soothe inflammation.
7. Temples
Getting pimples on your temples is usually because of wearing items on your head, such as beanies, helmets, or hats, that causes sweat to accumulate and irritate your skin. If you wear headgear regularly, keep it clean and choose hats or beanies made with breathable materials like cotton. Another reason for pimples near your temples is the use of hair products like gels and hair dyes. Switching to chemical-free hair products is a good move to be kinder to your skin!
8. Eyebrows
If you’re getting painful or unsightly pimples right on your eyebrows, they’re probably caused by tweezing, waxing, and threading. But, hair follicles can easily get clogged with dirt, makeup, and oil, so make sure to clean your makeup brushes and beauty tools on a weekly basis. Oh, and be careful when selecting a beauty salon where you get your brows done so that you don’t bring dirt and grime to your face.
9. Hairline
Although you might think pimples along your hairline have the same causes as those that appear on your forehead, they’re usually caused by hair-related products like mousse or shampoo. These products make contact with your skin and irritate it. Try to avoid applying products directly to your scalp or use chemical-free products if you have sensitive skin.
10. Between eyebrows
There are various reasons why you’re getting pimples right between your eyebrows, such as sweat or dead skin that accumulates in the area. Check your daily habits: if you’re constantly touching this area of your face, you could be bringing bacteria to your skin. On the other hand, oily skin could be causing zits because your forehead contains many oil glands. Gently exfoliating the area with salicylic acid can be helpful. Oh, and stop touching your face!
