Pimples of any kind are unpleasant to deal with. But some argue that acne on the chin is something special. This type of acne can appear as thick red bumps on the chin and jaw or as large red bumps that are often painful to the touch. The thing about chin acne, however, is that you can often pinpoint the specific culprit quite quickly. Why do acne appear on the chin?
ContentWhy Acne Gets On Your Chin: Hormonal Fluctuations Rubbing/Friction Why You Get Acne On Your Chin: Your Nutrition Cosmetics & Skin Care Products Why You Get Acne On Your Chin: Poor Cleansing Technique Progesterone Birth Control
WomanEL brings you the insights of skin care professionals as well as their life hacks so that your skin finally becomes clear and healthy.
Why do acne appear on the chin: hormonal fluctuations
Acne on the chin can occur from both external and internal factors, including hormones , Source: freepik.com
Hormonal acne often appears along the jawline. It is caused by increased sebum production, which manifests as cystic acne when it combines with dead skin cells and bacteria.
“This is often seen in women during their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, or with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),” says board-certified dermatologist Danilo S. Del Campo. “However, even changes in stress levels can lead to these changes.”
How to deal with it
Managing hormonal acne may require a strategic combination of treatments. Retinoids can help prevent clogged pores. Women can also try hormone-regulating treatments, such as some birth control pills or spironolactone.
Chafing/Friction
Constant friction can cause pimples to appear along the jawline. This is why “maskne” occurs and you can also deal with breakouts in this area due to wearing helmets, beards, rubbing your phone on your face and everything else. This is called mechanical acne, and friction disrupts your skin's natural barrier.
How to deal with it
First, try to minimize the source of physical irritation. Second, be sure to clean everything that comes into contact with your skin, advises Merry Thornton, founder of Element Medical Aesthetics in New Canaan. You can use a product containing salicylic acid to dissolve sebum from the pore.
Why do acne appear on the chin: your diet
Certain lifestyle factors, including diet, can potentially cause acne. “Research shows that a diet consisting of high-glycemic index foods, such as white bread, white rice, and sugary drinks, causes blood sugar levels to spike,” says Brendan Camp, RD. “This surge in blood sugar can initiate a hormonal cascade that stimulates sebum production and causes acne to form.”
How to deal with it
Dr. Camp recommends changing your diet by eliminating or reducing foods with a high glycemic index. You can also increase your intake of low glycemic index foods such as broccoli, apples, peanuts and chickpeas. This may potentially reduce the risk of developing new acne.
Cosmetics and skin care products
Some cosmetics and skin care products contain ingredients that can clog pores, leading to acne. The jawline is especially vulnerable as it is an area where these products can accumulate or be applied more densely.
How to deal with it
The best way to treat this type of chin acne is to make changes to the products you use. This can be difficult. But eliminating the culprits will help a lot. Dr. Del Campo recommends using products labeled “non-comedogenic” or oil-free. You can also test the products before using them completely.
Why do acne appear on the chin: poor cleansing technique
Likewise, leaving skin care products on your skin overnight can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. When we wash our face, we tend to focus on our cheeks, nose and forehead, but end up not cleansing our jawline and neck as well.
How to deal with it
Increase your face wash time to one or two minutes and be sure to cleanse your jawline and neck. Also make sure you rinse off the cleanser well from the area. Double washing and/or gently wiping the area with a cotton pad soaked in micellar water will provide excellent cleansing.
Progesterone Birth Control
Dr. Camp notes that progesterone birth control may cause acne on the chin, as well as acne on the lower part of the face in general due to a surge in hormones.
How to deal with it
“Before you start using a new type of contraception, discuss concerns about acne with your doctor,” says Dr. Camp. “You may also want to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to develop a treatment plan if your acne gets worse after starting a new form of birth control.”
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