Eyebrow Acne: Can Grooming Your Brows Cause Pimples?

Whether you choose to tweeze, wax or thread, acne around your eyebrows is a real thing. This can be due to myriad circumstances, including genetics, makeup or, yes, irritating hair-removal products you might use in this delicate area. We consulted with board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., to help us get to the bottom of where eyebrow acne comes from and what to do about it.

Why Do Eyebrow Breakouts Occur Post Hair-Removal?

Before we dive into the steps to take to keep blemishes in this area at bay, it’s important to understand why this reaction is so common to begin with. “Similar to shaving and razor burn, trauma to any area can cause your skin to react,” Dr. Bhanusali says. “Combined with the possibility of a stray hair becoming ingrown, popular eyebrow hair-removal techniques can lead some to experience unpleasant breakouts.” 

What Are Other Factors That Can Lead to Acne in This Area?

Even if you never remove hairs in this area, you may still experience pimples, which is likely due to using cosmetics that are comedogenic that can easily clog your pores. Between gels, powders and pencils you use to shape your brows, it’s important to always check if they say non-comedogenic on the label. Always cleanse your brows each night the way you would your skin, which will help to remove the product and any excess oils that may linger on skin and lead to clogged pores.

What to Do Before Your Next Brow-Grooming Appointment

Before you jet off to your appointment, gently exfoliate your face, paying close attention to the brow area, or wherever treatment is taking place. This can help ensure that when the wax is applied onto your skin, it won’t press bacteria and dirt into your pores and cause a clog. We’ll be honest: There’s a chance your skin could still act up after your session, but giving your skin a good cleaning beforehand is never a bad thing.

What to Do After Your Appointment

It’s key to resist the urge to touch your newly-shaped eyebrows with your fingers after you get your brows done. If your hands are dirty, bacteria can transfer onto your face and clog pores, which can lead to a breakout. “The first evening, icing 2-3 times per day for 2-3 minutes generally helps,” Dr. Bhanusali says. If all else fails and you do see any pimples post-grooming, reach for a spot treatment formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. We like the AcneFree Terminator 10. Remember, eyebrow acne is totally normal, but following these tips and tricks will be helpful if you want some aid clearing it up.

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